Issuu

Five Years of Bike Fest

SPORTS + RECREATION

RULE OF THREE

LOCAL SERVICES

LOCAL WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES

Less Silence, More Celebration

The Ladies Issue. Admittedly, I’ve been feeling inherently unqualified to introduce this issue to the community. Not only am I decidedly not a woman, I was raised in a familial generation of mostly men—two older brothers, my paternal cousins all men. Even my poor nieces are outnumbered 3-2 with rambunctious boys.

I was tempted to delegate this month’s Lifestyle

Letter to one of the incredibly talented women on my team, feeling like maybe taking the backseat on this one was the right thing to do. But then I considered the women in my life who have made massive impressions on the person I’ve become and it felt like a disservice to them to stay silent when I have an opportunity to celebrate them.

By no means an exhaustive list, but the few that first come to mind are my loving and supportive wife, Kayla; my Godly mother, Leslie, who accomplished the challenge of raising three boys into men with grace; a host of aunts; and my childhood best friend, Morgan, who manages to still be my confidant all these years later— even sticking around through the awkward teenage phase…s.

As I gaze over the mountainous task of raising a boy into a man, it occurred to me that maybe the best example I can set for him is one of less silence and more celebration, perhaps now more than ever.

Fortunately, Bentonville is a community with no shortage of women to celebrate—women who are leading the path forward through service to their communities in charities and nonprofits, leadership in business and the spark of entrepreneurial spirit, service in public office, and unparalleled education opportunities to shape our children. Arkansas, being one of only 13 states with a woman currently holding the office of Governor, sets an aspirational example.

In the limited pages of this issue, we’ll highlight just a few of those stories. In addition to these stories, I hope this issue gives us all pause to celebrate the women in our lives. I know I have some who are long overdue to hear a message of appreciation from me.

WYATT LAYMAN, PUBLISHER

@BENTONVILLECITYLIFESTYLE

May 2025

PUBLISHER

Wyatt Layman | wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Michelle Bazis | michelle.bazis@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Claire McFarland | claire.mcfarland@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Katriel Daniels | katriel.daniels@citylifetyle.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Ledger offers over 30 versatile bookable meeting spaces, accommodating groups from 4 to 60 people. These spaces are thoughtfully designed with unique setups, including classroom layouts, kitchen spaces, and lounge-style seating, tailored to meet diverse event and meeting needs.

Open: M-F | 7 am - 5 pm

Email: bookable@ledgerbentonville.com or Visit: ledgerbookable.com to reserve your space

REDEFINE AGING

Discover the unrivaled expertise of Dr. Missy Clifton, now a Triple Board-Certified doctor in Dermatology, Laser Surgery, and Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine. With her extensive training and innovative approach, Dr. Clifton is at the forefront of skin health, rejuvenation, and longevity.

Book your visit at Premier and start your journey to ageless beauty and wellness with our expert team and comprehensive therapies.

Membership Program

Injectable Toxins & Fillers

Skin Resurfacing & Tightening

Eyelid Rejuvenation

Body Contouring

Facials & Chemical Peels

Medical Weight Loss

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Peptide & Vitality Injections

Red Light Therapy

PNOE Metabolic Testing

Medical Grade Skincare

Nutritional Supplements

DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT TAKE THEIRS!

“Loved working with Lily! She is definitely on her toes with every aspect of real estate as my buying agent and selling agent. We completed at least 12 transactions together in NWA before we moved back to Nebraska. Hire her!! “

-Jeremy and Amber

“Lily was literally the BEST realtor we’ve ever worked with. She was knowledgeable, professional and accommodating in everything regarding the sell of our home. She put us first in all decision making and made the process as stress free as possible. If you ’ re looking for a realtor PLEASE use Lily Dighero. She truly is the best in the game, I can’t recommend her enough. We are so blessed to have been connected with her!”

-Taylor and Paymon

CONTINUED >

Best Friends NWA Celebrates 2 Years

Since opening in 2023, the Best Friends Animal Society Pet Resource Center in Bentonville has found homes for 4,905 pets, placed 695 animals in foster homes, treated 11,816 pets at its on-site clinic, and set the Guinness World Record for most pet food donated in 24 hours. Happy birthday, Best Friends NWA!

FIVE YEARS

of Bike Fest

"THERE ARE A FEW INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR A FESTIVAL. BENTONVILLE TICKS ALL THE BOXES."

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS & BIKE FEST

What defines a great festival? Tagging the word “fest” onto an event doesn’t necessarily qualify it as a true festival experience, but is there a recipe? Start with the basics: Pick a theme, choose a crowd-friendly destination, add a double dose of entertainment, finish with a few influencers, and garnish with some giveaways, and you could have something “fest” worthy.

This May, Bentonville Bike Fest will celebrate its fifth anniversary. The multi-day event has become a pillar of entertainment in our community, acting as both a welcoming handshake for the Bentonville-curious and an official kickstart to bike season in NWA. But Bike Fest’s fandom reaches far beyond our corner of the Natural State; Its growing popularity continues to earn honorable mention amongst leading events in its category nationwide.

If Bike Fest had a recipe, nine-time Trials World Champion Kenny Belaey would be the chef. The Belgian athlete has been globetrotting as an ambassador for his sport for decades, donning a coveted Red Bull helmet while entertaining crowds at events including his own Bentonville Bike Fest.

“There are a few ingredients you need for a festival,” Belaey said. “Bentonville ticks all the boxes.”

Because of his background as a professional athlete, Belaey had experience with event production. In 2018, Bentonville’s trail infrastructure had graduated from community asset to tourist attraction, catching the attention of influential voices like Belaey.

“I already knew what Tom [Walton] was planning, but in 2018, I saw what he did. Around that time, the film festival was planning to promote women in the movie industry, and it was also Women's Mountain Bike Day that week. That got me thinking, ‘Why don't we produce an event for women on bikes, link it to the film festival, bring in the cast?’ That was the first event: Women Shred.”

CONTINUED >

Belaey stopped producing World Cups in Belgium and went all in on Women Shred. The event’s success helped elevate Bentonville on a global scale, and as women’s cycling events continued to gain traction, Belaey’s plans shifted to something new.

“I pitched the idea of an all-inclusive festival to the Waltons and the City. I was sure I could pull off something like Bentonville Bike Fest.”

Using his little black book of potential sponsors and professional athletes, Belaey started work on making Bike Fest a reality. While one might assume 2019 was poor timing with news of a worldwide pandemic, Belaey claims it was a blessing. New regulations afforded more time to plan, and Bentonville’s popularity spiked due to the resulting boom in outdoor recreation.

Bike Fest Partnership Director, Jessy Davis, is one of the rare few (nowadays) born and raised in NWA. The Army Veteran and Volunteer Firefighter has witnessed the evolution of Bentonville first-hand, making her a great local contact for Europe-based Belaey.

“She reached out to me and said, ‘I can be your boots on the ground to find sponsors,’” he shared. “She had worked for the film festival, so I could see synergy.”

Despite their experience, the duo still had their work cut out. According to Belaey, the first year was like selling air because this type of festival hadn’t been done before. With some coaching, they were able to illustrate the value of bringing industry pros and brands together to create an experience families can enjoy.

One of their earliest supporters was Mojo Cycling Owner, Dave Neal. “That first year was the hardest, but he believed in us right away,” Davis said.

“I was excited by the energy and vision they had,” Neal shared. “Their idea was to create an event that would break into the national scene and draw people from around the world to Bentonville. I’m still energized each year by Bike Fest. It has become the national draw that Kenny and Jessy envisioned.”

For Hyper Bicycles Owner and Founder, Clay Goldsmith, their long-standing sponsorship of Bike Fest supports the company’s commitment to making biking more accessible to everyone. “We believe it’s essential for brands to support cycling at every level,” Goldsmith shared. Hyper has a dynamic relationship with Bike Fest, hosting some of the athletes who entertain festival-goers each year. "We’ve been proud supporters of Bike Fest for the past five

CONTINUED >

Bike Fest Partnership Director, Jessy Davis

years, bringing world-class athletes like Olympic Gold Medalist Logan Martin, Red Bull Rampage rider Tom Van Steenbergen, and BMX superstar Ryan Williams to inspire the cycling community.”

The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and for Bike Fest, that pudding tastes like $1.5 million in economic impact [2024].

“The community is the most important part of Bike Fest's success,” Davis said. "Even the biggest bike expo in the country is so far removed from the community and not all that bike-friendly."

As with any annual event, it’s important to keep things spicy. Adding new vendors, entertainment, and programs has kept Bike Fest crowds growing each year. “This year, the biggest addition is E-Mobility Day,” Davis shared. “We're working with the Peel Compton Foundation to create a hub at Compton Gardens to demo bikes and host tours.”

“We’re committed to creating outdoor spaces that are accessible, and that includes ensuring e-mobility riders have access to trails and facilities like Compton Gardens & Arboretum,” said Debra Layton, Executive Director at the Peel Compton Foundation. “Bike Fest is a perfect way to welcome new transplants and longtime locals into the vibrant cycling community."

“The community is the most important part of Bike Fest's success. There really is no place like Bentonville.”

Something else attendees can expect this year is a small admission fee. “It’s only $4 per day or $10 for the weekend. Kids 16 and under are free,” Belaey said. “Ticketing became important for the sustainability and growth of Bike Fest in the future.”

So, what does the future of Bike Fest look like? Belaey’s long-term vision for Bike Fest includes an expanded tradeshow element, activating nearby Bella Vista projects, live-streaming events, and more.

“In an ideal world, the whole event is streamed so people from all over the world can tune in and see the races live,” he said. “I want Bike Fest to be a place where business is done and important events like a UCI Trials World Cup happen.”

“It’s going to be a big challenge, but we like challenge.”

MICHELLE BAZIS

Michelle is the writer and photographer behind many of the stories you see in our magazine. When she isn't crafting Bentonville City Lifestyle as its Managing Editor, she likes to spend her time painting or dropping in on a dance class, mountain biking and paddle boarding with friends, and traveling with her husband, Ben. Connect with Michelle on Instagram @MichelleBazis or via email at Michelle.Bazis@CityLifestyle.com.

Women's Wellness Partners For Today's Superwoman

Women's Wellness Partners NWA has created a synchronized system of support for today's Superwoman, offering personalized and holistic treatment for women by women. Contact: www.WomensWellnessPartners.com • 479-362-5724

Gipsye Robinson, LCSW

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN WWP?

Shelbi Gower and I were inspired to open WWP for many reasons. For me, it stemmed from my own experience with postpartum depression and the lack of a space where I felt truly supported. Shelbi’s inspiration came from her work in mental health, witnessing firsthand the challenges her clients faced when trying to get the care they needed beyond the therapy room.

HOW DOES WWP SUPPORT THE ENTIRE FAMILY?

Our clinic is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of women. One of the ways we do this is by recognizing the importance of systems — understanding that individuals are deeply connected and impacted by their families and communities. When appropriate, we extend our services to the entire family system, acknowledging the impact these relationships have on overall well-being. Our evidence-based mental health services include options such as Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Tf-CBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). By addressing the interconnected needs of women and their families, we strive to create a holistic and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.

Owner, Gipsye Robinson, LCSW

WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE SERVICES PATIENTS CAN FIND AT WWP?

We offer a range of services designed to support the whole person. Our current services include mental health therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian, and medication management. Some of our unique offerings include GeneSight testing, which provides personalized insights into how a client’s genetics may influence their response to medications. Our registered dietitian offers individualized nutrition counseling and family dietary support to address both physical and emotional well-being. For those navigating trauma, our mental health providers offer specialized trauma-focused therapy throughout the lifespan. Additionally, our occupational therapy services help clients build healthier habits and routines, offering personalized sensory plans to support their specific needs.

FOR THE WOMAN TRYING TO DO IT ALL, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT HER TO KNOW?

We want you to know — we see you. We see the incredible effort it takes to juggle all the roles you carry as a modern woman: working full-time, managing a family, household, or business, nurturing relationships, and trying to stay afloat. We see the exhaustion that comes from holding so many competing parts of yourself. We see that many of you feel undervalued, forgotten, alone, or simply drained by the end of each day. Holding space for yourself can feel impossible when so much of your energy goes into meeting others’ needs. That’s why we’re committed to offering you a soft landing space where you can feel supported, seen, and reminded of your inherent worth and value. Whether you're navigating burnout, processing trauma, seeking sustainable routines or lifestyle changes, or simply trying to rediscover who you are, we’ll walk alongside you every step of the way. You don’t have to carry it all alone. Let us support you in finding your way back to yourself.

“We see the incredible effort it takes to juggle all the roles you carry as a modern woman. You don’t have to carry it all alone. Let us support you.”

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

THE BIKE RACE THAT ISN'T REALLY ABOUT RACING

RULE

OF THREE

“Bring a gift for a stranger.”

Not the kind of request you’d expect when registering for a bike race, but according to event organizers Andy Chasteen and Lauren Pickman, Rule of Three [RO3] isn’t really about the race.

and race, they see the people who are putting on the event looking like buffoons. What that does is it lowers the temperature so nobody’s as nervous. We have to lead that charge as promoters so everyone feels the same way.”

"I DON'T CARE WHO FINISHES FIRST, I CARE IF EVERYONE FINISHES.”

Chasteen, who humbly refers to himself as “Head Idiot In Charge,” is responsible for the genesis of RO3, a one-of-akind event that combines road, gravel, and singletrack bike routes throughout Northwest Arkansas. The man with a mullet, who hands out high-fives like Halloween candy, considers RO3 a platform for spreading kindness and fostering community.

“A bike event is a very trivial thing in the grand scheme of the world we live in, but I think a lot of people are looking for meaning and belonging,” he said. “These bigger, serious gravel events are important for the growth of the sport, but we're completely different. I don't care who finishes first, I care if everyone finishes.”

From the very beginning, Chasteen and Pickman wanted to make it clear that RO3 is about having fun, and what better way to do so than to put the boss in a costume?

“Lauren and I, and all of our volunteers, dress in wacky outfits,” Chasteen explained. “The second someone pulls up thinking they're about to be serious

Chasteen isn’t new to throwing funky, yet no less challenging, outdoor sporting events. Before RO3, he founded 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell [24HHH], a five-day rock climbing festival held annually at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper, Arkansas. With vibes akin to Burning Man, 24HHH is (allegedly) the longest-running rock climbing event in the world.

Balancing Chasteen’s right-brained strengths, Pickman is RO3’s boss lady with a left-brain flex. She hails from the Northeast and is recognized as one of the founding members of Women of OZ.

“I organized monthly group rides of 150 women, so Women of OZ set me up for creating these events, which led me to the opportunity with RO3,” Pickman shared. “Andy and I put our strengths together and launched Rule of Three. His expertise is marketing and branding, and I focus on the fun details and operations.”

“She's the opposite of me,” Chasteen added in jest. “She's responsible, and detailed, and organized, and I'm none of those things.”

CONTINUED >

RO3 sold out in its first year, and word quickly spread. Now, the event welcomes roughly 1,600 people from almost every state; most years, five to seven countries are represented. This diversity of attendance leans into Chasteen’s founding mission to foster community, going back to their request for participants to bring a gift for a stranger.

“It can be whatever you want it to be,” Pickman explained. “You just go up to someone and give a little gift. By doing that, you're creating an authentic moment of connection; it has affected a lot of people.”

While RO3 emphasizes fun over performance, this ethos isn’t all that sets the event apart. For those unfamiliar with the format, participants are challenged to complete their chosen 50, 100, or 200+ mile route, solo or in a team of three, but they can only use one bike. There’s no swapping setups between tarmac and singletrack; no maintenance crew to fix your flat; no support team to replace muddy lenses or wet socks. RO3 is an obstacle as dynamic as it is challenging… but fun, don’t forget fun.

As Chasteen’s RO3 poem reads, “You get a healthy dose of tarmac, gravel, and singletrack. But come prepared, this course bites on the way back.”

Even with a good-time tone set, the majority of RO3 participants have signed up to do something very difficult. “These courses are not your typical gravel rides,” Pickman said. “Incorporating a decent amount of singletrack really adds another level of challenge to the day. It’s an extremely fun day but equally as challenging. We always say, ‘Winners get to brag, everyone else gets the swag.’”

Lauren Pickman, Director

Andy Chasteen, Co-Founder

"THIS ISN'T SERIOUS.

WE'RE HERE FOR FUN."

Speaking of swag, another differentiator for RO3 is its partnership structure - there isn’t one, kind of.

“We don't ask anyone for sponsor cash,” Pickman added. “If you want to be a part of our event, we're not going to charge you, but you have to bring something of value. And because of this, sponsors tend to contribute really great items to the swag bag or get really creative with checkpoints and quirky prizes, and raffles. Every year, it gets better and better.”

Instead of a presenting sponsor, the duo chose to emblazon the finishing line with the names of every person who has signed up for the event. “The sponsors of our event are the people who are paying the entry fee,” Chasteen said. “Most race events have their sponsors on the finish line, but we have the names of our riders, which I think is cool.”

Riders and spectators alike can expect something new from RO3 every year, including sponsors and routes, though routes aren’t released until just before the race. With a little insight from Chasteen, however, we learned that RO3 2025 will activate partner cities like Pea Ridge and Sulfur Springs, and possibly incorporate elements of last year's race, only in reverse.

Throughout this charming non-race race, participants will push themselves mentally and physically. They’ll wrestle a few flats and definitely smell interesting, but once they’ve crossed the finish line into the welcoming after-party crowd, the pride of achievement and memories made make the juice worth the squeeze.

We are dedicated to providing quality services in a welcoming, friendly environment, and we are committed to fostering creativity, passion, and innovation in everything we do. Above all, we are guided by a deep sense of compassion and respect for our clients, and we continually work to add value to each and every interaction.

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Women-Owned Businesses in Bentonville

CELEBRATING FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NWA

Renae Elkins, Burn Boot Camp Bentonville

Elkins opened Burn Boot Camp Bentonville in May 2017 after a 14-year career in sales and marketing. “We have created an amazing community. I love watching our members accomplish things they never thought possible.”

Dr. Allyson Mertins, Mertins Eye & Optical

Dr. Mertins launched Mertins Eye & Optical in 2006 to provide concierge-level eye care and handcrafted luxury eyewear. She is also the co-founder and vice president of Buffalo Development, Inc., and serves on the board for Vision Arkansas.

Janelle Roe, Studio 329 Salon

Roe opened Studio 329 in 2021. "My mission is to serve our guests with greatness and inspire growth in new stylists."

Studio 329 was recognized in the Top 3 Best Hair Salons by Best of NWA.

Stephanie Strack, Stephanie Strack Interiors

With 20 years of experience, including private aircraft interiors and seasonal decor, Strack and her husband operate three small businesses, creating spaces that reflect their clients' unique stories.

Thompson,

Owner of Samantha’s Garden, Samantha’s International, and Flower Market by Samantha’s Garden, Thompson's mission to share love and grace through flowers is inspired by faith, family, and community.

Diana

Samantha's Garden

DIY DAY

INSPIRATION FOR A MOTHER/ DAUGHTER DIY DAY

WITH MOM

ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

An afternoon spent together is priceless with today’s busy schedules. Instead of going out, staying in can provide quaint, quiet one-on-one time for a mother and daughter (or multiple daughters). Finding time on calendars is the hard part, and filling that time is all fun from there. Here are a few favorite ideas for inspiration that may spark excitement for planning those special times together.

01 Charm Necklaces

Custom DIY charm necklaces and bracelets are trending. Gather a theme idea: birthstones, family initials, travels or even favorite hobbies, and procure charms from your local craft store or online shop. Selecting charms for each other also could be a fun way to bring delight to the crafting occasion. Necklaces and bracelets can be made for each other, or as future gifts for upcoming occasions such as a family wedding, a birthday milestone or an anniversary.

03 Meal Prep

Text conversations around kitchen tips or ingredient procurement seem endless. Spend some time together in the kitchen preparing favorite family recipes, sharing Mom’s best tips and tricks. Choosing freezer-friendly meals is a great way to walk away with meals for upcoming busy days. There’s nothing like Mom’s recipes!

Storytelling makes for the best memories. Structure memory recall by filming or journaling interview-style question-and-answer sessions, cataloging information for future generations. Videos and notes with detailed family adventures are priceless, and we all always wish we had more of them.

Journaling

What does it mean to be rich? Maybe it's less about a magic number and more about discovering the magic in life.

edwardjones.com/ﬁndyourrich Member SIPC

Yesi Dalton Financial Advisor

5310 W Village Pkwy, Ste 3 Rogers, AR 72758

479-273-6049

yesi.dalton@edwardjones.com

Rafe Ann Du Bois, CRPC™ Financial Advisor

13020 N Hwy 71, Ste 104 Bentonville, AR 72712

479-273-9058

rafeann.dubois@edwardjones.com

David Jones Financial Advisor

1100 Mallard Place Ste C Bentonville, AR 72712

479-271-0488

d.jones@edwardjones.com

Daniel A Paul Financial Advisor

3401 SW 2nd St, Ste 101 Bentonville, AR 72712

479-925-7579

daniel.paul@edwardjones.com

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 2ND

Wishing Spring Arts & Crafts Festival

Wishing Spring Gallery | 9:00 AM

Stop by Wishing Spring Gallery May 2nd & 3rd to enjoy this family-friendly festival full of craft, wood, art, and pottery vendors. Live music and food trucks will be on-site to keep you nourished and entertained while you browse the beautiful work of local artists and makers.

MAY 2ND

May First Friday

Bentonville Square | 3:00 PM

The spirit of Bentonville surrounds the Square every First Friday evening of the month, and May's theme is Adventure Land! Bring your favorite people and pets to enjoy live music, food trucks, street vendors, connecting with neighbors, and more.

MAY 2ND - 3RD

Noon2Moon

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve

Gear up for one of the most anticipated events of the year! Noon2Moon returns for a thrilling mountain biking challenge at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. Riders of all skill levels can compete, including a kids race on Friday, May 2. Whether you’re pedaling or cheering from the sidelines, Noon2Moon is a can’t-miss mountain biking experience.

MAY 10TH

Fifth Market

Airship Coffee at 1000 SE 5th Street | 9:00 AM

Led by Fifth Street Studio since 2020, Fifth Market is an iconic makers market in Bentonville. This year, Fifth Street Studio is partnering with NWA Creatives Club to host a Mother's Day weekend market with 40+ vendors, food trucks, live music, art activities with the Amazeum, and more.

MAY 16TH

FreshGrass Festival

The Momentary | 6:00 PM

Featuring Shakey Graves, Lukas Nelson, Rosanne Cash, and more, the two-day festival, with the best in global roots music and folk traditions, is returning to the Momentary in Bentonville, May 16-17.

MAY 22ND

E-Mobility Day : Bentonville Bike Fest

Downtown Bentonville

A brand new addition to the festival schedule, Bentonville Bike Fest's inaugural E-Mobililty Day on May 22nd will celebrate all things e-bikes. Stop by Compton Gardens in Downtown Bentonville to connect with brands and community leaders to demo bikes and learn more about the e-mobility movement.