Lake Leatherwood is where bikes and bones go for broke

🚵‍♀️🚵‍♀️🚵‍♀️ Find someone to ride with on the Pastimes app: sharepastimes.com/bkxc
Trying to follow @richdrewtherideseries on any mountain bike trail is tough, but keeping up at Lake Leatherwood without crashing is a tall order. I am holding on for dear life on these extreme downhill trails. I think I had fun?!
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[@ceasefire9000]

Hey Brian, I’m the trails coordinator for the City of Eureka Springs and used to be the caretaker for Passion Play & Marble Flats. Glad you got to check out all of our awesome trails, and grateful for the spotlight you just gave to our region. As a long term watcher though, I’m pretty sad I didn’t get to meet you. Next time hit us up and we’ll make sure you get a shuttle service. Take care man!

[@doctajuice]

Rich has such impeccable form and technique. Looks completely effortless

[@Chiro75]

Man, that guy can ride!😮

[@Cards646]

I went out there on my hardtail without knowing what I was getting into... you can probably guess how it went lol

[@tracymcmanus550]

Dude, it amazes me how you can ride the way you do going in blind on most trails, AND also be able to give commentary so effortlessly. I would not be able to talk during any of that!

[@cybermonk8580]

Dude I love this Arkansas series!

[@joshsaunders7916]

Just a small observation, something to think about as you travel and ride unique places. I hear you talk a lot of grip and how basically everywhere you travel too is loose with some exceptions (PNW or Whistler or maybe Moab rock being the exceptions). Having ridden leatherwood several times I know that it is an intimidating surface. That being said, there is plenty of traction there with the proper cornering techniques. Aka, brake before the corners not in the corners, lean the bike and weight your outside foot, shift your hips/weight to maintain balance over the bottom bracket. If you are doing all of those things and you’re still having trouble finding traction, then you have to think about your components. Is your suspension set up properly? Probably the most overlooked aspect of traction is, do your tires match the level of gnar that you are anticipating on trail? Big grippy tires will not pedal the fastest, but the confidence they could inspire on your DH runs could potentially outweigh that rolling resistance. That being said, I get it, Lake Learherwood isn’t the easiest venue, but I know there are ways to improve your idea of trail grip and how to find it with your skill/bike components. Just something to think about, maybe a video on it with some expert analysis by a guest?

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Such a fun day!! Couldn’t remember the last time I was there and it was cool to experience it again with you dude! Pedaling back up wasn’t bad at all, I’d be down to do that again. Looking forward to seeing the other spot we hit after this 😉

[@b.r.3232]

Dude, don't joke about breaking your neck!, lol!! I did four years ago in Copper Harbor, air lifted and 9 days in ICU. Full recovery and still riding!

[@rodspov1915]

Great video. Rich dances on the bike, and that drop at the end...wow! Way to go Rich Drew!

[@inMotionOutdoors]

Glad to see you are giving Arkansas trails the much needed spotlight!

[@GoodTrails]

Love that you're putting mics on your guests now. It really adds to the story and makes the video alot mode fun!

[@gabandkisheeemp7600]

I completely agree brotha we don’t need big air to have fun on the trails!🤘🏼

[@MTBScotland]

Best trails I've seen you ride in a long time.

[@thomasdrayton7879]

The paid shuttle is great, you don't wait very long.

[@jeffedmisten6576]

Yep...very minimal waiting with the shuttle. Worth every penny. No one in their right mind rides to the top without an E bike. That is nonsense.

[@ericsharp5079]

Leatherwood is no joke! First timer I went I took my 6 year old son. He’s a ripper and not old enough to be scared, but I am! He rode down 5 in front of me and behind a buddy. All our first ride, he was bouncing his hard tail all over! I was scared to death! Took some video and pics of him and noticed he had all 4 fingers on both hands on the brakes, and both feet in the air and off the pedals! He wanted a second lap, but after seeing those pics I couldn’t let him go again. We were pushing our luck already!!

[@RJ_Groot]

Rich is a boss

[@pepeanza6187]

Rich have a great technique riding is body movements on the bike is a joy watching riding

[@coldaleonthefrontporch6748]

I'm watching this video and right after showing those solid rock jumps, a pillow ad comes on. Perfect!

[@coryd7762]

I was hoping so much that you would go here. It's absolutely nuts and awesome. I've lived in Colorado and now in Utah and Leatherwood is some serious gnar!!

[@thengo1494]

I’m in Colorado Springs and I’m drooling over this trail set. Looks amazing

[@coryd7762]

@@thengo1494 Hey that's where I lived. Trestle is the best!

[@Katastra_]

Did you use the shuttle service? Making the trip down there in a couple weeks and would consider getting a pass if it's not super slow.

[@coryd7762]

@@Katastra_ Absolutely 💯. You barely wait at all since it's low elevation. Long enough to maybe get a drink from your car sometimes other times just right back up. Plus I think it's only like $25 so it's a no-brainer to get in as many laps as your body can handle.

[@jerickdemulling6249]

@@Katastra_ Shuttle service is very fast and comfortable. I actually think there are 2 services but I've only ever used the one you where you buy your tickets at the marina. I think it's more than $25 iirc. Either way their FB page is usually up to date. eurekaparks.com/trails/downhill-shuttles-at-lake-leatherwood/

[@ArkyCustoms]

two of my favorite youtubers at my fav trails! (I live next door to leatherwood!)

[@stubbk3]

amazing trails

[@wademichaelmtb5508]

Man you gotta start roasting some of these jumps! Whenever you go around them I’m like “aweee man...”

[@JWC723]

It's so cool seeing you hit jumps now that you'd have passed over just a couple months ago! Awesome! It's all about progression. :)

[@doctajuice]

Just went to leatherwood for the first time and it's definitely serious pre-ride material. The trail will be super flowy and fast then all of a sudden there will be a blind feature and you're already on the wrong line and didn't realize it. Once you get a lap or two where you can safely open up, they're some of the best trails I've ridden

[@briangeggie9942]

Just bought a bike on New Years Eve 23 so everything is new. With NWA being about an hour and a half from the house, these trails look awesome once my skill level comes up a bit. Haven't been on a mountain bike since 98 until now so rusty is an understatement.

[@bkxc]

Fantastic! Build up one day at a time!

[@downtoridemtb]

You beat the odds! Good riding, that place looks nuts!

[@JonathanFisherS]

Rich Drew needs his own video game

[@toddouellette482]

That fezz dpeak is the shiznit!🤜🏼🔥🤛🏻

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I’m gonna go 🤘🏻 on this comment 😉

[@toddouellette482]

@@richdrewtherideseries Dude you move that bike like it’s a part of you I love it! I cannot wait for this.

[@Projectnortheast]

Man I wouldn't have left until Rich did the rock jumps for the camera... haha I would go there just to session those!

[@LCADV]

I had a pinch flat there about a month ago, fun downhill trails! I love Lake Leatherwood for camping, great little spot.

[@cellphonenut]

Boy it’s unreal how well that Drew rides and he is right tangling with rocks is a whole Nother level in comparison with the dirt

[@Biking_with_Akiva]

What a great vid you both are fantastic riders made that look effortless 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@petedog9581]

Rich sending that rock lip was beautiful. Looked tight to me. He thought he came in too hot. I wish I could make "mistakes" like him.

[@ChadLudlow]

Killer dude! I love watching you progress your style through watching Rich!

[@dukeofmtb]

This was such a great bike park to ride. Gotta go back one day to ride a couple trails we didn't hit. It was just too freaking hot and humid when we were there. Still had a great time though.

[@EvanShowsMTB]

The shuttles are super quick!

[@charleswhite7612]

Agreed. In your own words, you DO seem “all tensed up from the fear factor”. It’s always evident in your nervous laughter & speech. Nice video though👍😉

[@jeffgriffin1875]

Two of my fav youtubers in the same video!!

[@sixate]

These trails are insane. Amazing video as always

[@fungchewy5729]

Awesome watching you hit some downhill. Great video! 🤘

[@dcasandman]

“This is a bike breaking place.” I was thinking my neck.

[@pauleddy5146]

Once again, Drew rides my bike much better than I can. At least I know I won't be held back by the machine, just me. Looks like a gnarly place to meet your demise if you're not careful. Downhill casing tires recommended.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

It certainly has some spicy spots. I prefer the Passion Play trails to these. I ride my bike for fun and sketchy rock features aren’t my thing at 43 years old 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Npch-MTB]

Awesome video Brian!🤘🏻

[@chaseadventure]

So I haven't finished the video but had to stop and point out. They have the perfect opportunity to build the most bad ass lily pad feature right at 8:25 in. That would be insane!!

[@bryceivan1593]

another great video. keep it up!! also, stay safe!!!

[@johnblackham4443]

Awesome trails! You are definitely getting faster too !

[@danasmith8557]

Great video!!

[@jrbechthold]

Glad you got to ride with Rich! The Drew Brother’s are good people!

[@frankfattore989]

I don’t blame for playing it safe. Those features were huge!

[@jdazmtnbkr9571]

Definitely been liking these types of trails on the past few videos, more than the flowy, jump line ones around town in Bentonville. It’s good too see a mix of both.

[@giffmann2]

Last time I was there we didn’t wait longer than 10 minutes to catch the shuttles

[@Albert-ju3pb]

my kind of trails, love the video

[@robtodd4726]

Great video. You ride fast, but within yourself, which is awesome.

[@TnT_on2wheels]

It always amazes me how you’re not out of breath after climbing to the top of the hubs 😂

[@545future6]

i'll try out past times it sounds cool

[@isaaclavoie5039]

Rich's bike looks rad. I'm actually considering the Ripmo and the Delano Peak right now... Rode the Ripmo in Moab a few weeks ago and LOVE that pedaling platform, but a carbon bike that can hang with the Mo for the same money as the Mo AL....Um, tempting to say the least!

[@AFugax]

I’ve heard it pedals as well as the Ripmo up but it’s better on the down (I think it’s a little slacker)! I ride a LaSal Peak and it rocks fit both!! Fezzari is such an awesome company.

[@toddouellette482]

Yep the Dpeak for sure! Cannot wait for mine!!!!

[@blapblapism]

13:51 nah man that drop looks huge on camera lol that was gnarly

[@scottfast03]

Awesome ride. Momma always told me “don’t do drops or jumps” and I listened. 🤣🤣. I’d end up dead if I tried some of those drops.

[@jjr1314]

This is where OneMTB and I learned how much fun gravity fed trails are! So glad you got to experience it!

[@malmtb]

Hey Brian, you're shying away from a lot of little jumps. Gotta put those lessons to good use!

[@545future6]

those trails look super sick

[@mikeambern6349]

Those shuttles are fast!! And there's several!

[@dreadsanddirt5966]

Man, the kiddo and I love leatherwood. My only complaint is the surface. It's really.....marbly. Traction is a rare commodity and it's a little scary at first. Oh, and shuttling? Easily 15 runs a day. I've never had to actually wait for the shuttle.

[@ChrisPoli]

I guess his definition of ‘moderate risks’ and mine mean two different things haha

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I think they should Chris. Moderate is relative my man. I’m a decent rider, but I have no desire to hit some of these features again. I’ve done them all and I just don’t find them fun.

[@ChrisPoli]

@@richdrewtherideseries oh I was just kidding man. Just pointing out you’re a great rider. All fun. Cheers

[@SuperDave]

The Ned Flanders of jumping.

[@knordberg]

Man, you have me wanting to move to AR. So many sweet trails.

[@ericburdick3599]

Awesome riding enjoy your biking trips! And hey where did you get that shirt

[@thebarofclay6100]

Greats shots sir.. all I can express about that place however... 🤤🤤

[@StatuteOfFriends]

Nice transition on the shuttle shot

[@rataflas]

So the shuttles run pretty fast and even faster if you go with Slaughter Trail Guides... for reference you wait way less than doing the lift at Spider Mountain which takes forever. Leatherwood is NW Arkansas gem!

[@tonyholt4031]

Yes shuttles are very fast

[@thecampingbiker]

You should do a Cali series

[@whitebread940]

Got married In Eureka and like to stay in the cabins around the corner ( Can u Canoe). Have often thought of bringing my bike for a morning ride but after watching this riding alone there doesn’t seem safe. You did awesome keeping up with him.

[@grvlmaml9043]

I've been out there a few times on my Ripley. It certainly wouldn't be a bad idea to bring a little more bike out there for these trails, especially if you like to hit the medium/big stuff. It's a ton of fun out there, and the shuttle service is super fast.

[@pekichunthurentta1431]

BXXC touches his camera Me: move your hand I might crash 🤣

[@nick_john]

Brian, you've been in Arkansas for a while now. Safe to say you kinda like it. Someday I'll make the trip from PA. 6:05 love those redbuds on the left

[@GravityEscapades]

Cool place!

[@builtbydylan8315]

Hitting these on my singlespeed hardtail tomorow. Wish me luck

[@BackyardShredder]

looks like a gnarly time

[@owenkennedy7854]

Pastimes is actually super sick, I just wish more people used it in my area. Once it has more usership I can see it being very awesome

[@eugenespreutels8305]

Rode there last year and had about the same results as you did. Most of the obstacles were well over my ability, kind of sucks thinking your going to have fun jumping stuff but when you get there you end up just having to ride around everything. Kind of disappointing but maybe I just need to sack up. Lol

[@brianpulscher6514]

Several good trails there that everything is rollable, and have nice progression though. I kinda did the same thing you are talking about so I feel your pain...lol. SPH in bentonville has a lot of good areas to work on your skills.

[@strangehighways3]

I’m definitely going to hit this place up

[@joebikes]

Leatherwood is no joke and a whole lot of nope 😂lots of features out there are massive. Most of the big features are exposed on one side also. It's like "hey here's a 20ft jump... but yeah don't go to the side at all or you'll die off the 50ft cliff" 😅

[@reyguarinnjbchannel5850]

Nice downhill ride bro

[@justinmtbokchearon3350]

When Slaughter Trail guides are running, there is no wait!! #nickforthewin

[@petercamps452]

Are there other weekend shuttles? Where? when?

[@justinmtbokchearon3350]

@@petercamps452 as far as I know the city shuttle is the only one running right now due to some license issue. I’m not exactly sure what’s going on I just know that there were options before and now there isn’t.

[@D91Mart]

I rode something new today and now I'm icing my ankle 🤣it's been a good day.

[@DreamingTree-vo9lj]

Rode here with an air shock all morning and a coil in the afternoon, and this place is built for a coil!

[@adamweb]

Heyyyy I was just wondering how you've ridden almost everything in Arkansas and didn't run into Rich Drew yet, haha perfect!

[@preno5158]

Ride with you Skill🤙

[@johnkuiper7960]

Was watching this and when I saw the feature all I could think about was jimmy clearing the whole thing. Low and behold rich said it.

[@koolkeith8908]

You can do it!

[@bryann6892]

So glad I’m not far from all these trails

[@jernbek1]

They run the shuttles fast, I was just there on Saturday, and they had 3 shuttles running and never had to wait more than 5 mins for a shuttle.

[@AMAN-cd3zr]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO MAY 7 !!!!!!

[@ridinwithdubb5344]

New bike came in today! Got it built up and basic tune done. Now collarbone must fuse!

[@andy.bailey]

Commercial shuttles there don't wait to fill up. They are pretty quick!

[@aaronzxr750]

Come on B, pad up with a FF lid and have a crack at some of those features! Love the trail reviews but I want to see you push yourself to hit things you’re capable of stomping. I not the greatest rider (@43yrs) but I like to challenge my skills and my nerves to hit new things on a ride; you’re more than capable of hitting these features so send it mate👍🇦🇺

[@mitchwarren1600]

Well done for that big gap Mr Drew

[@rafaelalbertotorres8070]

Sometimes you should take chances and SEND IT!

[@carloswright]

My favorite place on earth.