My first trip out to Bentonville Bike Fest was definitely one to remember.
While I had been to Bentonville before and already knew how incredible the riding is, this was my first time attending the festival itself. Bentonville Bike Fest is a premier week-long bike and outdoor expo held in Bentonville, Arkansas, and it completely exceeded my expectations. I was already excited for another trip back to Northwest Arkansas, but the festival quickly became one of my favorite mountain bike events I've ever attended. Between the incredible vendors, world-class riding, Red Bull events, and the amazing cycling community, every day was packed with something exciting.
Day 1 was all about getting settled in and squeezing in as much riding as possible before the festival officially kicked off. My fiancé, Allen, and I flew into Arkansas at 8 a.m., which meant a very early 3:30 a.m. wake-up call. Thankfully, our bike bags arrived without any issues, and we headed straight toward the festival area. Eager to ride, we built our bikes in a hot parking lot under the Arkansas sun and immediately got to work putting together our weekend adventure.
Once our bikes were ready, a local friend picked us up and took us to the brand-new OZ Bike Park. It was honestly one of the most impressive bike parks I've ever visited. The facility was beautiful, the trails were incredibly well-built, and everything felt thoughtfully designed for riders of all abilities. We spent the day lapping downhill trails and getting our first taste of the weekend's riding. It was also the perfect opportunity to break out some of my favorite Moxie riding pants, which stayed comfortable through a full day on the bike despite the summer heat.
Day 2 started with a quick bike ride to breakfast before heading over to the festival grounds. I met up with Heidi and Mark at the Moxie Cycling booth, and together we got everything set up and ready for the crowds.
As soon as the gates opened, people started pouring into the festival. Around noon, riders began gathering for the Moxie group ride. I had the opportunity to lead the group through some of the local trails surrounding the venue, and it was easily one of the highlights of the weekend. We spent the ride sharing trail tips, talking bikes, and enjoying some of Bentonville's incredible trail network. We even made a mid-ride stop for ice-cold lemonade before heading back.
When we returned to the festival, everyone on the ride received Moxie goodie bags, which made for a fun surprise. The rest of the afternoon was spent meeting riders, talking about bikes, and showing off Moxie's newest apparel. The festival also marked the launch of the new Conversion Cargo MTB Pants. These versatile pants feature zip-off legs, durable DWR stretch fabric, and a knee-pad-friendly fit, making them a great option for riders who want one piece of gear that can adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
The evening was filled with more riding, good food, and an attempt at catching up on sleep after a long day.
Day 3 was just as busy as the first two. The breakfast spot we discovered the day before was so good that we rode right back for a second visit before heading to the festival.
Back at the Moxie tent, another large group ride rolled out, and this group was every bit as fun and enthusiastic as the first. One of my favorite things about events like Bentonville Bike Fest is meeting riders from all over the country who share the same passion for getting outside and riding bikes.
Later that day, we watched Red Bull's new event, Doubledown, where pairs of riders hit jumps side by side and perform synchronized tricks. The level of talent on display was incredible, and the energy from the crowd made it even better. We wrapped up the evening with an e-bike ride around town and, of course, pizza with friends.
Day 4 arrived way too quickly. We spent our final day hanging around the festival, catching up with riders we'd met throughout the weekend, sharing Moxie products, and checking out some of the other vendors before packing everything up. One of the coolest parts of Bentonville Bike Fest is how many different brands, athletes, and riders come together in one place. Everywhere you turn there's a new product to check out, a trail recommendation to hear about, or someone with a great bike story to share. Before long, it was time to head back to the airport and make the trip home.
Looking back, Bentonville Bike Fest exceeded every expectation I had. Even though I've visited Bentonville before, experiencing the town during Bike Fest was something entirely different. The energy throughout the week, the incredible riding, the opportunity to represent Moxie, and the chance to connect with riders from all over the country made it a truly memorable experience. Whether you're looking to demo new bikes, ride world-class trails, meet fellow riders, or simply immerse yourself in bike culture for a few days, Bentonville Bike Fest is absolutely worth adding to your calendar. I already know I'll be back.
