Welcome to our new Visit Bentonville YouTube series, Rider Responsibility, hosted by Mountain Bike Hall of Famer, Nat Ross, and brought to you in partnership with Visit Bentonville's bike brand, Bike Bentonville and Bentonville Parks and Recreation! Each episode will provide you will key takeaways for safely enjoying our trails in the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, including the importance of social distancing, how to properly prepare for a ride, respect the landscape - and so much more! 

WATCH EPISODE 1

Nat Episode 1

EPISODE 1 - Five Tips for Social Distancing 
In episode one, Nat Ross shares five social distancing tips from the Outdoor Alliance that will help keep you safe on the trails during COVID-19. Those tips include:

  • Prioritizing the health of others
  • Maintaining 6 feet & riding cautiously 
  • Staying close to home
  • Keeping it chill 
  • Being a good trail steward of the trails

 

WATCH EPISODE 2

Episode 2 Bike Safety

EPISODE 2 - Before You Go 
In episode two, Nat Ross prepares to ride Slaughter Pen and shares the safety plan you need to check off before hitting the trails in the Mountain Biking Capital of the World

  • ABC’s (Air / Brakes / Chains(
  • Let others know where you are riding 
  • Use local trail maps / bikebentonville.com 
  • Always wear safety gear 
  • Bring supplies & first aid kit 

 

WATCH EPISODE 3

Rider Responsibility 3

EPISODE 3 - Respect The Landscape 
In episode three, Nat Ross shares the importance of respecting the landscape while riding the trails in Northwest Arkansas. His tips include:

  • Leave no trace
  • Don’t Ride Wet Trails 
  • Keep Single Track Single 

 

WATCH EPISODE 4 

Episode 4

EPISODE 4 - Share the Trail  
In this episode, join Nat Ross at the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve as he shares some key tips on why it's important to share the trails. 

 

WATCH EPISODE 5

Episode 5

EPISODE 5 - Ride Open, Legal Trails

Nat Ross has a simple but important message! Don't ride closed trails in the Mountain Bike Capital of the World. Watch this episode to find out more. 

 

WATCH EPISODE 6

Episode 6

EPISODE 6 - Plan Ahead 

Make sure you plan ahead before heading out to ride the Mountain Biking Capital of the World! Nat Ross has great advice from the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, which includes pre-planning advice like planning your route, bringing supplies and telling others where you are going. Watch this episode to find out more! 

 

WATCH EPISODE 7

Episode 7

EPISODE 7 - Ride in Control 

Nat Ross wants you to know that how important it is to ensure that you ride in control by knowing your limits, scouting the trails and using proper protection. Check it out here! 

 

WATCH EPISODE 8

Episode 8

EPISODE 8 - Mind the Animals  

Want to enjoy nature to its fullest? Nat Ross shares how important it is to mind the animals while riding in the Mountain Biking Capital of the World. He also shares tips and tricks for bringing along your pet!

 

Make sure you check out our Visit Bentonville to plan your next trip! For all things cycling in the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, make sure to check out Bike Bentonville! For updates on our parks and trails, please visit Bentonville Parks and Recreation

You can also follow Nat Ross on Facebook @natxross & Instagram @nat_ross.