Registration For Racing At Bentonville Bike Fest Opens And Important Updates Announced

See some of the worlds best entertainers on bikes and check out the endless trails!

Following on from the announcement of Bentonville Bike Fest earlier this year, which is all set to go ahead June 18-20, we can now announce a number of exciting updates including the attendance of even more hugely respected athletes and the opening of race registrations and workshops.



Racing
All races and ticketed events are now open for registration via the Bentonville Bike Fest website, this includes the All American Sprint & Enduro Races. The All American race will be presented by Supernola. The sprint format is not only very exciting, it's an individual sprint race on an iconic trail with the all American King and Queen crowned that night with 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. All races will have an entry fee, see more details HERE.

We are also super excited and very proud that STRIDER is going to host their Strider Cup and Strider Adventure Race inside the festival area throughout the event, link to enter is HERE. The Strider Aventure-Cross is for riders ages 4-6 years old and combines running, riding in balance mode, and pedalling all in one awesome race.

The North American Trials Championship will also be taking place on Sunday 20th June with categories from novice to elite and a prize purse of $4000, it’s a must-see for trials fans and a must-do for all those wanting to put their skills to the test. To enter click HERE.

Events
If racing isn't your thing, there are a number of ticketed workshops to help you learn, improve and boost confidence when out on the trails, these include:

Women shred Workshops
Now in its 2nd successful year, women shred champions womens MTB riding from novice to elite there is something for everyone with top female athletes on hand to offer guidance and advice. To secure your place click HERE.

Women shred presenting partner Liv Cycling US said: “We’ve been noticing Bentonville gaining popularity as a place for destination riding, as well as having great infrastructure to accommodate cyclists in the community. We believe this event will be a big hit among existing and new cyclists and we want to support its growth and success!
Liv Cycling will have a dedicated space at Bentonville Bike Fest. We’ll have women from our company on site, as well as some of our elite athletes and brand ambassadors. We’ll be hosting events, clinics, women’s rides, and down to have a good time - make sure you come say hi!".

Gravel Workshops - Presented by Van Dessel
Partnering with 37 North, riders can take part in an introduction to Gravel - a fully supported 24 mile ride for all ages and abilities, an advanced 60 mile ride and round - table discussion on gravel and bike packing, to book your place click HERE.

Athlete Update
An update to the previously announced line up is that unfortunately Nico Vink, Perrine Devahive, Joacim Nyman, Vincent Hermance and Pol Tarres won’t be attending due to new travel restrictions. This has created a space to ramp up the ‘style it up workshops’ with Carson Storch and Mike Hucker who will bring more of a focus on trials riding, teaching riders how to perfect classic moves including a whip, table top and jump-a-double. These are ticketed workshops with only a few spaces remaining so get your ticket HERE.

Crystal Anthony, multiple CX champ and Bentonville resident is also going to hang out - representing LIV cycling and hosting the women shred workshops.

Three times a day at the festival area, Carson and Mike will also be going head to head on the new MAMA Bear dirt line - BMX vs MTB Freestyle! Nine-time World Champion Trials rider and Bentonville Bike Fest founder, Kenny Belaey will be doing Trial bike shows with a US trials star (surprise act) on his Pedal to the Medal setup with Terry Adams performing flatland shows on the main stage.

Pioneer in mountain bike trials and Freeriding - Hans Rey, said: “Festivals are a great way to celebrate the lifestyle of MTB, Bentonville has the whole package - trails and lifestyle - riders are always made to feel welcome - you can ride a week there and ride a different trail every single day. I’m excited to see a new generation of kids do their magic, this will be a big highlight for me.”

Trials rider Lance Trappe said: “After riding full time on teams like Rockshox Devo and Volvo Cannondale and the USA National team I found myself on the stage of Cirque du Soleil for 14 years. I have now returned to my off-road roots and am blending my racing, technical and show skills with a big focus on trail riding fun. At Bentonville Bike Fest I plan to focus on technical trail sections and skills sessions but nothing formal. I'll be jumping in on the Trail Boss rides with Jeff Lenosky specifically.

...I know myself and countless others have been counting the minutes before we can all get together and ride. This is a huge step forward for MTB to be gathering in Bentonville and sharing the stoke. Bentonville has some of the most unique and superbly crafted trails in the world. Fun for all levels and ages. Guaranteed fun for any bicycle enthusiast.”

3 time world champion and mountain bike racer Anneke Beerten said: “In 2019 I coached women at the first ever Women Shred event in Bentonville and I am excited to do so again this year! The rides will be divided in different categories, everybody is welcome from beginner to expert and pro. The diversity of trails are great to work on skills on all kinds of different levels. We will get you out of your comfort zone a bit, work on overcoming some fears, get the adrenaline going and will have a great time shredding the trails of Bentonville!”

World-class professional Freeride and Trials MTB Rider Jeff Lenosky said: “I’m partnering with the Bentonville Bike Festival because it’s one of my favorite places to ride. I’ll be bringing my Trail Boss Group Rides to the festival which are fun group rides where we frequently stop and session features to make it a fun instructional ride. Bentonville has some of the best attributes of trails all around the world in a central location, add world class coffee shops, breweries and restaurants and its a mountain bikers dream.”
Entertainment
Red Bull DJs and several bands will be playing a series of sets on Friday and Saturday evening - all completely free to watch whilst hanging out in the beer and food garden.

LGBT+
Following on from recent news on laws passed in the state of Arkansas, we want to highlight that: “They are not reflective of Bentonville Bike Fest which is all about inclusion, we welcome everyone, no matter the race or gender. We are still going full steam ahead with our event and strongly believe that's the best way to make our point. Our team has been working very hard to organise this event and we believe the best course of action is to open our doors for all bike enthusiasts and offer every festival goer an amazing time .” Kenny Belaey - Nine-time World Champion Trials rider and Bentonville Bike Fest founder.


To attend the festival it’s completely free, you just need to turn up and you will be granted entry. The ongoing COVID situation is being constantly monitored and Bentonville Bike Fest will be completely compliant striving to maintain an outdoor event with social distancing and PPE where necessary. See the full COVID policy click HERE.

Please email Jessy@bentonvillebikefest.com to find out how to become a supporting brand or partner. Keep up to date at bentonvillebikefest.com and follow on Instagram or Facebook.

Images - Credit Cycle OG