Grit MTB Festival 2024

Grit MTB Festival, "Grit Fest," is a 3-day MTB festival for trans men and women, cis women, and non-binary riders of all abilities and backgrounds. Grit Fest is the annual fundraiser for All Bikes Welcome, a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the mission of creating more racial equity and gender diversity in cycling via free and low-cost outdoor programming. The funds we raise will be used to expand programming at the festival and continue subsidizing ticket costs for attendees in 2024. We believe that subsidizing the cost of the festival is a way to lower the barriers to participation among marginalized individuals.

In 2024, we aim to launch a para and adaptive cycling program as well as a program designed for deaf riders and folks who are hard of hearing. These two programs will feature clinics, guided rides, and workshops led by experts from both the adaptive and deaf community. Part of the costs will entail having interpreters on site throughout the weekend. We will also work with local adaptive organizations to provide onsite support for adaptive bikes including repair, maintenance, and charging.

We're aiming to support 150 folks at the festival in 2024, up from 120 folks in 2023. With your support, we can make these plans a reality, ensuring that our festival continues to welcome marginalized folks into the cycling world and provide opportunities for folks to gain more confidence in their cycling abilities. Ultimately, we aim to continue setting the standard and modeling what inclusive cycling programming looks like.

1. Secure the Venue (October 2023): Start by finalizing the festival venue. Ensure all necessary permits and reservations are in place.
2. Book Talent and Speakers (February 2024): Secure professional mountain biking talent, guest speakers, and instructors for the festival.
3. Marketing and Promotion (March-September 2024): Launch a marketing and promotional campaign to raise awareness and attract attendees. This can include social media campaigns, email marketing, and partnerships with relevant organizations.
4. Ticket Sales (May 2024): Begin selling festival tickets at subsidized rates for the target audience. Set up an online ticketing platform for easy access.
5. Workshops and Clinics (May 2024): Plan and schedule workshops, clinics, and activities to cater to the diverse needs of your attendees.
6. Logistics and Equipment (June 2024): Arrange for equipment rentals, transportation, and any necessary logistical support for the festival.
7. Volunteer Recruitment (August-September 2024): Recruit and train volunteers to assist with various festival activities and ensure smooth operations.
8. Food and Beverage Coordination (July-August 2024): Plan for food and beverage options during the festival, accommodating different dietary preferences.
9. Safety and Security (August 2024): Implement safety measures, including first aid stations and security personnel, to ensure a secure festival environment.
10. Event Execution (September 2024): Host Grit MTB Festival
11. Gather Feedback (September 2024): Collect feedback from participants to evaluate the festival's success and identify areas for improvement.
12. Post-Festival Reporting (October 2024: Prepare a report on the festival's outcomes and financial transparency, sharing this with supporters and sponsors.
13. Future Planning (October 2024 - December 2025): Start planning for future iterations of the festival, building on the success and lessons learned from the previous event

Mission

Our mission is to build more racial equity and gender diversity in cycling by providing free and low-cost outdoor programming in the Northwest Arkansas corridor. We invite folks from a variety of backgrounds to participate in our programs from the “never touched a mountain bike” to the advanced rider. Our goal is to create and support an emerging base of beginner mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts by providing opportunities to learn and grow in a fun, supportive, and low-stakes environment. 

Purpose

1. Provide FREE and low-cost outdoor & cycling programming for the Northwest Arkansas community.
2. Address intersectionality by providing programming that centers marginalized folks in the cycling community. 
3. Address inclusivity by providing opportunities for marginalized folks to learn and grow on and off the bike.

What makes us different?

We address intersectionality by focusing on race, gender, and class at all levels of our organization from leadership to ridership.