Bentonville, Arkansas Leaders Stake Claim as Mountain Biking Capital of the World™

Decades-Long Effort on Mountain Biking Brings City Officials and Leaders together to make a Worldwide Announcement

Bentonville, Ark. (July 1, 2020) – Bentonville leaders have staked their city’s claim as Mountain Biking Capital of the World™.

“It’s true that Bentonville has become the new Mountain Biking Capital of the World™,” says Mayor Stephanie Orman. “Over the past decade, our community has built a reputation among mountain biking enthusiasts and athletes as the premier global destination for the sport.” The trails’ supportive amenities, infrastructure, and innovative trail network secures Bentonville’s rightful place as the crown jewel among all other premier locations around the world. “We’re the heart of the trailhead in the Ozarks, and headquarters to the most innovative mountain bike trail designs built anywhere.”

Industry insiders and mountain bikers have used words such as “Mecca,” “Disneyland,” “Perfect,” and “Gold” in describing the mountain bike trails and Bentonville. Only a block away from downtown there is immediate access to the best rides any novice or expert rider could hope to find. The world-class experience did not come through happenstance; it took a concerted effort by the community and its leaders, along with a clear vision and a foundation for what was possible.

“This incredible distinction has come after years of intentional work from Bentonville’s city leaders, trail builders, maintenance teams, new and experienced riders, and countless others in our great community,” said Tom Walton, co-founder of RUNWAY Group, a lifelong Bentonville patron, and avid mountain biking enthusiast. “From the outset of our shared vision to transform our city as a mountain biking paradise unique from other destinations, the city government and community leaders provided the support and balanced leadership we needed to help make the dream become a reality.”

Bentonville has approximately 130 miles of singletrack connected to downtown Bentonville, with access to more than 250 miles of unrivaled regional trails in a network that sits at the heart of the state’s OZ Trails system. Hospitality opportunities abound – whether it be award-winning restaurants, a vibrant coffee scene, or a boom of daring and bold craft brewers.

“Bentonville is the birthplace of a modern mountain biking landscape, much like a ski town is out West, only we’ll be riding all four seasons,” said Visit Bentonville Executive Director Kalene Griffith. “Just one day of visiting here and you’ll quickly learn why there’s no other place quite like Bentonville that continues to bring you back over and over again.”

Everything you could want is within a short ride from the trails, whether it’s lodging, restaurants, drinks, or art museums. The local economy has embraced Bentonville’s role as a leader in mountain biking tourism and has developed and attracted a number of quality bike shops, rental and retail vendors, bike guides and manufacturers, along with professional riders and outdoor enthusiasts.

“Scientists have proven a direct correlation between human exposure to outdoor spaces and well-being,” shared Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Graham Cobb. “The mountain bike trails of Bentonville organically weave the outdoors into our everyday lives. Top economic talent flocks here, so they can ride world-class, purpose built single-track from their front porch to their office door. We’ve redefined rush-hour.”

Go to https://www.visitbentonville.com/MTBCapitaloftheWorld to learn how to get information about upcoming events and opportunities to experience Bentonville: The Mountain Bike Capital of the World™, as well as lodging accommodations and trail conditions. #MTBCapital

News

Preloader
  • ‘Coolest’ airport continues to build on unique brand in Bentonville

    BZ AIRPORT ORIG

    The airport is unique because of the hard work and dedication of many people, and relationships created between private and public sectors, said Bill Burckart, a City Council member who served on the Airport Advisory Board from 2009 to 2017. "Our success and uniqueness did not happen by accident," Burckart…Read More

  • Business or Adventure: Thaden Charters Adds New Aircraft to Lineup

    unnamed

    Operating out of Downtown Bentonville’s Thaden Field (VBT), Thaden Charters has long served as a first choice for adventurers and business travelers. The advantages of a charter flight over commercial airlines are many: Charter clients can skip the security lines, parking shuttles, and crowded terminals. Now, with the addition of…Read More

  • Sunny’s Turns Up the Lights on Catering, Coffee

    Since it opened on 2nd St. in Bentonville two years ago, Sunny’s has brought the light of thoughtfully sourced food and wellness programming to Downtown. Now, with extended hours, this community cornerstone has added coffee and catering to its mix. Locally Sourced Coffee Sunny’s recognized that many regular customers wanted…Read More

  • Outdoor Recreation is ‘Big Business,’ With Room to Grow

    sarah sanders and bryan sanders

    “Northwest Arkansas has seen an explosion in the outdoor economy due to strategic investments in infrastructure and experiences,” Tom Walton said. “There’s no reason a person couldn’t start a small business or make a career in the outdoor industry here. And it’s the council’s job to make those opportunities visible…Read More

  • Walton, Dillard, Stephens discuss third generation Arkansas at LR Rotary

    FullSizeRender

    Third-generation heirs of three of the state’s biggest businesses spoke with the Rotary Club of Little Rock Tuesday to discuss the future of Arkansas. Steuart Walton of Walmart, Annemarie Dillard Jazic of Dillards, and John Stephens of Stephens Inc. all moved away from Arkansas, but told the audience they decided…Read More

  • Arkansas looks to match Colorado in outdoor rec economy

    TS BSand

    Wearing ball caps and smiles, first gentleman Bryan Sanders and Runway Group co-founder Tom Walton met Axios NWA at OZ1 Flying Club last week to discuss the Natural State Initiative. "I really think Arkansas has the potential to be the equivalent or better than Colorado [in] 10 years' time in…Read More

  • Paddlesports Trade Coalition Formed in Bentonville

    Paddlesports Trade Coalition x

    Paddlesports industry leaders gathered in Bentonville, AR, January 25-27, for a leadership summit where the group approved the formation of a new national trade organization. The Paddlesports Trade Coalition will bring together manufacturers, distributors, sales representatives, retailers, and media to grow paddlesports in North America as well as monitor and…Read More

  • The push for paddlesports

    BNRkayaking

    "Arkansas is setting the standard we hope other areas can follow in growing opportunities for families to find joy in paddlesport recreation." ~ Scott Holley, president of Eddyline Kayaks Read MORE.

  • Our Passions – Steuart Walton & Tom Walton

    Screenshot at Steuart Walton and Tom Walton

    [embed]https://vimeo.com/796706395[/embed] Steuart Walton and Tom Walton grew up in Bentonville. They believe that active, better-connected communities build a more vibrant, joyful place to live and work. Runway’s investments in outdoor recreation, real estate, art, and hospitality all play a role in creating a more dynamic community, making Bentonville the best…Read More

  • Big Sugar Classic is coming to NW Arkansas this October!

    EOSR x

    Big Sugar Classic is coming to Northwest Arkansas this October! The Life Time Big Sugar Classic features a world-class mountain bike race and world-class gravel race in the cycling capital of the U.S., Northwest Arkansas. It’s a week-long celebration that allows off-road enthusiasts to shred both the MTB trails and…Read More