Frequently Asked Questions

Cyclist in a green and yellow jersey riding a bike past a group of people gathered outside a brick building for Delta Grind 2025 with Studio Drift banners.
A group of cyclists gathered in front of a building on a city street, some wearing helmets and cycling gear, with one person in the foreground adjusting their bike during the Delta Grind event in Helena, Arkansas
A man with gray hair, beard, sunglasses, and a black cap giving a high five at Delta Grind.
A man speaking to a group of children and adults outdoors, with two tall studioDRIFT flags on either side. The group is gathered on a sidewalk near a brick building and fence, during daytime, with some chalk drawings visible on the pavement.

What does DRIFT stand for?

DRIFT: Developing Rural Infrastructure for Tomorrow

What is the main goal of studioDRIFT?

The goal of studioDRIFT is to develop and activate existing infrastructure in the Arkansas Delta with the goal of improving the quality of life for the residents. Through a community-first and outdoor recreation-focused approach to development. Our collective goal is to strengthen both the economy and the ecology of the Natural State by connecting rural communities to nearby natural resources so that these places together can serve as hubs for extraordinary adventure tourism.

Why adventure tourism and outdoor recreation?

Outdoor tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in Arkansas and has the greatest potential to reverse the economic destiny of the Delta. The average tourist spent $198 per day in Arkansas in 2023 - bringing in MILLIONS to the local economy. In 2018, U of A researchers found that bicycle tourism in NWA generated an economic impact of $59 million. We hope to use that same resource to combat the extreme poverty, population decline, and eroding economic base in the Arkansas Delta.

What purpose do the events serve?

Each of studioDRIFT’s events serves two purposes. The first of those is to fundraise for the projects that we are currently working on. These include the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail, our Bike Rewards Programs, and others. The second is an opportunity for those who don’t have a familial connection to the Delta to experience what it is that we are working to save, and inspire people to visit the Delta on their own.

What is studioDRIFT doing to improve outdoor recreation accessibility in the Delta?

Outdoor recreation is expensive, and in an area that is made up of the poorest counties in the state, it’s not always accessible to local communities. This is why, in addition to the creation of these trails, studioDRIFT is actively working to make them accessible to local youth through The Bike Rewards Programs, as well as future strategies including skill-building workshops, mentorship programs, partnership expansion, and continued infrastructure development.