I moved here for work 2 years ago from North Los Angeles County. I thought I would get bored of the local trails and need to travel to places like Lake Leatherwood, Devils Den or Mt. Nebo to enjoy true downhill. The quality and diversity of trails and easy access is beyond anything I expected. I find new features to ride all the time and they keep building more. I am very happy living here and being able to ride a mile from my front door to Slaughter Pen is so convenient. I know people make fun of the Mountain Bike Capital slogan, but the access and culture are truly one of a kind.
That's good to hear. I definitely questioned if I'd get bored after a month or so of riding there. I think at the end of the day you learn to love what you have. I'm sure some people could make an argument about how it sucks riding in Northern California because you have to climb for 45 minutes to ride almost anything fun.
Yeah it's a cute MTB town with cool trails. Not worth it as a MTB destination in my personal opinion, but I live in the PNW and like to go to BC, Moab, Sedona for destination riding. I'm impressed by what they are able to do with such little elevation they have in NWA.
Not riding the trails within an hour of you is cutting yourself short from a ton of fun, progression, and different sides of the community. Branch out, come ride the shuttle at LW with us, check out the World Cup XC course at Centennial, ride Fitzgerald in Springdale. Don’t get complacent! ❤️ You can only progress so far in Bville, it’s lovely and I’ll never leave but there’s not much to aspire to to keep moving forward and getting better to have more/safer fun when back in Bville. Much love, Donut
I appreciate your ineptitude at jumping and showing that on video. It speaks to the hordes of us that grew up mountain biking on natural tech trails and to this day feel totally intimidated by man made “features”.
I feel the exact same. Really enjoy flowy fun trails, some tough climbs, a little bit of rough terrain but the minute I have a 5 foot drop or have to jump something and hope my landing goes well I just don't feel great doing it. A local park took one of my favorite up and down flowy trails and added some tougher big rock features and jumps that now have me not very interested in doing it. Just not at a comfortable point in life with young kid and a demanding job to crash and break a collarbone or snap an arm (not that anyone "truly" is at that point in life).
I resonated with the "jumping is not my thing" and it isn't so much what I grew up doing, it's outright that I'm a chicken! I was the same as a wee lad racing MX, and this continued in my 20's racing BMX, and is now persistent in my 40's on the MTB. But what I do is learn skills to compensate for the lack of jumping, I am always working to pump on trails, and if there's a double set of rollers, I'll pop a manual from one to the other. I'll jump small tables, hit small drops, and always willing to take a second look at a feature to see if it's in my wheelhouse or not. In the end, my goal is to ride, have fun, have a mental escape from the every day, and return home safely. If that means keeping my tires on the ground for 99.99999% of my ride, so be it. I enjoy both tech and flow trails, and as a slower rider, it's a good challenge to plot my way down through some chunky terrain that I really enjoy.
I'm super greatful that we got to ride together. You showing me around was awesome. Between that ride and the group ride I went on in Slaughter Pen it gave me the lay of the land so I could venture out on my own and feel like I knew where I was going. Thanks so much!
Went to Bentonville this past spring, for first time, with the family! We absolutely loved it and being close due to living in SC Kansas, it will now be part of our regular travels! Mountain biking FTW!
Upper Midwest rider here. If you loved Bentonville and want more downhill, tech, and jank, Duluth is your jam. 103 miles interconnected, including a lift service bike park, plenty of "ride out the front door". Plus, the daily highs in July are high 70s to high 80s. That being said, I do want to expound on something you mentioned about riding at Bentonville. Having trails close to your house will always trump the gnar factor of said trails. Doesn't mean there shouldn't be X trails in a given location, but a trail you bang out 2-10 miles before or after work without having to drive 30-40 minutes one way. A 3 mile long green/blue trail with blue/black b-lines between housing developments might do more to help mountain biking as a sport than the epic black/double black trail in the mountains an hour away.
Second to none with your story telling. You got a gift man! It was so great hangin with you guys that one night. Hope to see you again and do laps with you!
Moved to Bentonville from Houston 2 years ago and have looked back! Bentonville is a full size n life hack in all ways, even much more that the mtb scene, best place in country to raise a child and do life!
Dude I used to watch your vids years ago and loved them, I forgot your name and finally you popped up on my list, i immediately subscribed. Cant wait to see what you’ve been up to
Loved NWA so much we moved here and honestly the hardest part about living here is trying to figure out what to ride everyday, I need like a spinning wheel or something to point me in a direction lol. I was helping out a local shop at the Fest and the devastation was just so unreal. Great job on the video, spot on for sure!!
I hope you will check out Tunnel Vision and the Back 40 next time. That’s where you will find the miles and miles of trails in our area in addition to the progressive trails of Slaughter pen and Coler.
You caught me on your video walking into the Bentonville Bike Fest right in front of you! Too funny! We were both probably at Sedona as well. Dang tornado totaled out my bike van though. Ride on!
Robert, thanks for a great rundown of an amazing event. You accurately captured the entire essence of the Bike Fest and relayed it effectively. The Bentonville experience is SO DIFFERENT from the west coast (or Rocky Mountain) vibe. So different, but so equally fun and challenging! Keep up the great work!
It really took me a bit to accept that it wasn't what I normally ride. But overall, I had a blast and would recommend people to go. However, I think a lot of TH-cam videos on the place tend to make it seem a bit more epic than it is.
Thank you for this video! I feel like a lot of people from bike park states love to trash on Bentonville for not having any lift parks. As you said, some of us would rather trade the convenience of trail access and progression as opposed to having massive skill gaps between trails and lift access. I came to Bentonville/Bella Vista last year on vacation and immediately knew it was something special. Two months later I packed up and moved to Bella Vista and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I can hit XC trails one minute's ride from my front door. The trails link into each other creating a massive network that can take you hundreds of miles if your legs feel up to it. If I drive just a couple of minutes I have access to hundreds more miles of gravel. It's a cyclist's paradise. I can't stress enough how badly the trails were affected by the storms. Thousands of trees down. Coler was absolutely devastated. I didn't even realize the full extent until I drove past and couldn't even recognize Fireline since it was covered in trees. Thankfully we have thousands of amazing volunteers and such an amazingly robust trail organization in Trailblazers, that the trails we love are already springing back to life just over a month later. Bentonville has something for nearly anyone of any age to ride and I'm so proud to call this area home
I flew out the day after the storm and I knew the trail networks had to be completely jacked. It's a good thing Bentonville has the advocacy that it does. I personally don't like lift access riding much. It's just not my jam. But I truly enjoy the adventure of riding. When I first got to Bentonville I felt like I was a little mislead on TH-cam and that's why I titled the thumbnail the way I did. I can totally understand why you moved there. Reminds me of where I grew up but with way more biking!
I'd consider everything in an hour drive from Bentonville to be the "area" of NW Arkansas. Bentonville is an important part of the story, but not the whole thing. There is PLENTY more riding outside of the hyper concentrated and beautifully groomed hundreds of miles of Bentonville/Bella Vista trails. Mt Nebo has 1000 vertical feet of loose and chawnky descent. Hobbs has some cool loops. Kessler Mtn is pretty chunky and natural. Devil's Den is awesome. Those are just a few spots within day trip range. And you have hundreds of miles of trail in the Ouachita national Forest 3 hours away and another absolutely pristine trail system (Northwoods) in Hot Springs.
Unfortunately I didn't have time to venture out from the city. I've read a bunch of comments like this and look forward to checking that out another time!
Go ride handcut hollow, that will change your mind about the technical trails! Bentonville has a lot of great trails but there’s a ton of awesome stuff nearby too. The popularity of biking up here has helped keep interest high in mountain biking that in turn keeps trails alive.
Great video. Heading there for the first time in just a few months. I’ve seen tons of videos and dreamed of going there for years now. I’m used to very techy trails and only recently started noticing in videos what people don’t exactly point out, the short non-techy ness of the trails there. Glad to hear you say that it’s still absolutely worth going. I don’t wanna feel disappointed after wanting to go for so long lol.
There are some more techy trails - they just don’t get highlighted as much in TH-cam videos bc they’re not the “flashy, fun” trails. If techy & pedaling is your jam, head up to Bella Vista (basically north Bentonville)! Blowing Springs, Back 40 & Little Sugar trails are less manicured & still pretty cool. 😊
I think the biggest thing about Bentonville is how easy it is to progress your skills. Super happy you mentioned that. I went for bike fest last year and was a significantly better rider after 3 days there than I was when I arrived.
It's the all-encompassing vibe that surrounds the area that's infectious. The attitude of gratitude is ubiquitous with the locals, such an amazing bike friendly infrastructure throughout and, if I do say, the perfect place to get laps on an emtb with the hub trail system. 💯
Great video. I’ve ridden in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, Virginia, North Carolina, Alberta, and California - but never anywhere near Bentonville yet. Every place has its own character. Enjoyed the perspective of someone who also lives in a place where it’s often about big climbs and big descents. Would be fun to do a Tahoe / Bentonville house swap for a week
Great video! Been going there every Spring and love it. Incredible riding and people in town are awesome. The BBQ spot right at the trail exit is excellent.
i have the same issue here. mostly short greens or 40km+ black diamond trails, with a few short blue's, so you can learn to padle in the baby pool and then you get pushed overboard in the open ocean
Great review, I visited last October what a great place to push yourself out of the comfort zone. I love that they have progression everywhere. I’m a Michigan mountain biker and enjoy a variety of trail riding experiences that said Bentonville offers all of it and then some. The progression pushes your mental limits into, Hey, I did that now. What can I do? I’m totally stoked about going back and look forward to my next adventure in Bentonville.
So funny how similar we are. I am an overweight 46 yr old who feels like a kid on my bike. I live north of Bentonville in KC. I wish I could get there more often but I also have kids. It's funny, the trails you were showing are what I always struggle with. The minor drop in on Berm Creek or the one coming off of the hub at Coler. Definitely more of a mental thing. I wish I had more confidence to leave the ground but we know how that go's. Keep up the great content!
Cane Creek WMA an hour north is one of the best kept secrets in the SE. I've seen it referred to as Pisgah Lite. The biggest thing is it needs to be ridden, not a lot of traffic.
Bentonville is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been for biking. It does NOT have the “best” trails necessarily, but it definitely is the most organized, maintained, and accessible biking experience that you could ever want. Its awesome for exactly what it is intended to be!
Started in the bike industry in the mid 80’s. So, I’m an old crusty bike fan. People need more content like this. The knarly, balls to the wall content isn’t bringing new people to ride. This type will.
First time ive stumbled across your channel! What part of the Sac area are you in? Im Roseville born and raised and got into mtb riding only a few years ago.
I just left bentonville monday last week then road leatherwood and knocksville and made home today. All there major lines like castle and hub is open sometimes have to take roads to get were going. Once i learned what happened not knowing anything about the tornado 🌪️ the community and contractors are 100% taking care of business i had blast leatherwood 100% open and rocking Arkansas is awesome and people are over top cool asf along with Tennessee
Great review and video! Made me wish I was there. For me, the biggest concern is the humidity and bugs. That humidity makes me sweat just thinking about it, then bugs stick to me and I hate that shit. I lived in GA for a while, I know what it's like. But that bike park is more inviting to me after watching your video.
Born and raised in Northwest Arkansas....wouldn't have it any other way! Such an amazingly underrated places...or rated just right given it has been on the top 10 places to live in America for several years now. Don't let the education rankings, healthcare ratings, etc about ALL of Arkansas fool you....Northwest Arkansas is wildly affluent and the education is some of the best in the country.
Just stumbled on your channel with this video. Thanks. Never been to B’ville, but it’s on the list. Just moved to the top of the list, especially with my terminally intermediate wife and 7y/o son. Seeems right up their alley. 🤜👍
Great video Robert! Someday I've love to get down there from the Hudson Valley of NY. We are loaded with natural techy trails here, with plenty of rocks! You'd love it.👍
I'm with you I'm not a jumper lol. Long as you had fun. I really like your perspective at bentonville. Awesome you got to run with Evan and catch Heather on the trail. She seems pretty cool.
all I got from this video was at the end, in the video of vendor area after the storm, the hot dog car looked like it made it thru ok.....I just feel so much better now.
I agree with everything you said. I have tons of natural trails near me in the St Louis area but the features and jumps are more limited or on intimidating runs. Bentonville takes a person that doesn’t do jumps and gives you baby steps. Literally you will see tiny kids doing the beginner jumps and say to yourself, “why not?” Next thing you’re doing blue rated jump lines, casing some but maybe clearing some and still feeling comfortable. So many riders around me say their wheels don’t leave the ground. I dare them to go to Bentonville and not try some drops or jumps.
I like your honest review. My first trip I was not as blown away as I expected. If I go back, I'll be looking to try leatherwood. I can get rock solid machine built trails everywhere these days. Only natural terrain can you get real character of an area. It's really disappointing to see trails being excavated, that character is instantly lost.
@@nickholzem7401yeah there’s definitely more elevation at Leatherwood & also at Passion Play in Eureka Springs (but no shuttle at Passion Play); also check out Mt Nebo near Russellville - it has some really awesome DH trail (though Rock Solid built most of it as well); Mt Kessler in Fayetteville also has some decent descents - techy & more natural.
I agree with you bro, not a bug fan of jumping. I lie to feel the tires grabbing the trail and shred it. If I wanted to be in the air all the time I’ll ride a plane. 😑
Been wanting to visit here but, as a non-jumper, was scared I would not find trails to my liking. I prefer flowy cross country. Your video makes it look worth a visit. Thanks!
Please come out to Colorado Springs. We have a lot of janky descents. Some of my fav jank I ride in the middle of town in City Parks. And just to the west lets talk Cheyenne Canyon or Pikes Peak. 12 miles, 100ft of climbing and over 7,000ft of jank descending. I used to live near Bentonville. Never really enjoyed riding there much.
Thanks I was just wondering this. I've watched a few of these videos myself even considering moving to Arkansas because of which. After the last video I watched of 10 best trails or something I was wondering just that are all these trails really short and just smooth as silk jump trails. I have not been mountain biking in quite some time but when I did when I was younger living in the midwest like I do, the trails are long and brutal. Not as they appear as smooth as asphalt and very short. That being said I'm sure they're still fun as hell
My understanding from the comment I've got that there are some more technical places to ride nearby that I didn't get to. But overall, the elevation gain/loss is pretty small there so there definitely won't be any super long decents. Overall the place was super fun and I wouldn't be upset if that's all I had to ride. The community was really nice too. Reminded me a lot of where I grew up in PA.
Excellent place to go to progess your skills Been here all week for our annual trip and it just never disappoints. Insanel how quickly they've reopened trails since the tornadoes.. Lake Leatherwood is a must next time you're here 🤘
Everything you didn’t like is exactly why I want to go there. We have nothing but pedally/rocky cross country or long natural janky tech, I’d love some fast flow trails.
You want long techy descents? Go east of Bentonville to Eureka Springs and to Ponca. More of a drive but what you are looking for. Also techy single track in Devil's Den state park. Also great rides in Springdale and Fayetteville, just minutes away from Bville.
I really think Bentonville would be an amazing place with a ton of variety for all of us to meet up. I dodged it this year, but next year? Hopefully no face plants like last time we rode together 😬
@@B1KER It does seem like a nice place for bikes. I have to be honest though my understanding is that a Walton family member or two from the Walmart clan has financed the trail system there which is good just wish they took better care of the employees.
I have ridden coast to coast, even alaska.. the trails at bentonville aren't the longest, hardest, gnarliest. But they are the best, hands down the best place to ride. the vibe and the people are unmatched.. the town is real cool too.. for a natural chunky area in Bentonville, you should have ridden Hand Cut Hallow..
I first rode Slaughter Pen, Phase 1 back in 2007. I was hooked. Been back many many times since. Hit Drop the Hammer it's first week open to the public(At 50 years old). Love the place and will be back this coming weekend. Only difference is I will now add in a round of golf while in town😁
I don't think I was more than a minute into this when you showed the dusty trails of home and I thought to myself, "Self, that looks a whole lot like Auburn or Salmon Falls Darrington Trail" - then you show the Auburn Forest Hill bridge and I thought, Yeah!! I'm just an hour drive from there. 🤜🤛
A little gem of natural trails I discovered by accident (because my hotel room was nearby) is the Traverse Loop and associated off-shoots on the east side of town and somewhat separated from other parts of the trail system. While my experience at Bentonville was otherwise similar to yours (although I do love a good jump trail), I am glad the Traverse Loop was the first section I rode when I was there to visit last year. I look forward to going back. Being mainly an east coast rider, I hear about hour long climbs out west and get nervous... we just don't really have those here in SE PA.
Only bad thing about Northwest Arkansas is that the area has become unaffordable to most people. When you're paying the same rent cost in downtown Bentonville as you are in LA, it's never a good sign. Greed has destroyed what used to be a great small town community.
Did you ride Bella Vista. It's literally across the highway and has many miles on unmanicured trails. As a 57 year old TH-camr, I have no issue sending it on jumps. Maybe it's time to learn how to jump better...🤪 You don't have to go huge, but at least good enough to clear all these medium sized tables. Trust me, you will enjoy it a lot more. I mean that's why I absolutely love Bentonville, all the amazing jumps!!! Those Tornadoes sucked. We were in an Airbnb without a basement which was scary!
I moved here for work 2 years ago from North Los Angeles County. I thought I would get bored of the local trails and need to travel to places like Lake Leatherwood, Devils Den or Mt. Nebo to enjoy true downhill. The quality and diversity of trails and easy access is beyond anything I expected. I find new features to ride all the time and they keep building more. I am very happy living here and being able to ride a mile from my front door to Slaughter Pen is so convenient. I know people make fun of the Mountain Bike Capital slogan, but the access and culture are truly one of a kind.
That's good to hear. I definitely questioned if I'd get bored after a month or so of riding there. I think at the end of the day you learn to love what you have. I'm sure some people could make an argument about how it sucks riding in Northern California because you have to climb for 45 minutes to ride almost anything fun.
Yeah it's a cute MTB town with cool trails. Not worth it as a MTB destination in my personal opinion, but I live in the PNW and like to go to BC, Moab, Sedona for destination riding.
I'm impressed by what they are able to do with such little elevation they have in NWA.
@@lokmtb8503 I agree that it’s not a destination by itself but when you add all the surrounding trail networks in NWA I think it’s worth the trip.
Having lake leatherwood nearby is awesome too though. Super fun park
Not riding the trails within an hour of you is cutting yourself short from a ton of fun, progression, and different sides of the community. Branch out, come ride the shuttle at LW with us, check out the World Cup XC course at Centennial, ride Fitzgerald in Springdale. Don’t get complacent! ❤️ You can only progress so far in Bville, it’s lovely and I’ll never leave but there’s not much to aspire to to keep moving forward and getting better to have more/safer fun when back in Bville.
Much love, Donut
I appreciate your ineptitude at jumping and showing that on video. It speaks to the hordes of us that grew up mountain biking on natural tech trails and to this day feel totally intimidated by man made “features”.
Yeah, not my thing! 😂
Same here, I still ride mostly old hiking trail kinda stuff out in the east US, and now that I'm 58 its hard to get used to jumping.
I feel the exact same. Really enjoy flowy fun trails, some tough climbs, a little bit of rough terrain but the minute I have a 5 foot drop or have to jump something and hope my landing goes well I just don't feel great doing it. A local park took one of my favorite up and down flowy trails and added some tougher big rock features and jumps that now have me not very interested in doing it. Just not at a comfortable point in life with young kid and a demanding job to crash and break a collarbone or snap an arm (not that anyone "truly" is at that point in life).
I resonated with the "jumping is not my thing" and it isn't so much what I grew up doing, it's outright that I'm a chicken! I was the same as a wee lad racing MX, and this continued in my 20's racing BMX, and is now persistent in my 40's on the MTB. But what I do is learn skills to compensate for the lack of jumping, I am always working to pump on trails, and if there's a double set of rollers, I'll pop a manual from one to the other. I'll jump small tables, hit small drops, and always willing to take a second look at a feature to see if it's in my wheelhouse or not. In the end, my goal is to ride, have fun, have a mental escape from the every day, and return home safely. If that means keeping my tires on the ground for 99.99999% of my ride, so be it. I enjoy both tech and flow trails, and as a slower rider, it's a good challenge to plot my way down through some chunky terrain that I really enjoy.
Great video! The best part you mentioned is about the progression of the trails. I love it here. Im happy i got to show you around!
I'm super greatful that we got to ride together. You showing me around was awesome. Between that ride and the group ride I went on in Slaughter Pen it gave me the lay of the land so I could venture out on my own and feel like I knew where I was going. Thanks so much!
What a vast difference in terrain. Sometimes you can make more progression when you change things up. 🤙
there are many other mountain bike centric cities with better riding. Just drop the capital thing. mtb capital of arkansas for sure!
Went to Bentonville this past spring, for first time, with the family! We absolutely loved it and being close due to living in SC Kansas, it will now be part of our regular travels! Mountain biking FTW!
Great to hear!
Upper Midwest rider here. If you loved Bentonville and want more downhill, tech, and jank, Duluth is your jam. 103 miles interconnected, including a lift service bike park, plenty of "ride out the front door". Plus, the daily highs in July are high 70s to high 80s.
That being said, I do want to expound on something you mentioned about riding at Bentonville. Having trails close to your house will always trump the gnar factor of said trails. Doesn't mean there shouldn't be X trails in a given location, but a trail you bang out 2-10 miles before or after work without having to drive 30-40 minutes one way. A 3 mile long green/blue trail with blue/black b-lines between housing developments might do more to help mountain biking as a sport than the epic black/double black trail in the mountains an hour away.
The thing I've learned most about travelling around and riding is that every place is good in it's own way. However, none of them are perfect.
Duluth is DOPE!!!
Duluth is a mecca of its own. Natural rock, views, gnar, lifts, flow trails, nightlife. Truly a gem. Im going up to spirit on friday!
Second to none with your story telling. You got a gift man! It was so great hangin with you guys that one night. Hope to see you again and do laps with you!
Was cool to meet in person. I was truly surprised you were a big guy too!
Bentonville looks like an amazing place for biking, and it's definitely on my bucket list for places I want to ride someday
It's a good one for the bucket list.
Moved to Bentonville from Houston 2 years ago and have looked back!
Bentonville is a full size n life hack in all ways, even much more that the mtb scene, best place in country to raise a child and do life!
I was imagining being a kid there has to be awesome. 🤘
Dang I’m trying to move from Galveston! Been applying for jobs all year. Dying to move there
Dude I used to watch your vids years ago and loved them, I forgot your name and finally you popped up on my list, i immediately subscribed. Cant wait to see what you’ve been up to
Glad to have you back!
Loved NWA so much we moved here and honestly the hardest part about living here is trying to figure out what to ride everyday, I need like a spinning wheel or something to point me in a direction lol. I was helping out a local shop at the Fest and the devastation was just so unreal. Great job on the video, spot on for sure!!
Right on man, that’s awesome 🤘
Nice clickbait title. "What other TH-camrs won't say about Bentonville", and the video is basically what every other TH-camr says about Bentonville.
I feel like other youtubers have made it sound more epic and it's really just a fun place to ride.
Yeah lame title
Agreed. Click bait desperation for views 👎🏼
@@MTBishop You caught me! Hit subscribe for more. 🤘
@@B1KERcringe
For long and tech near Bentonville, there's a downhill park with shuttle in Eureka at Lake Leatherwood. Those trails are insane!
I'll have to check it out next time!
As a Tahoe native I'm biased towards what we have to ride and you can't beat the views. Appreciate the honest review.
That's the thing, when you are used to dh that lasts for miles with amazing views...you truly are biased.
I miss Tahoe. I lived on the West Shore in Tahoma for 6-7 years. Different trails and places are cool, but nothing compares to Tahoe
I loved my week long bike session in Bentonville! Love how there is progression everywhere.
So much progression! It was truly fun.
I hope you will check out Tunnel Vision and the Back 40 next time. That’s where you will find the miles and miles of trails in our area in addition to the progressive trails of Slaughter pen and Coler.
I'll definitely have to check that out!
Love what Evan said about the hammer... it's unlocked so much more in my mind, progess in mtb is so rewarding.
I can totally imagine. Maybe someday. 🤷♂️
You caught me on your video walking into the Bentonville Bike Fest right in front of you! Too funny! We were both probably at Sedona as well. Dang tornado totaled out my bike van though. Ride on!
Ah man that sucks! See ya at Shredona next year 🤘
Robert, thanks for a great rundown of an amazing event. You accurately captured the entire essence of the Bike Fest and relayed it effectively. The Bentonville experience is SO DIFFERENT from the west coast (or Rocky Mountain) vibe. So different, but so equally fun and challenging! Keep up the great work!
It really took me a bit to accept that it wasn't what I normally ride. But overall, I had a blast and would recommend people to go. However, I think a lot of TH-cam videos on the place tend to make it seem a bit more epic than it is.
Thank you for this video! I feel like a lot of people from bike park states love to trash on Bentonville for not having any lift parks. As you said, some of us would rather trade the convenience of trail access and progression as opposed to having massive skill gaps between trails and lift access.
I came to Bentonville/Bella Vista last year on vacation and immediately knew it was something special. Two months later I packed up and moved to Bella Vista and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I can hit XC trails one minute's ride from my front door. The trails link into each other creating a massive network that can take you hundreds of miles if your legs feel up to it. If I drive just a couple of minutes I have access to hundreds more miles of gravel. It's a cyclist's paradise.
I can't stress enough how badly the trails were affected by the storms. Thousands of trees down. Coler was absolutely devastated. I didn't even realize the full extent until I drove past and couldn't even recognize Fireline since it was covered in trees. Thankfully we have thousands of amazing volunteers and such an amazingly robust trail organization in Trailblazers, that the trails we love are already springing back to life just over a month later. Bentonville has something for nearly anyone of any age to ride and I'm so proud to call this area home
I flew out the day after the storm and I knew the trail networks had to be completely jacked. It's a good thing Bentonville has the advocacy that it does. I personally don't like lift access riding much. It's just not my jam. But I truly enjoy the adventure of riding. When I first got to Bentonville I felt like I was a little mislead on TH-cam and that's why I titled the thumbnail the way I did. I can totally understand why you moved there. Reminds me of where I grew up but with way more biking!
I'd consider everything in an hour drive from Bentonville to be the "area" of NW Arkansas. Bentonville is an important part of the story, but not the whole thing.
There is PLENTY more riding outside of the hyper concentrated and beautifully groomed hundreds of miles of Bentonville/Bella Vista trails.
Mt Nebo has 1000 vertical feet of loose and chawnky descent. Hobbs has some cool loops. Kessler Mtn is pretty chunky and natural. Devil's Den is awesome. Those are just a few spots within day trip range. And you have hundreds of miles of trail in the Ouachita national Forest 3 hours away and another absolutely pristine trail system (Northwoods) in Hot Springs.
Unfortunately I didn't have time to venture out from the city. I've read a bunch of comments like this and look forward to checking that out another time!
Go ride handcut hollow, that will change your mind about the technical trails! Bentonville has a lot of great trails but there’s a ton of awesome stuff nearby too. The popularity of biking up here has helped keep interest high in mountain biking that in turn keeps trails alive.
I’ll definitely check that out next time.
Great video. Heading there for the first time in just a few months. I’ve seen tons of videos and dreamed of going there for years now. I’m used to very techy trails and only recently started noticing in videos what people don’t exactly point out, the short non-techy ness of the trails there. Glad to hear you say that it’s still absolutely worth going. I don’t wanna feel disappointed after wanting to go for so long lol.
As long as you go with that in mind it’s way less of a surprise.
There are some more techy trails - they just don’t get highlighted as much in TH-cam videos bc they’re not the “flashy, fun” trails. If techy & pedaling is your jam, head up to Bella Vista (basically north Bentonville)! Blowing Springs, Back 40 & Little Sugar trails are less manicured & still pretty cool. 😊
I think the biggest thing about Bentonville is how easy it is to progress your skills. Super happy you mentioned that. I went for bike fest last year and was a significantly better rider after 3 days there than I was when I arrived.
Exactly my same experience!
Great well produced video (imho).
I loved the honesty man maybe I’ll see you out there next year!
Hahaha 🤘
It's the all-encompassing vibe that surrounds the area that's infectious. The attitude of gratitude is ubiquitous with the locals, such an amazing bike friendly infrastructure throughout and, if I do say, the perfect place to get laps on an emtb with the hub trail system. 💯
It was definitely fun!
Great video. I’ve ridden in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, Virginia, North Carolina, Alberta, and California - but never anywhere near Bentonville yet. Every place has its own character. Enjoyed the perspective of someone who also lives in a place where it’s often about big climbs and big descents. Would be fun to do a Tahoe / Bentonville house swap for a week
Omg, those two are worlds apart in the riding!!!
CONGRATS on this one taking off!!
Thanks man!
Sooo nice! Every town needs a place like this!
Agreed!
I haven't tried them, but there's a lot of trail just north of town, and it seems to be a more traditional trail experience.
Definitely will next time.
Great video! Been going there every Spring and love it. Incredible riding and people in town are awesome. The BBQ spot right at the trail exit is excellent.
I can totally understand why it's so popular!
Man, this was really well put together video! Taking notes! Subscribed!
Awesome, thank you!
i have the same issue here. mostly short greens or 40km+ black diamond trails, with a few short blue's, so you can learn to padle in the baby pool and then you get pushed overboard in the open ocean
Hahaha, love the analogy.
Great review, I visited last October what a great place to push yourself out of the comfort zone. I love that they have progression everywhere. I’m a Michigan mountain biker and enjoy a variety of trail riding experiences that said Bentonville offers all of it and then some. The progression pushes your mental limits into, Hey, I did that now. What can I do? I’m totally stoked about going back and look forward to my next adventure in Bentonville.
The progression I made there was actually the thing that surprised me most.
So funny how similar we are. I am an overweight 46 yr old who feels like a kid on my bike. I live north of Bentonville in KC. I wish I could get there more often but I also have kids. It's funny, the trails you were showing are what I always struggle with. The minor drop in on Berm Creek or the one coming off of the hub at Coler. Definitely more of a mental thing. I wish I had more confidence to leave the ground but we know how that go's. Keep up the great content!
It’s just a head game. You can do it!
Wow what an appropriate video to have pop up the morning I'm heading to Bentonville! Thanks!
Oh right on! Have fun!
Knoxville TN is getting close to being a MTB Mecca. Baker Creek, Windrock and now Ober Gatlinburg all within an hour drive of eachother.
I’ve been eyeing Chattanooga
Cane Creek WMA an hour north is one of the best kept secrets in the SE. I've seen it referred to as Pisgah Lite. The biggest thing is it needs to be ridden, not a lot of traffic.
@@southernaccent Nice 🤘
I've been wanting to get to Bentonville for years. This video makes me want to go even more!
It's definitely worth the trip!
Man, great job, Rob! I've always wanted to go to Bentonville but this video really solidified it for me.
I think it would be a super fun boys trip. But not one you'll be bragging about the epic rides you did. More of the high fives and good times.
Bentonville is one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been for biking. It does NOT have the “best” trails necessarily, but it definitely is the most organized, maintained, and accessible biking experience that you could ever want. Its awesome for exactly what it is intended to be!
It's definitely put together. But could you say it's more put together than Whistler?
As a beginner this looks like a wonderful Mecca for me. I wish a west coast town like Chico would do something similar.
As a beginner you'd be crazy stoked if you went.
lol Chico too dry. I’m surprised Bay Area with the nice mountains ain’t got shit either
Well California is broke, so there's that.
Novato, Petaluma, or Santa Rosa would be perfect places for this.
@@cameroncooper3065 if the City of Santa Cruz actually stopped pretending they don’t have amazing trails it would be a great place!
Awesome video and it was great meeting you at berm creek.
Right on man! Thanks for the camera work. The clip made it in the cut too!
@B1KER yeah I noticed! It was awesome haha
Dude, great video! Really enjoyed your perspective on the town and trail system.
Much appreciated!
Great video !! So good seeing you that week 😊
You too 🤘
Great video, good story telling, awesome drone footage...one day when I retire in the next few years i want to ride Bentonville.
It’s a good goal!
Right on dude. Great video. Always gotta laugh at the mtb capital of the world claim.
Always! 😂😂😂
The Walmart brat that built this wants the title. Too bad all that money he has will never be able to make that happen.
I live out here and just got my 1st bike, I'm stoked!
That’s a great place to be learning. You’re gonna love what you’ve got at your disposal.
you sold me at its jumpers paradise, I'm going for sure!
You’ll love it! 🤘
Started in the bike industry in the mid 80’s. So, I’m an old crusty bike fan. People need more content like this. The knarly, balls to the wall content isn’t bringing new people to ride. This type will.
Thanks man!
First time ive stumbled across your channel! What part of the Sac area are you in? Im Roseville born and raised and got into mtb riding only a few years ago.
I'm in East Sac.
I just left bentonville monday last week then road leatherwood and knocksville and made home today. All there major lines like castle and hub is open sometimes have to take roads to get were going. Once i learned what happened not knowing anything about the tornado 🌪️ the community and contractors are 100% taking care of business i had blast leatherwood 100% open and rocking Arkansas is awesome and people are over top cool asf along with Tennessee
Right on!
I wish I could. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Glad ya liked it 👍
Great review and video! Made me wish I was there. For me, the biggest concern is the humidity and bugs. That humidity makes me sweat just thinking about it, then bugs stick to me and I hate that shit. I lived in GA for a while, I know what it's like. But that bike park is more inviting to me after watching your video.
The humidity was rough. Not gonna lie!
October-December is the key… you can ride all year long here but the bugs & humidity are far better in fall & early winter 😊
Born and raised in Northwest Arkansas....wouldn't have it any other way! Such an amazingly underrated places...or rated just right given it has been on the top 10 places to live in America for several years now. Don't let the education rankings, healthcare ratings, etc about ALL of Arkansas fool you....Northwest Arkansas is wildly affluent and the education is some of the best in the country.
Reminded me a lot of where I grew up in PA. Definitely would be a great place to raise a family.
Just stumbled on your channel with this video. Thanks. Never been to B’ville, but it’s on the list. Just moved to the top of the list, especially with my terminally intermediate wife and 7y/o son. Seeems right up their alley. 🤜👍
It would be perfect for that. You would all have a blast.
Great video Robert! Someday I've love to get down there from the Hudson Valley of NY. We are loaded with natural techy trails here, with plenty of rocks! You'd love it.👍
Growing up in PA I love those East Coast rock gardens! 🤘
An absolutey AMAZING place. Head East to Turkey Mountain in Tulsa, that place has undergone a major transformation. Brilliant trails
Will have to check that out
And more coming!
I'm with you I'm not a jumper lol. Long as you had fun. I really like your perspective at bentonville. Awesome you got to run with Evan and catch Heather on the trail. She seems pretty cool.
They are both rad people. Stoked you liked the video.
all I got from this video was at the end, in the video of vendor area after the storm, the hot dog car looked like it made it thru ok.....I just feel so much better now.
The weiner made it through the storm!
I agree with everything you said. I have tons of natural trails near me in the St Louis area but the features and jumps are more limited or on intimidating runs. Bentonville takes a person that doesn’t do jumps and gives you baby steps. Literally you will see tiny kids doing the beginner jumps and say to yourself, “why not?” Next thing you’re doing blue rated jump lines, casing some but maybe clearing some and still feeling comfortable. So many riders around me say their wheels don’t leave the ground. I dare them to go to Bentonville and not try some drops or jumps.
Yeah, it definitely walks you right into it.
I ride mostly EUC. There’s an annual bentonville event for it. These trails and features look pretty amazing.
Right on 🤘
I like your honest review. My first trip I was not as blown away as I expected. If I go back, I'll be looking to try leatherwood. I can get rock solid machine built trails everywhere these days. Only natural terrain can you get real character of an area. It's really disappointing to see trails being excavated, that character is instantly lost.
Like you, I prefer the natural stuff as well. I've seen a bunch of people talk about that place in the comments. I'll have to check it out.
You realize Rock Solid built Leatherwood too, right?
@@Fullsend_Gin no, I didn't. I hear they have elevation. I didn't find much of it in Bentonville
@@nickholzem7401yeah there’s definitely more elevation at Leatherwood & also at Passion Play in Eureka Springs (but no shuttle at Passion Play); also check out Mt Nebo near Russellville - it has some really awesome DH trail (though Rock Solid built most of it as well); Mt Kessler in Fayetteville also has some decent descents - techy & more natural.
@@Fullsend_Gin great suggestions, thank you!
I agree with you bro, not a bug fan of jumping. I lie to feel the tires grabbing the trail and shred it. If I wanted to be in the air all the time I’ll ride a plane. 😑
Hahahahaha! I hear ya.
Awesome video! Putting Bentonville on my bucket list and you earned a sub :)
Awesome! Thank you!
I really enjoyed your video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Been wanting to visit here but, as a non-jumper, was scared I would not find trails to my liking. I prefer flowy cross country. Your video makes it look worth a visit. Thanks!
There is a ton of that there. You'll have a blast.
Please come out to Colorado Springs. We have a lot of janky descents. Some of my fav jank I ride in the middle of town in City Parks. And just to the west lets talk Cheyenne Canyon or Pikes Peak. 12 miles, 100ft of climbing and over 7,000ft of jank descending. I used to live near Bentonville. Never really enjoyed riding there much.
One of my buddies from the Army lives in the springs. I'm sure I'll make it out there sooner or later!
The Barr trail coming off Pikes! One of the best decents on the continent!
I like your take on it.
Thanks!
I definitely want to go ride there someday. I love steep janky trails, but also love jump trails.
You should!
Thanks I was just wondering this. I've watched a few of these videos myself even considering moving to Arkansas because of which. After the last video I watched of 10 best trails or something I was wondering just that are all these trails really short and just smooth as silk jump trails. I have not been mountain biking in quite some time but when I did when I was younger living in the midwest like I do, the trails are long and brutal. Not as they appear as smooth as asphalt and very short. That being said I'm sure they're still fun as hell
My understanding from the comment I've got that there are some more technical places to ride nearby that I didn't get to. But overall, the elevation gain/loss is pretty small there so there definitely won't be any super long decents. Overall the place was super fun and I wouldn't be upset if that's all I had to ride. The community was really nice too. Reminded me a lot of where I grew up in PA.
Excellent place to go to progess your skills
Been here all week for our annual trip and it just never disappoints. Insanel how quickly they've reopened trails since the tornadoes..
Lake Leatherwood is a must next time you're here 🤘
Will definitely check that out!
Great job getting out of you comfort zone on the jumps and drops!
Thanks man!
what gps mount are you using on this bike?
This one: amzn.to/4bEC9xT
Everything you didn’t like is exactly why I want to go there. We have nothing but pedally/rocky cross country or long natural janky tech, I’d love some fast flow trails.
Don’t get me wrong, it was still fun. 🤘
I was there for our 1st time to bikefest when that nado came! Airbnb already booked for 2025. You coming back?
I’m up in the air. I’d like to, but there are also a bunch of places I haven’t been so 🤷♂️
You want long techy descents? Go east of Bentonville to Eureka Springs and to Ponca. More of a drive but what you are looking for. Also techy single track in Devil's Den state park. Also great rides in Springdale and Fayetteville, just minutes away from Bville.
Next time for sure!
I really think Bentonville would be an amazing place with a ton of variety for all of us to meet up. I dodged it this year, but next year? Hopefully no face plants like last time we rode together 😬
No face plants is a good idea!
@@B1KER where is that video btw? I need a good laugh 😆
Ice ! Hope everyone survived that storm and are doing good !
I wouldn’t consider Bentonville east coast though. It’s southern Midwest .
Yeah, that's the Californian in me talking. You are totally right!
@@B1KER It does seem like a nice place for bikes. I have to be honest though my understanding is that a Walton family member or two from the Walmart clan has financed the trail system there which is good just wish they took better care of the employees.
Great video!!
Thanks man!
I have ridden coast to coast, even alaska.. the trails at bentonville aren't the longest, hardest, gnarliest. But they are the best, hands down the best place to ride. the vibe and the people are unmatched.. the town is real cool too.. for a natural chunky area in Bentonville, you should have ridden Hand Cut Hallow..
It's definitely something special there. I wish I would have ridden HCH. Next time for sure!
I first rode Slaughter Pen, Phase 1 back in 2007. I was hooked. Been back many many times since. Hit Drop the Hammer it's first week open to the public(At 50 years old). Love the place and will be back this coming weekend. Only difference is I will now add in a round of golf while in town😁
Good job on the hammer!
I don't think I was more than a minute into this when you showed the dusty trails of home and I thought to myself, "Self, that looks a whole lot like Auburn or Salmon Falls Darrington Trail" - then you show the Auburn Forest Hill bridge and I thought, Yeah!!
I'm just an hour drive from there. 🤜🤛
Yep, that was Grizzly! 🤘
I think its the variety and how embedded mountain biking is in the community that makes it the mountain bike capital of the world.
I hear ya.
Good video, man. Yeah, a little different perspective on the bike fest, I liked it a lot.
Glad you liked it!
Nice, you have a good style.
Thanks 🤘
A little gem of natural trails I discovered by accident (because my hotel room was nearby) is the Traverse Loop and associated off-shoots on the east side of town and somewhat separated from other parts of the trail system. While my experience at Bentonville was otherwise similar to yours (although I do love a good jump trail), I am glad the Traverse Loop was the first section I rode when I was there to visit last year. I look forward to going back. Being mainly an east coast rider, I hear about hour long climbs out west and get nervous... we just don't really have those here in SE PA.
I’m from York originally and the climbs back home definitely aren’t like Cali!
Nice video. All true comments. It is a pump track on steroids. Getting more trails every month.
Super fun 🤘
Well done...!!! Thank you for sharing....😊
My pleasure 😊
Great Video, my dude!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Bentonville gave you courage for that rock roll this past weekend 😉
Nah, California gets the bragging rights for that one!
Only bad thing about Northwest Arkansas is that the area has become unaffordable to most people. When you're paying the same rent cost in downtown Bentonville as you are in LA, it's never a good sign. Greed has destroyed what used to be a great small town community.
That's a bummer. I didn't look at the prices of homes while I was there.
@@B1KER Yea, in order to buy a house in downtown Bentonville, you're looking at 1.5mil and that's for a townhouse. Most houses go for 2.5mil+.
I am not a mt biker but I ride a ebike and a Harley Tri Glide but that looked so cool at the fest. Sorry for the Storm I pray no one was hurt.
Unfortunately some people did, but I don’t think anyone at the fest.
Enjoyed your video. Good luck.
Another enjoyable video -- TY!
Glad you enjoyed it
Try Knoxville, great trails right out of downtown and fantastic beer scene.
Thanks for the tip!
Great video dude!
Glad you enjoyed it
You're not kidding...I am a pretty confident rider and I still stared down the rock roll in off The Hub for 20 minutes. GoPro effect for sure.
Glad it wasn’t just me 🙌
I ran into you at Coler. Was cool seeing you here :)
Right on man! I had a blast fanboying the city and the trails I've seen online so much.
The Cuyuna area in Minnesota is kinda like this
My buddy told me about that place!
@@B1KER you should ride there sometime!
Did you ride Bella Vista. It's literally across the highway and has many miles on unmanicured trails.
As a 57 year old TH-camr, I have no issue sending it on jumps. Maybe it's time to learn how to jump better...🤪 You don't have to go huge, but at least good enough to clear all these medium sized tables. Trust me, you will enjoy it a lot more.
I mean that's why I absolutely love Bentonville, all the amazing jumps!!!
Those Tornadoes sucked. We were in an Airbnb without a basement which was scary!
I’ll have to check out Bella Vista next time.
I hope to visit this place sometime. Also seeing Heather is awesome! She seems so cool
You should definitely go! It was super fun. I've met Heather a handful of times and she's just as rad in person as she comes across in videos!
Great video! BBF is awesome - we can’t wait to get back to a tornado-free event in 2025!!
I’m sure!