Public pool openings and fresh-squeezed lemonade at the farmer’s markets are signs of summer coming. While Northwest Arkansas has become a hub for arts and culture, biking fits into all areas of what makes that corner of the state so special. With biking events happening almost every weekend in the warmer months, here are 10 great cycling events to get stoked about:

 

NWA Spring Classic at Prairie Grove Elementary
When: May 1

Online Registration is currently closed, but in-person registration is 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on race day. 

The main course is a 21-mile loop, a 13-mile loop is available for 11-year-old to 12-year-olds. 

 

Square 2 Square at Razorback Greenway Trail

When: May 7

Online Registration  

From Fayetteville to Bentonville, this event will feature a 30-mile ride with both children with adults and youth encouraged to participate. 

*A virtual ride will be offered all month with a 15 mile or 30-mile option available. 

 

Noon 2 Moon at Coler Bike Reserve 

When: May 14

Online Registration 

As an endurance mountain biking challenge, participants have the option to race for 6 hours or 12 hours. Teams of three are also permitted during the six-hour race with each teammate racing for two hours. 

 

Double Barrel Gravel Ride at Benton County Quail Barn 

When: May 14

Online Registration

This event is free for participants and will include so much more than the full 71 miles of biking with almost 5,000 feet of climbing and 85 percent gravel. Phat Tire will be bringing back the event in all of its glory, inviting you to relive simpler times of skeet shooting, live music and the famous jambalaya and crawfish boil. The featured bike routes include rides of 15 and 31 miles. 

 

The Joe Martin Stage Race at various locations in Fayetteville 

When: May 19-22

Online Registration (deadline is May 18 at 5:00 p.m.)

With several professional and amateur races, the Walmart-sponsored race will include the Mount Gaylor Road Race, the Mount Sequoyah Road Race, Devil’s Den Time Trial, kids races and many more age and skill-level races. For more information on these events, click here


Ozark Offroad Cyclist Fundraiser at George’s Majestic Lounge 

When: June 3

Online Registration 

Kicking off its 25 year anniversary, Ozark Offroad Cyclist will be commemorating the occasion with a celebration weekend. Starting the weekend off right, attendees are invited to The Mixtapes Friday night concert, rolling into Saturday with group rides and trail building, ending with dinner outdoors, guest speakers and more live music. Sunday will wrap up the event with more riding around the Ozarks. 

 

Bentonville Bike Fest at Mama Bear Pump Track 

When: June 17-19

Exhibitor and sponsorship sign-ups 

Presented by Mobil1, the Bentonville Bike Fest will include several races, expos and informational sessions. While the schedule is not yet solidified, check for updates on events and registrations here.  

 

Strider Cup + Strider Adventure-Cross at Bentonville City Square 

When: June 18

Registration for Strider Cup (ages 2 to 4) 

Registration for Strider Adventure-Cross (ages 4 to 7) 

*Registration deadline for both events is June 17 

As part of the Bentonville Bike Festival, the Strider Cup and Strider Adventure-Cross will be available to engage 2-year-old to 7-year-olds. Only for genuine Strider bikes, the Strider Cup will be for 2-year-old to 4-year-olds on Strider 12 bikes, with the Strider Adventure-Cross for 4-year-old to 7-year-olds on Strider 14 bikes. 

 

Iron Pig Festival at Arkansas Air and Military Museum 

When: June 18

Online Registration 

The Iron Pig Festival will include duathlons (both team and individual), 5ks, fun runs and a bike time trial in addition to other challenge events.  Participants are encouraged to explore Fayetteville’s many offerings before or after events. 

 

Splash Pedal & Sprint Youth Triathlon at Rogers Aquatic Center 

When: July 9

Online Registration opens April 19 

Five heats are included in this Good Health and Aramark presented triathlon. The first annual Splash, Pedan & Sprint event encourages kids to try combining summer activities such as biking and swimming! Stay up to date with how to register online.

 

READ MORE: Bentonville Named Among Top 10 Places for Mountain Biking in North America