Visit Bentonville, the tourism and promotion bureau of Bentonville, Arkansas, is excited to help spread the word about Bentonville Bike Fest 2023, scheduled for May 25–28. Presented by Mobil1, this celebration of cycling promises to be an unforgettable experience for mountain bikers of all ages and skill levels, attracting visitors from across the nation and many of the luminaries of the sport.
“We are so ready to welcome our out-of-town guests and local community to Bentonville Bike Fest 2023,” said Kalene Griffith, president, and CEO of Visit Bentonville. “With an earlier date, a new venue, and a schedule full of races and events, Bike Fest is set to be the best yet. We’re excited to see this world-class cycling event continue to grow and evolve.”
With the festival now in its third year, projected attendance for 2023 is expected to be over 25,000, which Visit Bentonville predicts will generate a positive economic impact for our city. Bentonville Bike Fest is free and open to the public, but organizers request that attendees register at bentonvillebikefest.com. Some races at the event require an entry fee. Check bikereg.com/bentonville-bike-
Earlier date
For 2023, Bentonville Bike Fest has moved to Memorial Day weekend, May 25–28. With daytime temperatures in Bentonville averaging 76.5 degrees in May, this change means more comfortable daytime temperatures for Bike Fest attendees and their pets, much cooler riding all day long, and more seat time in the Mountain Biking Capital of the World.
New venue and expo floor
Bentonville Bike Fest 2023 also celebrates a new venue, providing attendees with more convenience, natural beauty, and accessibility than ever. Located adjacent to the 300-acre Coler MTB Preserve mountain biking park, the historic “Ole Applegate” venue is the perfect setting for Bentonville Bike Fest 2023, providing attendees with easy access to world-class trails while still being only minutes by bike from attractions in Bentonville. Also new for 2023 is an expanded expo floor, with exhibitors on hand to promote cycling-related products, free demo rides, gear, apparel, and biking-related organizations.
‘Gravelicious’ headlines action-packed event schedule
Bentonville Bike Fest 2023 is loaded with events and special guests from the cycling world. Among the highlights:
- The inaugural “Gravelicious” gravel race is on Saturday, May 27, presented by Blackburn Design and Bell Helmets. Designed by mountain biking legend Nat Ross, the event gives riders the option of a 30-mile course or a more strenuous 60-mile route, with both courses entirely along dirt and gravel roads through the Ozarks. The 30-mile route is meant to bring new riders into gravel racing and features categories for junior riders ages 13 and up.
- The North American debut of the 2023 Cross Country Eliminator Pan American Series, will pit four of the world’s best riders against both each other and a short, technically-complex course designed to push them to their limits. The event is sponsored by City Mountainbike.
- Mountain biking workshops are guided by cycling legends like Rachel and Kyle Strait, Anneke Beerten, Carson Storch, and others.
