RIDE ON
The fall weather has been fantastic and that means plenty of riding and plenty of work getting done on the trails. In this issue we highlight:
π£ Progress at the OZ Trails Bike Park
π£ Upcoming events
π£ Trail updates
π£ New OZ Trails merch
π£ Art installations on the trail
BIKE PARK UPDATE
The OZ Trails Bike Park construction is hitting it's stride and the progress is starting to become very evident as the HQ building roof is now on and the interior spaces are becoming defined. The lift parts have been delivered and throughout November we will start installing the towers and the terminals at the top and bottom of the lift line.
To give you a deeper look into the lift line it will be around 2,600 ft long (nearly 1/2 mile) and whisk you from bottom to top in under found minutes. Moving fast so you can get more laps!
FOLLOW THE PARK ON SOCIAL
NEW OZ MERCH!
FIRELINE TECH TEE = $50
This beautifully designed tee probably won't help you fly every table top on Fireline in Coler, but it'll sure as hell keep you dry and cool on that climb back up Pedal Assist to send it again. And again. And again. And again. #checkyourbattery
Created in partnership with Handup, the Fireline Tech Tee is loaded with trail riding essentials: 4-way stretch, cotton-like feel, poly/spandex blend, OZT printed neck lining, moisture wicking, and 50+ UPF sun protection.
Available Local at These Merchandise Retailers:
Rapha Bentonville
Thaden Field
The Meteor Bentonville
Phat Tire Bentonville and Bella Vista
Gearhead Bentonville
Bison Bikes
Bentonville Bicycle Company
Mojo Bicycles
Adventure Lab NWA
Bike Inn Bentonville
TRAIL UPDATES
On May 26, 2024, multiple tornadoes tore through Northwest Arkansas, downing tens of thousands of trees across Bentonville, Rogers, and the surrounding area. Beyond the immediate damage, we lost a huge amount of tree canopy, and that matters more than you might think. Those trees provided more than just shade; they were protecting the trails from rain, slowing water flow, and holding soil in place.
Without that cover, erosion kicks into OVERDRIVE. Trails get rutted, drainage features get overwhelmed, and what was smooth singletrack can turn into a moonscape pretty quickly.
The good news? Our trail community showed up in force after the stormβ300-person workdays, waitlists to volunteer, crews driving in from hours away. That energy is still needed. Maintenance isn't a one-and-done deal, especially now.
- Report IssuesΒ β See a downed tree or nasty rut? Drop a report on the Trailforks app (yellow box in right corner of app). GPS location, quick description, photo if you've got it. Takes 30 seconds and helps crews prioritize.
- Adopt a TrailΒ β This is the simplest way to give back. Pick a segment, maintain it on your own schedule. You're not committing to moving mountainsβjust keeping your section clear and rideable. Fill out the application atΒ wearetrailblazers.org/volunteerΒ and you're in.
- Join a Trail WorkdayΒ β Trailblazers hosts regular workdays (10-20 folks, snacks included). It's social, it's satisfying, and you'll learn more about how trails actually work.
- Other Ways to HelpΒ β Donate tools (rakes, loppers, wheelbarrows), sponsor a workday, or connect your Strava toΒ Trail CareΒ and donate per mile ridden. And yes, drinkingΒ Bike Rack's Trailblazers Lite BeerΒ counts (if you are 21 or older). Proceeds go back to the trails.
Questions? Hit up volunteer@wearetrailblazers.org. The trails give us a lot. Let's keep them in shape.
INDUSTRY NEWS
SCOTT Adventure Lab has opened in downtown Bentonville inside the Motto Hotel! Part bike shop, part custom outfitter, the Adventure Lab has a fully array of SCOTT bikes for purchase and rental.
The Adventure Lab has partnered with 37 North Expeditions to offer a wide array of guided tours across the Ozarks. So whether you want a guide for cycling the trails, kayaking down the buffalo river, or paddle boarding on Sugar Creek, you can find your adventure at the Adventure Lab.
The will be having a grand opening at 4 p.m. on October 16.
Ride. Repair. Explore.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
We want to highlight Team USA cyclist and 2025 UCI XCO World Cup Champion Christopher Blevins. Blevins trains in Northwest Arkansas, and Team USA is sponsored by Visit Bentonville. He has been working his way up the ladder and took the 2025 overall UCI championship earlier this month at Lake Placid. This is the first time an American male has taken the title since 1991. Congratulations Christopher Blevins!
TRAIL ART
One of the things that makes the OZ Trail system stand apart from others is the addition of artwork on the trails. This month we highlight the Snowbird Sculpture Park located on the east side of the Back 40.
