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Details Announced for the 2021 Bentonville Bike Fest

Jan 20, 2021
by shiftactivemedia  
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Press Release: Bentonville Bike Fest

US-based bike festival with a loaded schedule set in the world-famous trails of Oz – over 300 miles of MTB trails in the epic Ozark Mountains, N.W Arkansas, USA

Following on from the successful ‘Women Shred’ event in 2019, Kenny Belaey, multiple Trial Bike World Champion and avid mountain biker has made Bentonville his US home, setting plans in motion to host an even bigger cycling event in 2021 - Bentonville Bike Fest, presented by Pyure - an action-packed 3 days for bike enthusiasts taking place June 18-20.

The festival itself costs nothing to enter and offers the perfect place to chill out with your friends and family while you are surrounded by free demo bikes, world-class action and access to some of the best trails around. There will be live bands, DJs and dirt shows with tons of jumps and a brand new Mama Bear pumptrack area hosting some of the best MTB and BMX freestylers around.

There will be a huge range of pro-rider talent present to encourage, teach and race (generous prizes up for grabs). Riders include Freeride pioneer Hans Rey, professional two-wheeler - Barry Nobles, multiple world trials champion Vincent Hermance, Perrine Devahive who’s a World Cup top 3 trials rider, Joacim Nyman who’s a top 8 World Cup trials rider and is going to pulverise the ‘Highest Forward Jump on a Bicycle’ Guinness World Record plus, pioneering freerider Richie Schley will be creating top-quality video reports during the event.

There will also be Anneke Beerten, multiple UCI Four Cross World Champion, Jeff Lenosky, trials and all mountain rider, Nico Vink, founder of the LooseFest Series and Red Bull Rampager participant and judge. Jeremy McGhee who does pioneering work for disabled athletes alongside Mountain Bike legend, Multiple World Champion, Hall of Fame Inductee & all around Bike Enthusiast Brian Lopes.

A number of brands are already committed to sponsoring the event with Gold Sponsors such as Van Dessel and Univega. Other sponsors include Body Armor, WD40, Vizzy, Vital Proteins, JUNK Brands, Mojo Cycling, Supernola, Live Gnar, Milo’s Tea Company, Boost Oxygen, Impossible Foods, Dig Clothing Company and many more. They will have booths set up in the expo area for riders and visitors to learn about their products. Bike brands like Allied Cycle Works, Niner, Jamis, Pirelli, Rapha, Univega, Van Dessel and many more will bring demo bikes and booths to feature the hottest new items in the industry. Community partners include Rampaffairz, Pure Nutrition, Bike Bentonville, Visit Bentonville, the Walton Family Foundation and Slaughter Trail Guides.

Credit Roo Fowler


What's On:

All American Sprint & Enduro Races

The All American race will be presented by Supernola. The sprint format is not only very exciting, its an individual sprint race on an iconic trail with the all American king and queen crowned that night and receive a $2500 prize purse.

The enduro carries a $4000 prize purse. It will be presented by Mojo Cycling and built and designed by one of the best enduro course designers out there - Slaughter Trail Guides.


Pumptrack Demo Area

Offering free access to a huge range of demo bikes.


Women Shred Programming

Anneke Beerten and Perrine Devahive will host riding workshops to improve safety and skills for female riders.

Credit Roo Fowler


Kids Shred Activities

Buddy Pegs will make sure kids can try out an obstacle course and see the latest in children's bicycles.


Trial Bike Shows And Competition

Trial Bike shows will be happening throughout the weekend, along with a US National Trial Competition with a $4000 prize purse. This will serve as a test event in order to become a UCI Trials World Cup in the future.


Gravel Ride

Presented by Van Dessel and with the support of our gravel partner - the dedicated team at 37 North, riders can choose a 24 or 60-mile ride to get a taste of what gravel riding has to offer. Starting with a Q&A, the ride is fully supported with a sweep car for those who face technical difficulties, plus a meal is provided upon return.


Trial Bike Guinness World Record Attempt

‘Highest Forward Jump on a Bicycle’ - Vincent Hermance, Joacim Nyman and Kenny Belaey will battle it out to see how high they can hop onto a wall. The World Record for this currently stands at 179cm which was set at Prudential Ride London by Laszlo Hegedus.


Style It Up Workshops

Nico Vink’s career started as a world cup racer almost 3 decades ago. He has travelled the world building the world's best big air dirt jumps, is a Red Bull rampage judge and one of the most respected freeriders out there. You can sign up for Style it up workshops with Nico - He’ll give you tips and tricks to ride better, safer and cooler!


Art

In collaboration with OZ Art, there will be a number of art installations created by well-respected artists and inspired by the festival vibe. Art is a huge part of Bentonville and following the event, the artworks will be installed along the trails!

Kenny Belaey, Bentonville Bike Fest, presented by Pyure founder and CEO said: “Following the success of Women Shred we really wanted to up our game and put on an even bigger show with the hugely appreciated support of our sponsors and talented professional riders. We are really proud to offer riders the chance to experience the latest bikes, see world-class shows by multiple world champions (trials, flatland, Guinness World Record and dirt). This is going to be an unmissable event for anyone wanting to race, learn or just soak up the unique atmosphere and unbeatable trails in Bentonville”.

Kalene Griffith, CEO of Visit Bentonville said: "After running a very successful Women Shred bike event for the Bentonville Film Festival in 2019, we're excited to learn that Kenny Belaey will now head up the Bike Bentonville Fest in June of 2021. As the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, we can't think of a better place for bike lovers to travel to than Bentonville, Arkansas, for this exciting and inclusive event."

Tom Walton, Walton Family Trust - supporters of Bentonville Bike Fest, presented by Pyure said: “We’ve always challenged ourselves and Northwest Arkansas communities to be innovation labs for trail building and cycling – an effort that includes diversifying ridership.”

With more than 300 miles of natural-surface trails, Northwest Arkansas has risen as a premier mountain biking and public recreation destination. When people leave the expo area of downtown Bentonville, they will roll right onto the trails. It is ideal for beginners, but also for the very advanced rider. The perfect place to experience mountain biking!
Want more racing and to see more of Northwest Arkansas? Extend your trip for a full week to check out Arkansas’s second oldest mountain bike race June 23rd-27th. The Fat Tire Festival in Downtown Eureka Springs includes newly finished Marble Flats and Passion Play trail systems, just minutes from the Lake Leatherwood trail system and campground!

Please email Jessy@bentonvillebikefest.com to find out how to become a supporting brand or partner. Details on how to register for free entry tickets will be announced in the coming weeks (the races will be paid entries but access to the festival is free). Keep up to date at bentonvillebikefest.com and follow on Instagram or Facebook.

*We will, of course, be monitoring the ongoing COVID situation and will communicate any changes or new regulations that will affect Bentonville Bike Fest, presented by Pyure as soon as we can as the safety of every person involved is our main priority.

Credit Cycle OG


Posted In:
Racing and Events Press Releases


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Member since Dec 14, 2017
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59 Comments
  • 20 2
 Correction - Details Announced for the most likely postponed 2021 Bentonville Bike Fest
  • 5 16
flag ricochetrabbit (Jan 21, 2021 at 8:10) (Below Threshold)
 Why would it be postponed? @neimbc
  • 2 0
 @ricochetrabbit: Honestly, you never know how things will go by then with covid, but I hope it's a go and every other thing too.
  • 5 17
flag ricochetrabbit (Jan 21, 2021 at 9:21) (Below Threshold)
 My statement was more sarcasm LOL. Canceling the event would solve absolutely nothing just like the past year of canceling events has done absolutely nothing but cause Missouri for thousands of people @neimbc:
  • 6 3
 @ricochetrabbit: Just like the past year of not canceling events has done absolutely nothing but cause missouri (and death) for thousands of people.
  • 11 0
 So much Missouri you might as well call it Louisiana
  • 4 0
 Ah, yes, the progressive state of Arkansas, ranking a respectable 48/50 in public health.
  • 19 5
 Does it irk anyone else that Bentonville refers to themselves as the "Mountain Biking Capital of the World"?

Don't get me wrong - the trails look like fun and it seems they've put a lot of effort into their trail systems recently. But that's quite a lofty title for rolling flow trails...
  • 3 2
 I'm with you. I live in Socal and wouldn't even pretend to think I'm in the capitol. Seems pretty arrogant.
  • 7 2
 Yeah, this bold claim really reinforces the stereotype of that region having a very limited view the rest of the world. Anyone from a location that is a true contender for the title of "Mountain Biking Capital of the World" isn't too concerned about the claim, just laughing. I think its great that Bentonville is embracing mountain biking, but they need to tone down their self proclaimed title approach. The rest of the MTB world is out digging, riding, designing bike related products, racing, living generations of bike culture, etc in the true mountain bike capitals of the world and not the slightest worried about a silly title.
  • 6 0
 It's marketing, and it's effective. I know plenty of NWA locals who are also annoyed by it, and everyone here is very aware that there are places with a longer history and "better" riding (as far as terrain and vertical). That being said, the accessibility of riding in Bentonville is fairly unique in being able to pedal straight from the town square and be on a trail in about 90 seconds.

The other thing that I think often gets discounted is the continued development and potential. This isn't a short term surge of trails and building. It's a continued and ongoing effort that's part of a larger master plan... and there are nearly unlimited dollars to put toward this vision. The only problem is that you can't build vertical feet, so we're never going to have 5'000 foot of vertical to descend... but we do have some "mountains" with 2,000 foot of prominence... and that's similar to Angelfire.
  • 3 0
 Who cares? It's marketing, ignore it. It's certainly not a bad thing that Bentonville has a ton of easily accessible trails for most skill levels.
  • 1 1
 @Feaster: If that's marketing, Bentonville is marketing to the wrong crowd.
  • 5 0
 We own and operate a small mountain bike shop in Bentonville. We recently moved here from Southwest Utah (Cedar City) and Salida Colorado before that. Pretty epic riding in both of those towns. The thing we see about Bentonville as has already been mentioned here, is the vast amount of trail rideable easilly right from town, it doesn't take half your day to get a great ride in. Something for everyone too, especially beginners which many other trail systems lack. Lots being built too! Don't forget Eurekas Springs riding which isn't far away and all that Bella Vista has also. The town embraces the bikes, there's money to build trail and host events and even the restaurants are usually ride up bike friendly. Year round riding (usually) makes it pretty sweet too. If you haven't been, give it a shot. I'm not saying I don't miss the high alpine riding in Salida, or the fun Southwest Utah chunk but Bentonville is the coolest "mountain bike" town we've ever been too (Bellingham is close) and we love it!
  • 1 0
 @Bentonvillebicycleco: Well, Boise trails are right by the downtown core and we do not claim to be the "mountain biking capital of the world" because of it.
  • 16 4
 how are they going to do an enduro? There's almost no downhills. rode there last spring. it's all just rolling XC stuff and some DJ tracks.
  • 12 5
 Enduro is a race format, not a gradient requirement. Slaughter Trail Guides usually cuts some temporary fall-line rake and rides when they put together an enduro course, though. There certainly won't be any 10-minute stages, and there will be pedaling... but it will also be a good time.
  • 5 0
 Next time you're in town, check out Buffalo Outdoor Center (Ponca, AR), Lake Leatherwood, and Passion Play trails. First two have shuttles, and are DH systems. Not in Bentonville, but a fairly short drive away!
  • 3 0
 Logged onto PB to read about the trials comp... and I look at the comments here, and remember why I haven't visited this site in the past couple of years. It is one thing to put a comment out there, another to read and try to understand where someone else is coming from, and then either move on, or seek clarification. But thank you trolls. This leaves me far more time to ride and wrench.
  • 1 0
 word Wink
  • 2 1
 If everything is set up I might just go the week after to avoid crowds. I’ve been considering this destination for two years. Hopefully (fingers crossed) everything will be back to somewhat normal by then and the festival can be enjoyed by everyone.
  • 3 1
 Sponsored by Walmart .... Demo the best we have to offer. We will have onsite highly skilled Walmart bike assemblers offering free suspension tunes, road side bike services.
  • 2 0
 Is it just me or do trial and trail keep coming back to haunt me and make some sentences slightly more confusing
  • 8 0
 just don't loose your mind over lose dirt.
  • 4 2
 Arkansas in June??? No thanks!! Non-stop sweating, chiggers, mosquitoes, ticks, etc., etc., etc.
  • 2 0
 How is this not sponsored by Viathon?
  • 2 0
 Always rolling back prices
  • 3 2
 I cannot wait!!! this is super cool and im glad they decided to do it.
  • 1 2
 I mean... that's a pretty damned impressive lineup of athletes and events. And the prize purses are nothing to sneeze at, in all honesty.
  • 1 1
 I'm currently planning on attending for the two XC rounds. But not too enthusiastic about it.
  • 1 0
 Since 2020?
  • 1 0
 aw yeee totally down!
  • 19 21
 AH yes, the great state of arkansas looking to give COVID's death toll another boost.
  • 12 19
flag ricochetrabbit (Jan 21, 2021 at 9:22) (Below Threshold)
 How long do you propose we just keep canceling and shutting things down for?@stonant
  • 19 11
 @ricochetrabbit: Until the majority of the population has been vaccinated.
  • 9 6
 If there's any evidence that outdoor events like this promulgate the virus, I'd sure like to see it.
  • 10 21
flag ricochetrabbit (Jan 21, 2021 at 10:09) (Below Threshold)
 I thought it was two weeks to “flatten the curve”? Been a year. Also. How many is the “majority”? Not everyone wants/needs/cares about the vaccine @stonant:
  • 9 3
 @Clavdivs: I'm not opposed to outdoor events w/ proper restrictions/guidelines in place, it's the contact that comes from the events (hotels, restaurants, bathrooms, etc.) that is the concern. As of this moment
  • 13 20
flag ricochetrabbit (Jan 21, 2021 at 10:21) (Below Threshold)
 If you are worried about it, stay home. Why restrict the rest of us? @stonant:
  • 15 9
 @ricochetrabbit: I don't know if you're intentionally obtuse, but here's a little explanation:

(0.5) x (~328 million people) + 1 (person) = majority of the population.

Two weeks would flatten the curve if all of our states did so in harmony, but thanks to our former fearless leader who fomented distrust in science, not everyone got on board, or will ever get on board.
  • 11 4
 @ricochetrabbit: I don't stay home, I wear my mask and maintain proper distance like a responsible person. You can go to the trails and ride them if you would like, you just shouldn't hold a major event during a global pandemic.
  • 7 26
flag ricochetrabbit (Jan 21, 2021 at 10:24) (Below Threshold)
 No it wouldn’t. You have absolutely zero proof of your statement. Btw. 208 people died today due to Biden’s incompetence handling Covid. See how stupid that sounds? @stonant:
  • 8 22
flag ricochetrabbit (Jan 21, 2021 at 10:26) (Below Threshold)
 Affirming a sense of responsibility on yourself may make you feel good but it doesn’t mean jack. Again. If you don’t want to attend a large event, don’t go. Why should the rest of us be miserable and not go because YOU don’t think so? Keep your ass home then LOL. @stonant:
  • 10 5
 @ricochetrabbit: Proof of what? That COVID is spread via airborne transmission?

Also, the 208 people who died today contracted the virus under Trump's presidency, but I assume you're too much of a dolt to understand incubation periods.
  • 10 7
 @ricochetrabbit: Ah, I see you are the classic Florida man who believes they have the right to increase the risk of exposure for thousands of people in the name of "fun" and "freedom". Classic case of "my rights" and a a lack of respect for others.
  • 4 14
flag ricochetrabbit (Jan 21, 2021 at 11:02) (Below Threshold)
 Actually I’m a Pennsylvania/New Jersey transplant who escaped to Florida. You would have a valid argument if you had facts to back up your claims. But you have none. @stonant:
  • 12 2
 @ricochetrabbit: You're in Florida, making you a Florida man.
  • 3 16
flag ricochetrabbit (Jan 21, 2021 at 11:07) (Below Threshold)
 LOL right so what does it fall under Biden? My point is Noel single person is responsible for this Covid. Like I said if you want to wear a mask wear a mask if you don’t wanna attend large gatherings donuts in large gatherings but don’t virtue signal and pontificate and bloviate on the rest of us who really just don’t give a damn and are going to continue living lives as normal regular people @stonant:
  • 5 13
flag ricochetrabbit (Jan 21, 2021 at 11:08) (Below Threshold)
 Ok. I’m in Florida. We are free here. What’s your point? And I do my best as a law enforcement officer to make sure YOU can be too. @stonant:
  • 3 13
flag ricochetrabbit (Jan 21, 2021 at 11:09) (Below Threshold)
 I apologize for my horrendous punctuation and miss spelling… I’m sitting in my patrol car right now using voice to text @stonant:
  • 11 5
 @ricochetrabbit: The local law enforcement, protectors of democracy and freedom! Do you expect to be thanked for your service? This revelation explains a lot about your sense of entitlement.
  • 7 13
flag ricochetrabbit (Jan 21, 2021 at 11:30) (Below Threshold)
 Nope. I’m more proud of my military service.But being respected would be nice. @stonant:
  • 9 3
 @ricochetrabbit: respect is earned.
  • 4 5
 Touché @JSTootell:
  • 4 11
flag badbadleroybrown (Jan 21, 2021 at 19:24) (Below Threshold)
 Someday this @stonant: clown is gonna have an original thought and it'll be his first... until then, he'll just keep repeating whatever propaganda his TV feeds him while trying to sound tough talking about pissing on people's graves, despite being too afraid to live his life because of a virus. lol
  • 2 4
 @stonant: FU
  • 2 1
 He’s a dunce @badbadleroybrown:
  • 2 0
 So @stonant, how is the tentatively scheduled event (even says :"*We will, of course, be monitoring the ongoing COVID situation and will communicate any changes or new regulations that will affect Bentonville Bike Fest..) different that any other bike related event announced as upcoming in 2021 on Pinkbike with respect to COVID or do you just enjoy spreading negativity? I don't have time to look into your comment history, but did you talk as much trash on the recent iXS DH schedule, New Zealand DH series, the Nevada State DH series, etc.?

Don't feel safe by mid summer and the event is still on? Don't come. Remember the disclaimer that they are monitoring the COVID situation btw. The NWA scene is rad, welcoming and very positive. This being said by a 10 year Colorado resident. Just another cool locale out of endless others globally. Ride were you want, but the trash talk is just juvenile
  • 3 6
 Remember those *holes Trump labeled around the world...well Arkansas is the epicenter of them all.







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