Issuu

DASH & DINE

MEET THE HANGRY PEDALER, JOSEPH NGUYEN, AS WE RIDE ALONG TO HIS FAVORITE NWA SPOTS

PLUS ADVENTURING WITH JACKALOPE BELLA VISTA GETS LIFTED

GEAR, EVENTS AND MORE

BRAKING NEWS

New shops open, NICA generates millions and the Global Cycling Accelerator names its cohort for 2026.

GET LIFTED

The OZ Trails Bike Park, Arkansas’s first with a chair lift, is set to open in June. By Joe Jacobs

Joseph Nguyen is Northwest Arkansas’s culinary guide on two wheels.

Johnny Brazil’s shop in Russellville keeps the community rolling into more than just the bike trails.

Brad Walsh’s Natural State Carbon Repair is a success for Northwest Arkansas. By Bryce Ward

ON THE COVER

Joseph Nguyen outside the Onyx Coffee shop in downtown Springdale, just off the

Razorback Greenway.

Photo by Kai Caddy

YOUR LEGS will be PUMPED TO VISIT.

Whether you’re cruising over the Big Dam Bridge or exploring epic mountain trails, this just might be the most fun you can have on two wheels. Spend a little time pedaling around Little Rock and you may just start to love you some Little Rock.

River Mountain Park

BROOKE WALLACE Publisher brookewallace@arktimes.com

KAI CADDY Editor kaicaddy@gmail.com

MANDY KEENER Creative Director/Production Manager mandy@arktimes.com

MIKE SPAIN Art Director

LESA THOMAS LUIS GARCIAROSSI

WENDY HICKINGBOTHAM Senior Account Executives

LYNDSEY HUDDLESTON Digital Marketing Director

SARAH RICHARDSON Digital Ad Coordinator/Customer Service

ROLAND R. GLADDEN Advertising Traffic Manager

KATIE HASSELL Art Director/Digital Content Manager

ROBERT CURFMAN IT Director

CHARLOTTE KEY Accounting

ANITRA HICKMAN Circulation Director

BRYCE WARD is a competitive road cyclist based in Fayetteville and the Northwest Arkansas General Manager of local paper shredding company, Rock Solid Shredding.

JOE JACOBS is the founder and editor of ArkansasOutside.com, a statewide media platform covering outdoor recreation, trails, events, and policy across Arkansas. He previously spent 16 years with Arkansas State Parks, including serving as Marketing and Revenue Manager, where he focused on promoting outdoor tourism and public lands. His background informs his ongoing work highlighting recreation opportunities while advocating for improved trail connectivity, access, and outdoor infrastructure across the state.

JOSEPH NGUYEN is a well-known restaurant reviewer and cyclist in Northwest Arkansas. He documents his adventures on his Instagram account @HangryPedalerNWA.

Welcome to the Mountain BikING Capital of the World

70+ miles of expert-designed singletrack contained within the award-winning 550+ mile Oz Trails network. Home to 400+ miles of gravel routes and the famous Masterpiece. Ride your way through a city built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers.

visitbentonville.com

HEATING UP

Happy summer, dear readers! Long days of pedaling with plentiful dips in swimming holes and stops for snow cones are ahead. Rejoice. If snow cones and swimming holes aren’t your thing (or you’re already back in town after both), Joseph Nguyen aka the Hangry Pedaler shares a few of his favorite Northwest Arkansas coffee and restaurant stops in this issue’s My Town, My Ride feature.

Also coming this summer is the opening of the OZ Trails Bike Park. The chair-lift equipped park in Bella Vista will be the first of its kind in Arkansas. Joe Jacobs of Arkansas Outside got a sneak peak and shared his experience with us.

To get you geared up for all of those summer adventures, you should swing by Jackalope Cycling in Russellville. Owner Johnny Brazil offers fly-fishing, camping, climbing and disc golf gear along with all the bike gear you’d ever need in his shop — making it a perfect one-stop shop for a big bikepacking trip this summer. We sat down with Brazil for our Shop Talk feature. The highlight might be the deep dive on the mythology surrounding the jackalope. Long miles and rowdy adventures are not without their mishaps, however. We also catch up with Brad Walsh of Natural State Carbon Repair, the only carbon repair outfit in Northwest Arkansas and one of just a handful nationwide. We hope you enjoy this issue and many, many beautiful miles this summer! Have fun out there.

Kai Caddy

SAFER COMMUNITIES CREATING

›SHOP NEWS

TRACKSTAND CYCLERY AND TAVERN OPENS IN BENTONVILLE

Bentonville’s newest bike shop is a service- and repair-based shop with a twist: It also has an attached tavern offering beer and wine and some food options.

Brent and Jennifer Van Eps opened the shop at 14000 SW Susana St. late last year.

Along with being an official demo center and dealer for Canfield bikes, Trackstand also offers rebuilt vintage, complete bikes and frames.

Brent handles all the mechanic work at the shop. He has nearly 40 years of experience wrenching. Their goal is to provide quality service, fair pricing and good vibes.

On the food side, Trackstand offers sandwiches, charcuterie, veggie and hummus plates and some pre-packaged snacks. There’s also a selection of beer, wine and sake for post-ride hangs or to sip while you wait on a repair.

›SHOP NEWS

RAPHA CLUBHOUSE REOPENS

Rapha’s clubhouse has reopened in its new location at the Compton Hotel in Bentonville.

The store closed in November in preparation for its move to the new location just off the town square at 200 E. Central Ave., Suite 110.

Rapha sells high-end cycling clothing and accessories. The Bentonville clubhouse will feature exclusive local merchandise as well as its full range of gear.

The clubhouse also hosts several group rides weekly. The ride schedule is posted weekly on Instagram at @rapha_bentonville.

KAI CADDY

NICA GENERATES $2 MILLION IN ECONOMIC IMPACT

The Arkansas National Interscholastic Cycling Association is proving to be more than a youth sports organization, generating significant economic impact while continuing to grow participation and strengthen communities across the state.

In 2025, Arkansas NICA produced an estimated $2 million in economic impact, hosting race events that brought student-athletes, families and spectators to communities throughout Arkansas. Across nine events in eight host communities, more than 14,000 attendees — an average of over 2,300 per event — contributed to local economies by supporting restaurants, hotels and small businesses.

“This is about so much more than riding bikes,” said Terry Coddington, League Director of Arkansas NICA. “We’re watching kids build confidence, find their people and realize what they’re capable of, and that’s something that sticks with them long after the season ends.”

The league serves nearly 900 student-athletes in grades 5-12 and is supported by nearly 500 volunteer coaches, creating opportunities for youth development both on and off the bike. Through its programming, Arkansas NICA emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that students of all skill levels can participate, build confidence and develop leadership skills in a team-based environment.

GLOBAL CYCLING ACCELERATOR NAMES COHORT

The Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator has selected 10 companies for its 2026 cohort.

The program is designed to help tech-enabled companies in the cycling industry explore business opportunities in Arkansas and the United States. The selected companies come from Belgium, Canada, France, Norway, the United Kingdom and the US. Companies will showcase their innovations at a public demo day June 10 at Compton Gardens in Bentonville. The date coincides with Bentonville Bike Fest and the National Bicycle Dealers Association Summit.

“We had a large number of applications this year,” program founder Martial Trigeaud said. “Each year, we are impressed by the innovation coming from the industry and the high standards of the companies that apply. We selected 10 companies based on feedback from our partners and the level of interest from the industry.”

The accelerator is made possible by a $125,000 grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and matching funds from the Walton Family Foundation.

The selected companies are:

• AEROBAG (Belgium) — developing next-generation crash protection for cyclists that is built directly into performance apparel.

• Aeroscale (France) — helping cyclists make faster decisions by measuring aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance in real-world conditions.

• BikeFolder (Norway) — building digital infrastructure for the bicycle industry by giving every bike a digital passport.

• CONVOY (UK) — building a family-focused mobility solution designed to replace short car trips with bicycles.

• eBikeLabs (France) — provides software that helps brands, manufacturers and fleet operators design, manage and optimize innovative e-bike drive systems.

• hDrop Technologies Inc. (USA) — advancing personalized hydration with a wearable sweat sensor that measures sweat and sodium loss.

• KAV (USA) — rethinking protective equipment through advanced materials, software, and additive manufacturing.

• LLume (USA) — is developing wearable sensing technology that brings lab-quality respiratory insights into real-world training.

• MyVeloFit (Canada) — an online bike fitting platform that makes professional-level fit guidance more accessible to cyclists.

• Trailytic (USA) — developing a data-driven trail maintenance system for mountain biking.

COURTESY THE ARKANSAS GLOBAL CYCLING ACCELERATOR

YOUR CULINARY GUIDE ON TWO WHEELS

JOSEPH

NGUYEN, BETTER

KNOWN AS THE HANGRY PEDALER, ROLLS THROUGH THE NWA FOOD SCENE.

BY JOSEPH NGUYEN

“Joseph, you need to get your weight and blood pressure under control or else you’ll stroke out on us someday.”

Those are the words my doctor said to me 11 years ago, and because of that, I got into cycling. My name is Joseph Nguyen, also known as Hangry Pedaler NWA. I’ve considered myself a cyclist for 11 years now. That came around the same time that the Razorback Greenway was officially opened back in 2015. I figured with this brand-new bike trail, why not put it to good use and finally invest in a good bike.

I went to Phat Tire in Fayetteville, and a lady named Allie helped me out. I told her my budget was about $300 MAX. Now that I look back at it, she was probably laughing inside. Let’s just say, there wasn’t a bike in that store for less than probably $700!

I ended up buying a Trek Hybrid and took it home that same day. I fell in love with the sport and the rest is history.

Since then, the cycling scene in Northwest Arkansas has exploded, and I’m glad to say I’ve been a part of it since the beginning. I started my Hangry Pedaler NWA page on Instagram in July 2019.

Combining my love of cycling and my love of food into one central hub on social media came to life with the push from friends and family. It’s definitely been a lot of hard work to stay consistent with content, but I love what I do, so it’s fun work.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

The Hangry Pedaler visits his favorite restaurants via two wheels.

Clockwise from bottom left: The Meteor burger and OMG fries never disappoint.

The HUB’s Sunday brunch is perfect after an early ride.

One of Nguyen’s favorites is Wicked Wood Fired Pizza.

Nguyen enjoys a laugh and beers with other local cyclists at Fossil Cove.

“The cycling scene in Northwest Arkansas has exploded, and I’m glad to say I’ve been a part of it since the beginning.”

JOSEPH NGUYEN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

I definitely do more eating than riding, but that’s going to change this year. Recently, I became a father for the first time and that’s my new motivation to get into shape. So I can live as long as I can for my son.

As far as the eating part goes, the food scene in Northwest Arkansas has also exploded. With the enormous growth in our region, more and more amazing restaurants are opening up. And with the Razorback Greenway being a major north/ south artery in our area, restaurants naturally want to open near that trail.

My favorite place to start a bike ride is in downtown Springdale. From there, I can go south or north and then turn around and end there for post-ride food and beverages.

up U.S. Highway 71B. The ride ends back at The Meteor for postride beers and I ALWAYS have to get their burger. It’s one of the best burgers in our area, and I stand by that comment 100%! Another couple of solid spots I often find myself at is Fossil Cove for cold beer and pizza at Wicked Wood Fired Pizza. It’s a winning combo after getting those miles in.

“As far as the eating part goes, the food scene in Northwest Arkansas has also exploded.”

Onyx Coffee recently opened downtown and it’s definitely become very popular with cyclists for pre-ride coffee or post-ride food. Another spot I love is The Odd Soul. We often meet there for a beer and pizza after crushing some miles on the bike. I used to do the Taco Tuesday rides with the Springdale Bike Club and we would convene at Mr. Taco Loco afterward. All solid spots to check out in downtown Springdale.

Now if I’m in Fayetteville, I usually like to start at The Meteor and then do a road ride south toward Black Oak and then back

When I’m up in Bentonville, I normally ride gravel. I start at either The Hub Bike Lounge or The Pedaler’s Pub, and when I finish there, food is definitely on my mind. The Hub has recently been remodeled and it looks amazing. It has great food and is very cyclist friendly. It has solid brunch options, too. The Pedaler’s Pub is always packed with cyclists as well and I find myself in my happy place with like-minded individuals. I suggest getting their pizza. It’s delicious!

Northwest Arkansas is a cycling mecca and the food scene is nearing that same level. It makes my job posting about bikes and restaurants super easy.

If you want to know about new restaurants in the area or see some cycling content, give me a follow on Instagram @HangryPedalerNWA!

KAI CADDY

Nguyen on his way to the next stop.

›SHOP TALK

A COMMUNITY PILLAR

THE NAME IS MYTHOLOGICAL, BUT JACKALOPE IS JOHNNY BRAZIL’S VERY REAL BIKE SHOP SERVING RUSSELLVILLE.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAI CADDY

HOW DID JACKALOPE COME TO BE?

Jackalope’s a culmination of many shops through the years in Russellville. Russellville had three shops at one time. And they kind of all, one way or another, merged or fell off or different things. That all ended up at Carr’s Chain Reaction. I had the opportunity to kind of run that shop and I ran it just as if I owned it already. It was well supported, but it was still part of a mower store. I wanted a space that was a bike shop proper, a community hub proper. I feel like true bike shops really are that for communities. They could be a pillar. So, some silent partners and I got together and made that happen. We worked out the purchase of the bike shop from Carr’s and brought it downtown.

WERE YOU ALWAYS GOING TO OPEN DOWNTOWN?

The first shop I started in was Poppa Wheelies. He was on the corner of Denver and C Street, and being downtown was just awesome for events. Getting foot traffic and different things, it was really fun to serve the community from downtown. So I knew I wanted us to be downtown. That was 19 years ago when I started at Poppa Wheelies. I think it’s important, it’s good to start rides from downtown.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME?

That name actually was with me before I really decided to do the final purchase. I’d thought about it before. Everybody has a hub, a handlebar, a tire, a pedal, and I just wanted something different — something to be fun to brand and that people would want to wear and represent. So Jackalope seemed fun. I took a deep dive into the folklore of a Jackalope. They’re the fastest mythological creature. They can hit speeds of 90 miles per hour. They’re vicious enough and strong enough to gore you with their horns. They’re smart enough that they’re known to mimic cowboys sitting around a campfire using a human voice. And to lure a Jackalope, you have to put out your finest bourbon.

“They’re the fastest mythological creature. They can hit speeds of 90 miles per hour ... And to lure a Jackalope, you have to put out your finest bourbon.”

Jackalope Cycling owner Johnny Brazil wrenches.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO CARRY FLY-FISHING GEAR, DISC GOLF EQUIPMENT AND OTHER OUTDOOR GEAR?

Russellville’s location in the state is just such a perfect spot for all outdoor rec activities. We’ve got a little bit of climbing stuff, too. Russellville’s access to outdoor recreation in Arkansas in general is high quality. So, we just want to be able to tap into a little bit of all of that and help serve all of those communities. The unique thing with Russellville is that people who are outdoors here, many of us do multiple different pursuits outdoors. It’s cool and it overlaps serving the same people with different hobbies.

HOW HAS THE CYCLING COMMUNITY CHANGED IN RUSSELLVILLE IN YOUR 19 YEARS WORKING HERE?

Russellville’s been growing our cycling community. Getting the Monument Trails in Mount Nebo has really shifted the focus to mountain biking. We’ve got some of the best trails in the state, arguably the best trail system in the state. Seeing that grow has been a wonderful thing. We got to participate in making the All Kids Bike program happen in all of our schools. So we’re seeing our youth in the area come up and think cycling is cool again. Our downtown area’s getting more exciting, there’s a bike-themed bar across the street and there’s a lot of growth happening. I like to think that we were kind of part of the start of that, bringing something a little more exciting downtown. Gravel is still very strong for us and we have amazing road riding.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO COMES IN LOOKING TO GET STARTED IN CYCLING?

When people come in wanting to ride a bike, but not know what they’re looking for, my typical go-to is a hard-tail mountain bike. It gives you the most opportunity for a diversity of ride styles. It kind of lets you do everything, but may not be the best at everything. It lets you test everything and see really where you want to emphasize your riding style. Something we focus on is what people want to do, what they’re realistically going to do. I want them to come back and always want to hear, “I love my bike.” And I think for people to come back, and say they love their bike, they need to have the bike for the activity they want to do. So, it’s trying to find that, not to upsell or do extra. It’s just to find what fits that the best, what kind of experience do they want and then find the bike that gears to that?

YOU’RE THE PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR THE ARKANSAS HIGH COUNTRY RACE. WHAT’S ON TAP FOR THIS YEAR?

We’re excited to host the High Country out of Bentonville this year. I hope to have a big turnout. The North Loop, is our shortest loop and I think that race is going to be full and it’s going to be fast. It’s going to be exciting.

Jackalope also offers disc golf and fly fishing gear.

Keep up with bald eagles at Big Bear while your bike gets tuned.

Jackalope is involved in many community causes.

Jackalope offers bikes for all riders.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find what they're looking for at Jackalope.

Brazil’s enthusiasm is ever-present.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE ULTRA-ENDURANCE SIDE OF THINGS?

I got into ultra endurance in general, like ultra running, and it was more my thing. People can do so much more than they expect. And something like those races, if you approach them with just completing the distance and not being too concerned with the time, it’s pretty incredible what you can do. And just the beauty of the High Country. It’s hard to explain the magic of a finisher that just did the hardest thing they’ve ever thought they could do. And that’s what hooks you — to be at the finish line and see somebody talk about what they just did. It’s just utter vulnerability and disregard and it’s just beautiful in what it does, how it shifts people, it changes lives.

Jackalope offers a comfy, welcoming spot for the community to hang out.

WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON AT THE SHOP?

We’re trying to launch our Jackalope Hunting Club. The idea is that you’re hunting your mythological, unachievable goal. Whether that’s a 5K or your first mountain bike race or riding the High Country. We’re trying to figure out a way to help people push and grow to do things that they don’t think they can do, that they can. We’re going to work out selling hunting tags to complete whatever you sign up for. And then, if you do, you get to turn in your Jackalope tag and we’re looking at getting a plaque and some other reward system in place for it. I’ve also been appointed a commissioner for Arkansas State Parks. It’s been pretty exciting to get to share my love of the whole state.

›TOP GEAR

THE

HEAT IS

ON

Summer means a slew of new cycling products are hitting the market, but it’s also a great time to stay stocked on tried-and-true gear as you rack up the miles.

CONTINENTAL DUBNITAL

HYDRAPAK STOW

The Stow provides a unique way to keep an extra water bottle on long, hot summer rides. This collapsible water bottle is available in 350-ml, 500 ml and 1-liter configurations. The bottles are made of a lightweight TPU that’s 50% lighter than typical bottles. They can fit in a pocket full or empty and are even compatible with HydraPak’s filtering options if you’re sourcing water from the wilds. HydraPak products are available at Academy Sports, Gearhead Outfitters throughout the state and The Community Bicyclist in Little Rock. Also available at hydrapak.com.

Continental’s Dubnital is a mountain bike tire that succeeds the popular Race Kings. But it’s become a popular choice for bikepacking and gravel rides that may venture down some of Arkansas’s rougher roads. Continental noticed riders using the tire more and more on gravel and has released a slimmer 50-mm version geared for gravel racing. All Dubnitals are available in a race casing or a more durable trail casing. Most local shops should be able to help you score a pair and they’re also available at continental-tires.com/ bicycle.

ERGON GDH GRIP

Ergon has expanded its popular downhill/enduro GDH grip line with two new thicknesses and a wide range of color options so riders can get the perfect grip and style for their downhill adventures. The grips are now available in slim (30 mm), the standard (32 mm) and fat (34 mm) and in seven colors. Ergon products can be found at most local bike shops and ergonbike.shop.

PHOTOS COURTESY

ALLIED FITZ AND ECHO

The latest offerings from Northwest Arkansas-based bike manufacturer Allied Cycle Works are the FITZ, a super lightweight trail bike and the ECHO, a road bike that can go virtually anywhere thanks to its large tire clearance. The FITZ’s frame weighs just five pounds without a shock. Once the bike is built, you get 140 mm of travel, making it able to gobble up technical terrain with ease, but its light weight won’t leave you fighting for your life when you have to go uphill.

The ECHO’s frame, as you’d expect from any modern carbon road bike, is also lightweight. The size 56 frame comes in at 790 grams, just shy of two pounds. The bike can fit 45 mm tires, which gives riders the option to tackle darn near any surface. It maintains an aggressive geometry even with wider tire clearance, so make no mistake – the ECHO is built for speed. Framesets and full build options for both bikes are available at alliedcycleworks.com.

SILCA CHAIN WAXING SYSTEM

Once seemingly reserved for serious racers, chain waxing has started to become commonplace for those looking to extend the life of their drivetrain parts and to keep things quiet on rides, rather than the marginal gains made from waxing. Silca has made things even easier with its waxing system that includes a wax warmer with precise temperature control, making the process pretty fool-proof. The system also includes a drip stand and cable coupler so you can hang your freshly waxed chain to drip dry over the pot, allowing you to reuse the dripped wax. Local shops carry Silca products, or visit silca.cc to build an entire waxing bundle.

SWAGMAN CO2 PRESSURE PRESET TIRE PLUGGER

Tubeless tires are the norm on trails and on gravel and increasingly popular on the road as well. And flats are an inevitable part of cycling no matter the system you use. The Swagman Co2 Pressure Preset Tire Plugger allows you to rapidly inflate your punctured tire through the hole in the tire and plug the tire. As the name suggests, the inflator has preset PSI settings (up to 110 PSI, which is overkill for most tubeless systems). The tool comes with several tire plugs and rubber bits to ensure a proper fit for your puncture. You have to supply the Co2 cartridge yourself, though. Champion Cycling in Fort Smith is a Swagman dealer. The tool is also available at swagman.net.

HAS ENTERED THE CHAT GRAVITY

OZ TRAILS BIKE PARK GIVES RIDERS A LIFT.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE JACOBS

Bella Vista’s OZ Trails Bike Park is about to flip the script on Arkansas riding: lift-accessed downhill, a high-speed quad and a whole lot of wow.

If you’ve been riding the trails around Bentonville and Bella Vista long enough, you know the drill: pedal up, rip down, repeat until your legs beg for mercy. It’s a formula that turned this corner of Northwest Arkansas into one of the most celebrated mountain biking destinations on the planet. But what if someone took the “pedal up” part out of the equation? What if you could just … ride?

That’s exactly the promise of the OZ Trails Bike Park, Bella Vista’s lift-accessed downhill park. And if the buzz coming out of the project is any indication, this isn’t just a new trail system, it’s a whole new chapter for Arkansas mountain biking.

The OZ Trails Bike Park will be the first lift-serviced park in Arkansas.

The lift is designed for everyone.

WHAT SETS IT APART

The comparison to nearby parks like Spider Mountain in Texas or Howler in Missouri is inevitable, and Vernon doesn’t shy away from it. The investment in the highspeed detachable quad is the clearest differentiator, it’s not a slow fixed-grip lift, and it’s not a T-bar. It’s a genuine resort-style lift that makes the experience faster, more comfortable and more accessible for a wider range of riders and non-riding spectators alike.

Layer in the Bentonville context, the existing trail network, the cycling culture, the infrastructure that’s been building for over a decade, and OZ Trails is arriving into one of the most bike-receptive communities in the country. This isn’t a park trying to create a scene from scratch. It’s a park stepping into one that’s already buzzing.

Future phases in the works include a pro-shop-style locker and gear storage facility — think golf pro shop, but for your trail bike, and eventual lodging possibilities as the draw of the park grows. For now, the focus is simple: Get the lift spinning, open the gates, and let the trails do the talking.

THE LIFT THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING ❱

Let’s start with the headline attraction: a high-speed detachable quad chairlift, the kind you’d find at a proper ski resort. That alone is enough to make any gravity-hungry rider do a double take. But this isn’t just fast; it’s designed for everyone.

General Manager Gary Vernon, who clearly knows his audience, put it in the most relatable terms possible: He took his 86-year-old mother for a test ride, and she had zero problems getting on and off. If Grandma can handle it, the rest of us are going to be just fine.

The lift doesn’t just move bikes and riders, though; it’s also a ticket to a view. At the summit, OZ Trails is installing what Vernon describes only as a “big, big, big statue,” a major piece of art that will serve as a landmark photo opportunity and, frankly, a reason to ride the lift even if you’ve got no intention of bombing a trail.

MORE THAN JUST A BIKE PARK

OZ Trails Bike Park isn’t showing up to the party without snacks. The facility includes a retail bike shop and a full restaurant with food and beverage service, both open to the general public, no membership or trail ticket required. So, yes, you can absolutely roll up, grab a burger and a cold one, watch riders come screaming off the hill, and decide then and there that you need a new hobby.

For those who want to ride, the access model is refreshingly flexible. Day passes come in three tiers: a single lift ride for $10 (a perfect low-commitment way to experience the descent or ride to the summit for the view), a half-day pass at $34 and a full-day pass at $59. Prefer to pedal up rather than take the lift? You can do that, too, but all trail access requires a ticket or membership regardless. An electronic gate system controls entry to the trail network, keeping the flow organized for everyone. Day passes go into effect on opening day, June 12.

The membership model is where things get seriously interesting for regular riders, and right now, the Founding Member deal is hard to ignore. Founding individual memberships are priced at $99 per month, compared to $119 per month for a standard individual membership once the founding period closes. Families (two adults plus kids under 18) can lock in at $199 per month as founding members, versus the standard $239 per month. That founding rate is locked in for two years, which for anyone planning to lap this place regularly is a very easy number to justify.

The perks stack up nicely, too. Founding Members get 15% off merch, food, rentals and bookable spaces at the park, plus 15% off one guest pass per visit. They’ll have their name permanently on the Founding Members Wall, receive limited-edition merch and an exclusive Founder’s poster, and get access to members-only previews and event.

The park’s trails fit into the existing trail eco-system in Bella Vista and Bentonville.

TWENTY MILES OF SMILES (AND SOME SCREAMS)

With roughly 20 miles of trail already cut, OZ Trails has been intentional about who they’re building for. Seventy-five percent of the trail network is green- and blue-rated terrain, making this a legitimate destination for newer riders and families who want real downhill fun without the intimidation factor.

The remaining 25%? That’s the black diamond show-off section visible directly beneath the lift, and it is, by design, meant to be seen.

“That 25% is the most visible trail,” Vernon says with obvious pride. “As you drive by it, it looks pretty amazing, but scary. It’s an adventure show. It’s a live action show when you’re riding the lift.”

The green and blue trails stretch across the southern and western portions of the property, away from the lift line. And the park isn’t done building. Vernon says additional green trails are already in the pipeline for construction shortly after opening, with the long-term vision being a continuous expansion of approachable terrain.

“We’ve got all the black (trails) we need,” he laughs.

PARK CONNECTIONS AND CROSSCOUNTRY CROSSOVER

One question on every rider’s mind: How does this connect to the existing trail ecosystem? The answer is: more seamlessly than you might think. OZ Trails has installed two exit gates at the top of the lift, one in the southwest corner and one in the northwest. Riders can hop off the lift, pass through the gate and access the broader trail network, including popular routes like Tunnel Vision and Back 40, for cross-country riding. Off-park descent trails on both the north and south sides bring riders back to the base, where the whole loop can start again.

It’s a setup that gives multidiscipline riders genuine options: Lap the lift-served downhill trails venture out for some cross-country miles, come back down the off-park trails, and reset at the base. The park is essentially plugging itself into the existing trail universe rather than trying to exist separately from it, a smart move that will resonate with locals who’ve already spent years building those connections.

HOURS, CLOSURES AND WHAT TO EXPECT

The lift runs daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with one catch. The park is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Those midweek days are reserved for trail work, maintenance and the kind of behind-thescenes upkeep that keeps a lift-served bike park running safely. It’s a smart trade-off: a little less riding time in exchange for trails that stay in shape.

That schedule leaves five riding days a week, Thursday through Monday, which lines up nicely with weekend warriors and anyone flexible enough to sneak out for a Thursday or Friday session. And with the lift running until 7 p.m., there’s plenty of room for after-work laps once summer settles in.

BUILDING A BUSINESS WITH BROKEN BIKES

THE ORIGIN STORY OF NATURAL STATE CARBON REPAIR.

BY BRYCE WARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAI CADDY

After three years of sitting idly in college classrooms and waiting for life to begin, Conway native Brad Walsh decided to walk away from academia and toward a more actionable existence.

During his studies, Walsh had worked as many as four jobs simultaneously. And while this juggling act admittedly placed him on the fast-track to burnout, one of these jobs — working as a bike mechanic at local shop The Ride — gave him a worthwhile direction to move toward.

Walsh had entered the world of cycling after an injury in motocross and began riding the simpler form of the bike and joining local group rides during his recovery process. From this point forward, cycling increasingly became an integral component of both his life and work.

After leaving college, a long and undulating road with many turns stood ahead of him, but with a steadfast work ethic and a repeated willingness to follow his intuition, he would eventually reach the destination he was working toward: namely, the opportunity to make an honest living in the cycling industry on his own terms, and a source for the type of gratifying work and personal freedom that comes with being a business owner.

Brad Walsh tends to a chain stay repair.

Walsh’s first move out of college was to enroll in the Barnett Bicycle Institute (BBI), a Colorado-based program for professional bike mechanic education. This unique program gave him a deeper understanding of bicycles and a respected accreditation that would provide lasting value for his later work.

After completing BBI in 2016, Walsh went on to work at Chainwheel, a staple bike shop in the Central Arkansas community that, by the time he joined, was in the early stages of a corporate acquisition. Around this time, a job opening surfaced at Allied Cycle Works — a then-up-and-coming carbon bike manufacturer based in Little Rock. With the fate of Chainwheel uncertain, he thought to himself, “Why not try something new?”

Near the end of 2017, Walsh joined Allied as a carbon layup technician, a job with which he had zero experience. Quickly realizing this resume oversight, his boss moved him to assembly, where his mechanical skills would be better utilized.

Unfortunately, his following two years at Allied were a tumultuous experience marked by multiple rounds of layoffs and a progressively heavier workload. Walsh eventually found himself juggling the management of not only assembly, but after-sales warranty as well. But despite these circumstances, his time at Allied was a formative experience that gave him a lot of valuable knowledge about the carbon manufacturing industry he would later find himself involved in — and it introduced him to some great people.

In 2019, following leadership changes at Allied, the company began a move to Northwest Arkansas. Walsh had the opportunity to move with the company, but being jaded by layoffs and unenticed by NWA at the time, he decided to try his hand at something new once again.

After applying for an array of cycling-related jobs across the country, Walsh eventually landed at a company called Velofix, a mobile bike shop business that had recently launched a corporate pilot program. This program took the factors of steep buy-in costs and time-consuming administrative work out of the equation so that employees like Walsh could focus their attention on sales and service.

Walsh moved to Raleigh, N.C., for this role and it was there that he learned the importance of connecting with the communities he serves. He regularly visited bike shops and joined local group rides, and in so doing developed a close understanding of cyclists’ needs while forming friendships along the way.

Things were running smoothly at Velofix until a global pandemic put the world on hold. In response to the uncertainty that followed, Velofix furloughed most of its corporate employees, and not long after, Walsh found himself back home in Conway.

Walsh preps some carbon for a repair.

As for many others, this strange period prompted a return to baseline and time for reflection. With so many unknowns, Walsh had no clear direction of where he was headed – but he knew it would somehow involve bikes. To make ends meet, he worked on some one-off bike building projects for the next few months until a pivotal opportunity came to him. He got word that someone was planning to open a new bike shop in downtown Little Rock, and they needed a mechanic.

This someone was Frank Webber, who was primarily repairing carbon frames under his business HEX Carbon Workshop when plans for the new bike shop began to take shape. Walsh and Webber hadn’t known each other before this arrangement, but after they began working with each other, they quickly grew close.

In the beginning, working with each other entailed dividing the first half of their days on carbon repair and the second half on demo and construction — the new shop needed a new space, which meant Walsh and Webber spent their time gutting an old warehouse and developing it from the ground up for the better part of a year. In 2021, Shift Modern Cyclery finally opened its doors, but by the time it did, Walsh was enjoying the process of repairing carbon more than working on bikes.

In October of 2021 — a cyclist in his own right — Walsh traveled to Fayetteville to compete in the 240-mile Northwest Loop of the Arkansaw High Country Race. While he didn’t know it at the time, this trip would alter the trajectory of his life.

A friend had lent Walsh a camper van for the race so he didn’t have to worry about housing, and even connected him with someone in Fayetteville who would likely let him park the van in their driveway overnight. His gracious driveway host was a girl named Ali Guthrie, and after Walsh returned from his 240-mile voyage that entailed 22 hours of pedaling and a mere two-hour nap, the two managed to strike a conversation that made Walsh forget all about his exhaustion. From this point forward, Walsh said, “It was pretty black and white that I wasn’t going to stay in Little Rock.”

For the next few months, Walsh spent most of his weekends driving between Little Rock and Fayetteville to visit Guthrie, and their relationship quickly progressed. When Guthrie later received an opportunity for a yearlong PT residency program in Chicago, the two decided to pack their belongings and set off for the Windy City.

In Chicago, Walsh landed a job as the service manager for a Specialized corporate store, an experience that would come in handy later down the road. As exciting as this new adventure was, life among tall buildings wasn’t always easy. When the residency neared its end, they briefly considered

Walsh now offers custom paint as an add-on to repair service.

staying, but the high costs of living and lack of outdoor recreation pushed the pendulum in the opposite direction. Also at the forefront of Walsh’s mind was a no-longer-ignorable-desire to start his own business, and both agreed that this endeavor would be more feasible back home in The Natural State.

In 2023, they returned to Fayetteville and Walsh took a job at the Phat Tire shop in downtown Bentonville. As one of the busiest shops in Arkansas, this job was not the ideal steppingstone to entrepreneurship. And after consolidating to a single car for urban life in Chicago, Walsh found himself commuting to and from Bentonville by bike for the next few months, further intensifying the hustle.

Despite this demanding workload, Walsh managed to start his LLC, and in February 2023, with only $1,000 to work with, Natural State Carbon Repair was born.

Carbon repair appealed to Walsh as a business model for several reasons: it was a unique opportunity for him to work in the

cycling industry outside the traditional bike shop setting; it provides an environmentally valuable service that prevents unnecessary waste and energy usage; and he felt that it was an underserved market, particularly in the booming NWA region.

In the beginning, he had about four to five repairs to work on each month, but soon he was working on two to three repairs every week — while also juggling a 40-hour job and a demanding commute. Around this time, a job opening at a new “cycling experience center” in Bentonville by his former employer Specialized gave him an opportunity for a more flexible springboard to full-time self-employment.

Taking advantage of this flexibility, Walsh enrolled in the University of Arkansas’s Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP), a 12-week business incubator focused on accelerating startups in the outdoor recreation industry. His experiences during this program, and the $15,000

in non-dilutive seed funding that came along with it, were immensely helpful in kickstarting his business.

Between the momentum of GORP, growing word of mouth, and Walsh’s active involvement within the NWA cycling community, Natural State Carbon Repair began growing much quicker than he expected. When the writing on the wall of the Experience Center, which would soon close its doors, became apparent to Walsh, he decided it was finally time to go all-in. In 2025, he began working full time for his own business and has been sanding away ever since.

Ironically, the very region Walsh avoided in 2019 turned out to be a great home not only for his personal life but also for his budding carbon repair business. Situated at the center of Arkansas’s cycling buzz, Natural State Carbon Repair provides a conveniently local solution to the many cyclists in this region who suddenly find themselves with a broken bike.

Walsh learned carbon repair from Little Rock’s Frank Webber.

Local repairs will always be an important part of Walsh’s business, but he understood early on that they are not enough for a niche business to thrive. Drawing from his experience at Velofix, Walsh began building relationships with bike shops across the region, traveling there in person and engraining himself in their local cycling communities.

His pitch to bike shops was simple: When a customer brings in broken carbon, or if a mechanic notices undetected carbon damage while a bike is in the stand, the shop can extend a convenient and cost-saving solution to their customers. This value-add has helped Walsh build a wide network of shop partnerships across the region, expanding his potential customer base and setting up a reliable stream of repair work.

Between shop partnerships and an active online presence, an increasing amount of work began rolling in from outside Arkansas borders. Walsh’s personable customer service, quick turnaround times, high-quality

work and reasonable prices have resonated with cyclists from coast to coast. Walsh understands how important a bike can be to someone — whether personally, competitively, or both — and he brings this level of care and respect to every project he takes on, distinguishing his business from the larger players in the industry.

Aware of the importance of offering an end-to-end solution for his customers, Walsh recently began offering custom paint as an add-on to his repair service, which has raised the ceiling for his business but also introduced new challenges around efficiency and time management.

Today, the uphill road standing before Walsh is a matter of scaling, but for a business owner, this is a good issue to have. In the coming years, he looks forward to building a like-minded team around him and passing along the type of opportunities he has received over the years.

Five years after Walsh traveled to Fayetteville for a bike race and parked a friend’s camper van in a stranger’s driveway, a van of his own, branded with the logo of Natural State Carbon Repair, can be found in this very same driveway — a testament to the mysterious and meaningful ways that life can unfold, and evidence that our goals can manifest with enough hard work and perseverance.

If you would like to learn more about Natural State Carbon Repair, visit its website at naturalstatecarbonrepair.com or follow its Instagram page @natural_state_carbon_repair.

Walsh has grown his business by traveling to bike shops and immersing himself in the local scene.

Part of the Pack ›STARTING LINE

All across The Natural State, there are clubs, classes and cycling groups more than willing to have new members join and learn. From road warriors to kings and queens of the mountain, opportunities abound to explore the exciting world of cycling, but we’ve listed a few here to make it a little easier.

Explore Bella Vista BELLA VISTA CYCLISTS

Primarily a group of road cyclists, but they’re also known to mix in some mountain bike rides. They organize nodrop group rides year-round on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings with a 14-16 mph pace. The group has a very organized ride calendar and route library available on its website. gopedalbv.com

Central Arkansas Roadies CONWAY BICYCLE CLUB

A new club from the Conway Advocates for Bicycling that mainly hosts group rides on Mondays and Wednesdays with A, B and C groups. The club also hosts occasional Saturday and Sunday rides. Its mission is to create a robust, inclusive, welcoming and encouraging culture of riding bikes in and around the Conway community. You must request to join the Strava club so that the group admins can weed out bots or other wrong-doers. strava.com/clubs/conway-bicycle-club

Something for Everybody SALINE COUNTY CYCLISTS

A blend of riders with various interests and skill levels. Members ride road bikes, mountain bikes or just ride for the pure enjoyment of being on a bicycle. The group welcomes anyone with a love of cycling and aims to provide the means by which members can become better cyclists. facebook.com/ groups/1437259579855271/

Looking For a Ride CRANK IT UP

CYCLING

A Facebook page dedicated to organizing rides and sharing cycling news for riders in Central Arkansas. facebook.com/ groups/140225066156697/

Bella Vista Cyclists

Photo:Bicycling during The Skirmish Delta Gravel Festival in Jonesboro. Image courtesy

Enjoy West Memphis from an extensive bike excursion or a leisurely ride through the park. Opportunities are available for all to enjoy the outdoors.

Photo courtesy of Ducks Unlimited Park.

Biking in West Memphis offers a refreshing way to experience the Arkansas Delta, with scenic routes that connect river views, open farmland, and historic communities. Riders can enjoy easy access to the Mississippi River corridor and nearby trails that are perfect for both casual cyclists and experienced riders. Whether you're exploring local parks or cruising quiet backroads, West Memphis provides a relaxed, welcoming environment for outdoor adventure.

Photo courtesy of West Memphis Advertising and Promotion.

This October, the Arkansas Graveler ventures deep into the farm-rich flatlands of the Arkansas Delta. The Delta Blues Edition is more than a multi-day ride—it’s a cultural pilgrimage across one of the most influential landscapes in American history. Along the way, riders will experience the soul of the region firsthand, including a stop at the legendary King Biscuit Blues Festival, a visit through the Duck Hunting Capital of the World, and miles of gravel connecting a handful of Arkansas State Parks. From cotton fields and levees to music-soaked streets and protected natural landscapes, every mile tells a story of agriculture, rhythm, and resilience that shaped American culture. Visit www.arkansasgraveler.com for more info.

“The Arkansas Delta is truly a special place—rich with history, heart, and soul. We can’t wait to highlight it through this year’s event, bringing an added layer of authenticity, grit, and unforgettable food that can only come from this region.”

-Bobby Finster, Event Director

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Graveler.

›UPCOMING EVENTS

Mark Your Calendar

Mark your calendar and gather your gear because there’s always another ride or race to participate in The Natural State. We’ve listed and organized all of the cycling events throughout Arkansas, and no matter your level of experience, you’re sure to find a ride that fits your skills and preferences.

OZ STAGE RACE

May 21-24

$300-$850

Bentonville ( ■ ■ MTB)

A new mountain bike stage race from the Ozark Foundation on the OZ Trails network.

Riders will push their limits on punchy climbs and technical descents while soaking in the energy of a community that lives and breathes mountain biking. Visit ozstagerace.com for more information.

RIDE YOUR DAMN BIKE FESTIVAL

May 21-24

Free-$75

Fayetteville ( ■ ■ ■ Gravel)

The second edition of the multiday celebration of cycling, community and craft. Events include group rides; an expo featuring frame-builders, artisans, gear-makers and workshops; the Fayetteville Ultra Circuit endurance race; and a community overnight bikepacking trip. Visit ozarkgravelcyclists.com/rydb-fest for more information.

THE SKIRMISH

May 28-31

TBA

Jonesboro

( ■ ■ ■ Gravel)

The Skirmish is more than just a cycling event, it’s a celebration of the rugged beauty, rich culture, and tight-knit community of the Delta region. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to gravel cycling, this festival offers something for everyone. Explore stunning gravel routes, test your limits and connect with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for adventure. With its mix of thrilling rides, local charm and unforgettable camaraderie, The Skirmish is where cycling meets the spirit of the Delta. More information at skirmishjonesboro.com.

AVOCA RACE SERIES

June 3

$20

Avoca

( ■ ■ ■ Road)

The final race of the series in its eighth year. The course is 6 miles featuring a big climb and fast descent starting and finishing in front of Avoca Town Hall. Register at bikereg.com/avoca-race-series-04-2026

CRUISIN’ CLEVELAND COUNTY

June 6

$50

Rison ( ■ ■ ■ Road/Gravel)

The fourth annual ride with route options of 21, 29, 44 and 65 miles. There’s also a

SCAN HERE TO SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS.

30-mile gravel ride option. Visit facebook.com/CruisinClevelandCounty for more information.

BENTONVILLE BIKE FEST

June 11-14

Free-$90

Bentonville ( ■ ■ ■ MTB, Gravel)

The biggest bike expo in Arkansas returns with a slew of events, workshops and races, including events for e-bikes, short track cross country races, a gravel race, enduro, trials and way more. There will be lots of events and clinics for kids as well, including the OZ Kids Crit Championship Series and Pedal Kids USA clinics. Visit bentonvillebikefest.com for all the details.

MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS CRITERIUM SERIES

June 1, June 15 and July 6

$20

Vilonia ( ■ ■ ■ Road)

A crit series held Monday nights at the Central Arkansas Karting Complex. The course features smooth pavement with 14 turns, plenty of room for passing and a long straight for the finish. Cash prizes, podium prizes and primes are up for grabs. Bring three canned goods to be entered in a raffle to win a signed Mads Pedersen World Championship jersey. Register at bikereg.com/monday-night-lights-criterium.

MAJOR TAYLOR 111 AT THE PORT

June 13

$45-$55

Little Rock ( ■ ■ ■ Road)

A ride benefiting underserved communities sponsored by the Major Taylor Cycling Club. The ride starts and finishes at the Little Rock Port Authority and features route options of 24, 52, 62 and 111 miles. Register at bikereg.com/major-taylor-111at-the-port.

STRAIGHT UP GRAVEL

June 13

$30-$50

Harrison ( ■ ■ ■ Gravel)

A new gravel ride delivering a raw and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Ozarks. Riders will tackle stunning, soul-testing routes that trace the legendary Buffalo National River, pairing jaw-dropping views with truly grueling climbs. With three distance options — 70, 50, and 25 miles — Straight Up Gravel welcomes everyone from seasoned gravel racers to first-time adventurers. Every dollar raised goes directly back into local trail maintenance and development. Register at bikereg.com/73457

RIP-N-DIP

June 20

$45

Bella Vista ( ■ ■ ■ Road/MTB/Gravel)

A unique event where riders will complete a ride (rip) and then kayak or stand-up

paddleboard (dip) the second half of the event. There will be a 19-mile route on the Razorback Greenway for cargo, commuter and road bikes and then two 19-mile singletrack options for mountain bikes. The dip portion of the event covers about 4 miles. Put-in will be at The Bend at Little Sugar and takeout will be at the Phat Tire bike shop in Bella Vista. Register at bikereg.com/rip-n-dip.

TRAIL OF TEARS REMEMBRANCE RIDE

June 20-21

$65-$100

Pea Ridge ( ■ ■ ■ Road/Gravel)

A self-supported or semi-supported ride that retraces the Trail of Tears from Pea Ridge to Tahlequah, Okla. Route options include a 270-mile ride to Tahlequah and back, a 140-mile ride to Tahlequah and an 80-mile ride to Kessler Mountain Regional Park in Fayetteville. All entry fees will be donated to the Cherokee Nation Foundation. Register at bikereg.com/trailof-tears-remembrance-ride.

THE MONUMENTAL MAYHEM

June 21

$20-$40

Rogers ( ■ ■ ■ MTB)

Part of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series. Presented by the Ozark Off-Road Cyclists, a cross-country race at Hobbs State Park in Rogers. Kids under 14 race for free. Visit ambcs.com for more information.

OZ KIDS CRIT CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

June 14

$15

Bentonville ( ■ Road)

The second race in the OZ Kids Crit Championship series at the Bentonville Bike Fest. These races are for riders ages 2-10. Races are held on a closed-loop course in a safe, traffic-free environment. To count in the overall series standings, racers must complete three of the four races. Visit ozkids.org for more information.

AGRICRIT SUMMER SERIES

June 26, July 10, July 24 and Aug. 7

$10-$30

Fayetteville ( ■ ■ ■ Gravel)

A one-of-a-kind gravel race around the enclosed and scenic roads of Fayetteville’s Agriculture Park. The races are hosted by the Fayetteville-based cycling club/race team Bike Club NWA. There will be an advanced, intermediate and beginner race each night of the series. Visit bikeclub.bike for more information.

TRUE GRIT

June 27

$65

Fort Smith ( ■ ■ ■ Road)

Annual ride raising funds to provide food for at-risk children. Route options include 30-, 45- and 62-mile rides. More information is available at truegritride.com.

KESSLER MOUNTAIN JAM

June 28

$25-$45

Fayetteville ( ■ ■ ■ MTB)

Part of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series, the race takes place at Kessler Mountain. This is a USA Cycling sanctioned race with categories for all ages and levels. Chip timing, custom socks, post-race food and beverage, and awards are included. Visit kesslermountainjam.com for more info.

GO NUTS ENDURO

June 28

$120-$145

Bentonville ( ■ ■ ■ MTB)

The third round of an international enduro series. This race will take place at the Coler MTB Preserve in Bentonville. Registration includes pre-ride on June 27. The race will consist of six stages. Register at bikereg. com/go-nuts-biking-no-nuts-no-glory-enduro-2026.

WAMPOO ROADEO

July 18

$25

Keo ( ■ ■ ■ Road)

A long-standing ride that benefits improving cycling infrastructure along the Arkansas River Trail. A flat, fast course with route options of 20, 44, 55, 62 and 75 miles makes it a perfect event for beginners and the most experienced riders. The SOLR Cafe afterparty will feature Loblolly ice cream, watermelon and cold beer. Register at bikereg.com/ wampoo-roadeo.

COLER CRUSH

July 19

TBA

Bentonville ( ■ ■ ■ MTB)

A new addition to the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series. Cross country racing held at the Coler MTB Preserve. Visit ambcs.com for more information.

RIVER VALLEY RUMBLE

July 26

TBA

Fort Smith

( ■ ■ ■ MTB)

Part of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series. Cross country racing held at Ben Geren Regional Park. Visit ambcs. com for more information.

SPRING HILL CLASSIC

Aug. 1

TBA Barling ( ■ ■ ■ MTB)

Part of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series. Cross country racing held at Springhill Park. Visit ambcs.com for more information.

BENTONVILLE + BELLA VISTA

ENDURO

Aug. 29-30

TBA

Bentonville and Bella Vista ( ■ ■ ■ MTB)

First race of the Arkansas Enduro Series. Visit arkansasenduroseries.com for more information.

99 MILES OF BAD ROAD

Sept. 12

$60-$100

Hardy ( ■ ■ Gravel)

A challenging 99- or 199-mile gravel route starting and finishing at Loberg Park in Hardy. The route consists of relentless rolling hills with an occasional punch climb or sketchy descent. Riders can expect everything: mud, dirt, gravel, clay, crushed limestone, creek rocks and broken pavement. Visit 99mobr. weebly.com for more information.

SCAN FOR MORE BIKE EVENTS

MOUNTAIN HARBOR

A SHORT RIDE FROM THE RIDE

Spend the day biking legendary trails of the Ouachitas, then head to Mountain Harbor Resort to unwind on the shores of Lake Ouachita. It’s the perfect place to relax, recharge and get ready for tomorrow’s ride.