October in Bentonville is more than just another month—it’s Biketober, a time when the bike energy in town ramps up. This year’s ‘Bike Week’ was something truly extraordinary. As Team USA rolled into town, ready to compete in the Life Time Big Sugar Gravel and Little Sugar MTB bicycle races, we knew we had to welcome them back to their training grounds in true Bentonville style.
First, we kicked things off with a lively parade, where the streets came alive with cheers as the world-class athletes rode through town. But we didn’t stop there—locals got the once-in-a-lifetime chance to race against USA Cycling’s mountain bike team in a dual slalom event at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. It was the perfect mix of southern hospitality and competitive spirit, creating memories that will be talked about long after the dust settles on the trails.
Team USA Parade + Meet and Greet
It's a big deal when athletes who trained in Bentonville win national champion titles, Olympic medals, and world championships! The trails here provide exactly what they need to excel on the world stage. From flow-state practice on our many machine-built, groomed trails to navigating technical, loose terrain like Hand Cut Hollow, Bentonville has firmly established itself as the Mountain Biking Capital of the World.
That's why we decided to reward the athletes for their hard work and big victories with a parade down Main Street! The excitement was electric as the athletes cruised down Main Street in convertibles, waving to cheering fans. Behind them, more than 100 local kids pedaled their bikes in admiration, following their heroes through the parade route. The entire community gathered, applauding the athletes for their incredible achievements and celebrating another unforgettable moment in Bentonville’s mountain biking legacy. After the parade, families lined up to collect autographed memorabilia from the athletes.
The kids were full of admiration, getting their helmets and NICA jerseys signed by the athletes. Who knows? The next generation of Olympians might just be Bentonville natives!
Thunder Dome Thriller Dual Slalom Race at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
The day kicked off with a community jam session featuring Team USA MTB athletes alongside over 50 local riders who couldn’t wait to hit the slalom. Riders as young as 11 were slotted into competitive brackets, setting the stage for an afternoon of thrilling, single-elimination rounds.
Dual Slalom is a type of mountain bike racing where two riders race side by side on identical, parallel tracks, each trying to cross the finish line before the other. As the dust flew and wheels spun, the energy was palpable. The crowd cheered from the top of the hill to the bottom, keeping the atmosphere electric.
Announcers stationed at the start and finish lines hyped up the crowd and amplified the intensity. Their voices echoed throughout Coler, celebrating the riders and fueling the spectators. The iconic Red Bull truck, parked right at the bottom of the course, added flair to the scene, contributing to the unmistakable Bentonville vibe. In a stunning finish, local rider Marshall Davis won the men’s category.
