RIVER CLASSIC SEPT. 12, 2026

In 2015, a small group of cyclists who wanted to support Young Life’s work in South Little Rock decided to organize a cycling fundraiser and what is now the Young Life River Classic was born. In the eleven years since, the event has grown from fewer than 50 riders to more than 300 in 2025.

Throughout, we’ve remained focused on two things:

  1. Producing a USA Cycling sanctioned, well-supported event for cyclists of all levels, and
  2. Supporting Young Life’s mission to serve teenagers from underserved communities south of Interstate 630.

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Big Dam Bridge Training Program

The River Classic is again part of the Big Dam Bridge 100 official training program. Through a partnership with the Big Dam Bridge Foundation and Arvest Bank, participants in the Big Dam Bridge training program will ride the River Classic as a “Dress Rehearsal” for the BDB100 that is two weeks after our event. Find out more about the training program at www.thebigdambridge100.com.

What is the River Classic?

  • A USA Cycling-sanctioned, fully supported ride with great fun, food and fellowship
  • This is a fully supported ride, with on-site mechanics and SAG, well-stocked rest stops and route markers from RouteArrows to make navigation easier.
  • A ride with three distance options for every level of cyclists:
    • 23.5 miles for beginners or those that just want to cruise
    • 40.6 miles for those looking for a weekend challenge
    • 63.6-mile route for experienced cyclists

Registration

Registration for the 2026 ride is now open!

Register Now

 

Lunch will be provided after the ride by Corky's!

Event Details

Packet Pick-up will have two options: 1) Friday, September 11 at Spokes bike shop in the Pleasant Ridge shopping center on Cantrell from 12-1:30 PM and 4:30-6:00 PM, or 2) Saturday, September 12 at the event venue at Ace Glass from 6:30-7:45 AM.

The 2026 River Classic will depart from the Ace Glass Corporate Headquarters (3101 Dugan Street, near the LR Airport) Saturday morning at 8am.

We will provide post-ride food and drinks, and all participants will receive a free photo from RBS Pics Photography!

All courses are well-marked by RouteArrows and we have several aid stations along the route where Young Life leaders and students will be ready to provide assistance.

All participants will receive an event t-shirt.

We hope to see you on Saturday, September 12!

What Past Riders Say About the River Classic

"Ride was great. Food was great. Fellowship was great. Well done Young Life!"

"Great social event. Great course!"

"I don’t ride in this area much, so it’s fun to enjoy new scenery."

"Love supporting the cause!"

"After party was great. The T-shirts are great!"

"I really enjoy riding with a big group and meeting new people."

"Love the start and finish location and the courses."

"The route was very nice."

 

THE COURSES

This year’s ride has three ride options:

View Course Map

View Course Map

View Course Map

Event Photos

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About Young Life

Young Life isn’t about a program. It’s about adults who are concerned enough about kids to go to them, on their turf and in their culture, building bridges of authentic friendship. These relationships don't happen overnight — they take time, patience, trust and consistency.

Our Mission

Introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith.​

Our Methods

We accomplish our mission by ...

  • Praying for young people.
  • Going where kids are and building personal relationships with them.
  • Earning the right to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
  • Providing fun, adventurous, life-changing and skill-building experiences.
  • Inviting kids to personally respond to the Good News and walking in friendship with them regardless of their response.
  • Preparing kids for a life-long relationship with Christ and a love for His word, His mission and the local church.
  • Working in community alongside like-minded adults (volunteer leaders, committee members, donors and staff).

Young Life Southside Ministry

Young Life Southside serves High School students south of I-630. While Young Life is a worldwide ministry, we are focused on developing relationships with students right here in Central Arkansas.

Our passion is to make an impact in some of the most under-resourced parts of Little Rock with students who encounter many difficulties and are often in situations beyond their control.

One of the best parts of Young Life is being able to take students to a Young Life summer camp. At camp, kids experience safe community and participate in once-in-a lifetime activities. The distractions from their life at home are removed so that they are able to hear a message of hope and experience life to the full with Jesus.

OUR SPONSORS

A big thanks to all of our sponsors for making this event possible and for helping us invest in the lives of kids and allow them to experience Young Life camps. Interested in being a sponsor? Email Woody Harrelson (not the famous one) for information: woody@hatcheragency.com

Dillard's

Powers HVAC

Arvest Bank

Ace Glass Recycling

Delta Dental

Nabholz

Big Dam Bridge Foundation

Sells Agency

Pixel Perfect Creative

Arkansas Graphics

RBS PICS