Who Named THEMSELVES "The MTB Capital of the World"?? ...is it true?

[@isaaclyon8478]

The trails do look innovative , but if I’m gonna call something a MTB capital personally I will be sticking with Moab or Whistler

[@mrvwbug4423]

Bentonville has the whole "trails are in the middle of town" thing going for it, and Moab really only has about 5 spots that I would consider world class, Ahab, WE, Mag 7, Navajo Rocks and Slickrock. Klonzo is an IMBAfied joke that I would only recommend to beginners and I've heard Brands trails and Klondike aren't too much better. I've yet to ride Whistler, but I've been to Moab a few times and am headed to Bentonville next week

[@mrvwbug4423]

But WE in particular is bucket list worthy, by far the best ride I've ever done and I only ride it from Kokopelli due to riding it in late October.

[@willbros1499]

@@mrvwbug4423 ....And you know what? We don't have a trail ANYTHING like Whole Enchilada in terms of an extended descent like that, and no one here that I know would ever even start to insinuate we have a trail that measures up to that. Collectively, we do offer a lot of variety, and some things like the "hubs" that are highlighted here, that are definitely unique.

[@willbros1499]

@@mrvwbug4423 ....We've got a unique app to our area, called TrailTours. It's in the apple App store...not for android yet. You might consider downloading that app, and while you're in town, ride the tour called "The Ledges." It's about 12 miles, and covers some unique ground. The very end of the tour will need to be updated, because they just updated the last trail to the lot, "FloRide," but the audio will definitely get you on the trail, so you can't get lost once you're on it. The app, and the tours are all free. It's literally like having GPS for your MTB ride, like in a car, and you just wear one earbud. You never have to take your phone out to navigate anything....just ride your bike. It lets you know about upcoming features, and even some trivia along the way. Give it a shot....it's really cool.

[@rrolleman4879]

@@mrvwbug4423 Whistler has the whole "town is in the middle of trails" thing going for it. . . ;)

[@willbros1499]

Great video. Man, as a local, I think that was a perfectly fair assessment. I don't know how popular the opinion will be with the OZ Trails marketing folks, but I really appreciate you calling it for how you experienced it. Watching Yuka struggle on the jumps, is something we see and experience pretty commonly. "Trail Speed," is often a full on sprint pedal, to clear the features, even for advanced riders. Ironically, I think it has actually aided in the proliferation of eBikes in the area, because without the bigger elevation changes, it makes it much easier to maintain speed without sprinting constantly, and session the shorter trails with the features that are speed dependent. I was glad you went to the nearby Huntley gravity zone, which was designed and built by...GRAVITY LOGIC....who built some parts of Whistler. It definitely flows well compared to other jumps in the area, and the jump radiuses are SPOT ON, but as you stated, it's over pretty quickly with a climb back to the top. Again....another reason eBikes are really catching on here. I hope the local land managers and planners will watch this video with an open mind, and it will help them with the future. One thing I REALLY wish you had done, is to go ride some of the more technical XC trails, like Mt. Kessler in Fayetteville, so we could have gotten a feel for how you would compare it to some of the areas near your home. It's far different terrain than the immediate Bentonville area, and I feel lt's more representative of what is conducive to our terrain, which is building challenging and interesting singletrack with natural features. I know the plan now is to move away from flow trails, and begin building more handcut trails that take advantage of that aspect. I"m glad you showed that we do have some more advanced features, and that there is some challenging gravity based riding within an hour at Lake Leatherwood and Great Passion Play. It's a little further to BOC to get the even steeper terrain, but it's well worth the drive just to experience the Buffalo National River!! It wasn't the time of year for that, but on your next visit, you should put renting a canoe, raft, or kayak on your list of "to do's" and absolutely float that upper part from Ponca down to Steele's or Kyle's Landing!! For those wanting a bigger snapshot, you can always check out the videos on my channel that chronicle the local area trails more in detail. Come visit....you'll have fun, I promise!

[@matthewlarson3058]

North Van Mountainbiking blows its doors off!

[@schoonhovenk]

@willbros I've been watching your stuff for years. Only ridden down there a couple times but you and your squad put out quality stuff without the need to yap away all video. Enjoy your trails, brother.

[@willbros1499]

@@schoonhovenk ....Thanks for the kind words man! They're intended to give people an idea of what our local Arkansas trails offer. No Pro riders, just average Joe's out there having fun. There's a HUGE difference between Mt. Kessler and Slaughter Pen, and hopefully that shows in the videos.

[@shortdaywondering8709]

Those approaches were steep and lippy. He was heavy on the nose just getting to the back side. I'll give it a try but it's really commercial looking. Par for the course with Walton's doing it. They'll be driving out "mom and pop" trail builders and turning the world into an E Bike "Idiocracy". I'm expecting a trail called " Robert Johnson "... with a real devil at the crossroads exacting a fee for riding.

[@schoonhovenk]

@@willbros1499 I've actually ridden both, but again not for years. Kessler's chunkier stuff reminds me of some of that chunk down here in southern California. Good stuff

[@bkxc]

It's certainly an audacious claim, but I LOVE that place so much. Every day the MTB capital claim seems a little less silly, and I bet in 5 years it'll be fact. The best part about the Northwest Arkansas experiment is that they will be the blueprint for every other MTB destination playing catch up and all of us will end up getting some AMAZING TRAILS because of it!

[@lukemccullough3673]

Love your videos man

[@willbros1499]

Well said Brian! Thanks for chiming in, and making that point. They are working toward a model that is repeatable, and should bring trails to a lot of communities who are looking for a spike in tourism, and to make their areas more compelling to live in. Again, locals don't give a crap about the claim...that's from the OZ marketing team, and I guarantee you they know exactly what the reception is...negative and positive, and have weighed that out. We just ride, and try to help tourists out as much as possible! For people wanting a long climb followed by a long steep, chunky, over rock shelf descending....it's probably never going to be their cup of tea. It's our geology, and the fact is that most Ozark peaks are around 300-400 feet, and within that, the past glacier activity accounts for 2 to 3 rock shelves of varying height. So...a lot of that "chunky" descending, has to be man-made, and some people don't care for that. I get it...because I've ridden elsewhere and have a point of comparison. We do have some 800-foot elevation trails out there in the state, but they're rare. But, to your point, I can say without hesitation that there are plans in motion to build a DH park that I have been told will 100% host an EWS World Cup event in the future, with elevation change of around 1000 to 12000 feet available. That's not 4K like NM or CO, but a lot of the lower runs at Whistler are around that elevation change. How far out that is...I don't know, but it's coming. and I don't doubt it for a second.

[@ChippsChippendale]

Are they going to grow some mountains in those five years? Perhaps they can be the 'rolling hill bike capital of the world' instead? :-)

[@willbros1499]

@@ChippsChippendale ....Well, they're the Ozark Mountains. Not the Ozark Hills. So...there's that.

[@ChippsChippendale]

Just calling them mountains doesn’t mean they’re actually mountains 😊

[@sheem.2450]

I'm a City girl from The Bronx, and I've been watching your channel since the pandemic. You've introduced me to a whole new world. Thank you for your content. You inspire me to want to pick up this hobby. 🚵‍♀️🚲

[@producersRus]

If you haven't yet hop up to West Chester for some cool riding at graham hills and sprain ridge park (the Jackson Ave entrance). And there's a bike park on north Harlem right by dykman.

[@sheem.2450]

@@producersRus Oh wow! Thank you! ❤❤❤

[@Avicados]

You’ll love it! Awesome fun in nature, an ample amount of endorphins, smiles and maybe a couple bruises as you learn. But that’s all in fun of learning, I wish you the best and hope you love it.

[@djgolf3256]

You should check out singletrack sampler. My fav mountain bike youtuber

[@gamertd4093]

MTB is amazing, definitely changed my wife and I's life over the last 3 years! We are upstate so maybe a bit more accessible to us than the boroughs, BUT you should give it a go!! We both started doing stuff on just $100 bikes we bought second hand!

[@drfishynoooo9960]

Let them use whatever trademark they want. That the town supports people riding mountain bikes is brilliant. Sure it seems like there's some trail design issues that need to be addressed but they are building trails. In Victoria (Australia) we have the opposite. Every new trail has opposition. Take Warburton for example: Ten years of 'planning', not a single trail built. Well done Bentonville for supporting people on bikes, regardless of elevation. Seeing that kid roll in was awesome BTW.

[@DailyMTBRider]

The Yuka "Ahhh!" never gets old! We all know that means she'll just be trying it again - Another great video Eric!

[@CatalinD-pv3cj]

Haven't heard of your channel but i binged your videos now and I love them.

[@JustJake77]

Coming from the Vancouver Island and the West Coast of BC..... Laughs in Cumberland, chuckles in Mount Tzouhalem, giggles in Maple Mountain.... Also belly Laughing in North Shore, and smirks in Sea to Sky.... Bentonville is super cool and I wish more communities would follow their path... But "Capital"? That's a sold nah...

[@jeremyrobson7414]

Exactly man same here. The capital should be a place that people pick if they had to choose one trail center to ride forever

[@endurogod-r1e]

Fr, sea to sky corridor and the islands are far superior to anything

[@staceygarrison4979]

Yeah, Tzou is way fun and is definitely better than this, but if I still lived in the midwest I'd definitely check it out

[@dabbking]

Looks cool but they don’t even have mountains! I think the pnw has some great trail systems

[@shemshem9998]

yea, I mean those places have single trials that would make it more exciting as a whole than all bents trails combined, I'm mean in a way they do kinda just have one trail, it is all the same thing anyways, flowy with the same kinds of jumps and some rock slabs here and there

[@kevinobrien7463]

Of course the title is marketing but I think the key is that the entire town is mountain biking - and just like the kid learning to ride it’s not just about people who have been riding for years. On my last trip I saw people who were clearly on one of their first rides, young kids absolutely shredding, and old pros having a good time at the same hub taking different routes down. And it’s SO accessible from downtown it’s insane. Call it a lack of other things to do if you want but go to Moab and you’ll see climbers, bikers, hikers, kayakers, slack liners, offroaders, etc. in Bentonville EVERYONE is a biker. And it’s proof that you don’t need the terrain of the Rocky Mountains to build an incredible mountain biking community.

[@edtravelbug]

What a great video. I did not see this perspective before I booked my nonrefundable plane ticket but I am going anyway. We got a 4-night stay planned in one month (mid-April), so only 3 riding days, so we will make it fun regardless. I am used to gravity trails and usually go to Bend, Oregon, or Whistler or places in Oregon or Washington State. I can now tell these will not compare, and my legs are going to be killing me after one day of this workout, but it will be worth it, and the downtown food/fun scene look good. A nonstop plane ride from Orlando for under $ 150 each with good AirBnB rates makes this an easy trip to do.

[@wowgun1000]

you know it’s a great day when bcpov posts a video.

[@drkslider1182]

You got that right!

[@nikolasmilanovic6251]

no cap

[@fillfreakin2245]

Except when they cover Bentonville. Again.

[@newlevel_zb1858]

I've been packing all morning, driving 8 hours to Bentonville tomorrow from Texas for the first time for a 6 day camp/bike (birthday) trip. So stoked to ride these trails no matter the weather. So cool to see yall were just there. Keep shredding you and Yuka inspire me.

[@blakesicking2308]

See you there!

[@iwasnevergivenaname6373]

I live and work and here and the weather has been great so I hope you enjoy it!

[@willbros1499]

Just a suggestion if you see this...Devil's Den, is amazing. Ride the new trails, not the older Fossil Flats, and it very well could be the most memorable ride you take while you're here. I hope you have a great time. Also...go check out Handcut Hollow. It's a new system, and they didn't ride it at all. It's about 7-8 minutes from Bentonville proper, and has a broad mix of gravity lines, and a narrow technical loop as well.

[@martymcfly6098]

Head about 30 minutes south to Fitzgerald Mountain in Springdale. Amazing trail system!

[@GrAYvTrAnE]

I can see the tourism aspect behind it from a city manager perspective. Yeah its not whistler or MOAB, heck, besides the soil color and trees, its trails aren't much different then what I have here in FL. But, I can see taking a weekend, staying at a local hotel, eating at local restaurants, and drinking at local bars without having to drive. It looks like they've integrated trails into their everyday otherwise unused city scape which can definitely grow an area sorta like a downtown on the water but its centered around MTB riding. And if thats the objective, I can totally get behind that.

[@boneman137]

I really loved seeing you stop to help the beginner.

[@travisanderson4263]

A big part of your “trail speed” problem is that you’re riding a big heavy “squishy” DH style bike. Those jumps are much better suited for a hardtail or dirt jumper. Even on masterpiece, you weren’t manualling the rollers in so you’re not going to have the speed to clear it. Next time try stiffening up your shocks a bunch and keep your tires a couple psi harder than you would at a big DH spot. Love the vids, keep ‘em coming!

[@gregcavanaugh6259]

Good video. I was there over New Year's. Coming from the desert Southwest I had a few thoughts: 1. When I was at the Masterpiece feature, there were kids and other riders consistently nailing/clearing that last jump by the wall ride, BUT they were unable/unwilling to actually ride into the feature itself b/c of a short little leafy, off camber steep slope down to the metal grate. I thought that was interesting as I couldn't jump with any real height or distance but didn't think twice about riding into the feature itself... 2. All of the trails were designed in such a way that you could climb to the top on something easy (paved path, hard packed gentle slope, etc...) then head down with flow and jumps. 3. Becuase it doesn't have massive elevation changes and it's heavily wooded, you never seem to "get anywhere" like you do in other places. (to a view, or the top, etc..) I think it's amazing what they've done, but it is certainly creating a very different expierence of what mountain biking "is" for lots of newer riders. They'll be able to hit jumps and skinnys all day, but won't know how to conquer a demanding techinical climb or even mentally suffer for a reward(unless it's pedalling to hit the next jump) ...IMHO.

[@willbros1499]

Man....you didn't get out at all did you? We have that....we have a LOT of that in fact, just 5 minutes down the road in Bella VIsta....about 120 miles worth of it, with waterfalls and great nature riding. And yes...there are technical features in places that are every bit as challenging as anything in Moab, but they didn't make those type of challenges in Slaughter Pen, because it's so urban in nature. Sad that you focused solely on Slaughter Pen.....

[@gregcavanaugh6259]

@@willbros1499 I did get out some, i actually stayed 2 nights in Bella Vista and I road all of little sugar from my air BnB, and It hiked some of the Back 40 also. I also road all phases of the middle stuff from the interstate back into town.(is that all slaughter pen?) Again, I’m not trying to speak badly about it, I just told my friends when I got back that I wouldn’t consider it a place to make a destination for an epic ride. I know there was plenty I didn’t see and ride.

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

Well...I'm glad I'm not the only one that can't clear the jumps there. I had visited Bentonville prior to my first trip to Whistler, so I thought maybe I just wasn't doing it right. Went to Whistler...no problem clearing jumps. Actually learning jumps in Whistler did help me clear more jumps when I returned to Bentonville. I think one thing to understand is that "The MTB Capital of the World" doesn't necessarily mean "The best trails in the world."

[@kirkallen83]

Living in Utah, I've ridden many trails. Moab, St. George, Park City, Deer Vally, etc. I live near a trail system I ride 3+ times a week in the warmer months. My sister lives in Bella Vista. Last year I rode 18 miles of trails in Bentonville. The trails there are amazing, the lush trees and ups and downs are fun. An amazing system of trails but nothing compared to the amazing trail systems in Moab, Park City and St. George. They have a great trail system, but the lack of elevation leads to a lot of rolling hills that lack the fun you get from a hard uphill climb and an amazing downhill. It's a great place to ride, but I've ridden a lot of more enjoyable trails.

[@willbros1499]

Perfectly fair. If people love the long climb, and long downhill, then that's just not possible here except at a select few places that don't have trails...yet. Buffalo Outdoor Center and Mt. Nebo do have quite a bit of vertical, and Mt Kessler has some....but nothing like what you're talking about. It's parsing words in many's eyes, but the bigger picture of what they're trying to create here is industry, MTB centric culture, unparalleled trail access and connectivity, and truly building an entire community around MTB'ing. It will never have the terrain Utah has.... I've not seen anything saying, "Best trails in the world." That's not the intent. As a local, we all sort of think it's funny to compare any single trail system here to Moab, for example. BUT....if you are here for a few weeks, and ride everything, you will get to experience some reasonable length DH runs with shuttles, longer XC rides...some tech-laden and some not, "small mountain" riding at Mt. Nebo, and a really good variety of trails. Do you think that's fair to say?

[@andrewscasualmtb]

Living in St George rules. I love our trails here. Bentonville looks cool to visit but i wouldn't give up the elevation that we have here. That's why i moved to St George 20 years ago.

[@johnwesely]

@@andrewscasualmtb I just spent all winter riding in St. George and like Bentonville better. They are so different that they aren't really comparable.

[@DavePreissl]

You should take a trip to BC

[@johnwesely]

@@DavePreissl it is absolutely on the short list. Really looks incredible

[@kirrilymtb]

Your videos are so amazing 🤩, only just got the chance to comment, so I’ll make sure that I make a reply on ALL OF THEM BECAUSE THERE SOOOO SICK!!

[@xav_1029]

I haven’t been to Canada yet, but stateside for me is Moab #1, and Sedona and Tahoe at #2. Favorite single zone is Post Canyon in Hood River.

[@scaringthecrow]

I saw this news broadcast cast because I live in Bentonville. I actually just showed my best friend the bike trails when he came to visit this past weekend.

[@sonof_god7779]

All I have to say on this video is wow. The shots were amazing the editing spectacular and the script and the fact I was entertained the whole time makes it worth the longer wait

[@bigbarrelbr]

Eric's video become benchmark for YT Mountain bike videos... The storytelling is perfect... This guy should do cinema.

[@laureljensen796]

I have been mt biking for 20 years as i get older i dont do much jumping if any. but i ride everyday. i love tech climbs and tight single best. i dont need steep down hills. give me a single speed and let me lose here i love to peddle. looks fun.

[@leviporter7384]

Taking my senior grad trip in Bentonville this June and I'm sooo stoked!

[@calebday6988]

have fun man, make sure to not only go to slaughter pen but also coler mountain has some of the best trials with awesome rock-work and features

[@bryant8635]

I live here, and your assessment is 100% dead on. We are incredibly blessed to have so much MTB fun around, but at the same time, we definitely understand it's limitations. I think (as you said), it is a mixture of geography, and the project requirement to not have 12 year olds constantly shattering vertebrae in some weird insurance liability gray area that comes with a privately funded community recreation area. It's probably the same reason community pools are rather boring, and the "pay to slide" water parks will drop you 200 feet and fling you out of the chute into the arms of death at mach 3.5, so long as you signed the liability waiver. 😁

[@rabrumf]

I have said the same things about the trails and questioning the self proclamation of being the mountain bike capital of the world. However, it is a ton of fun and I meet people on the trails all the time that are from the Northeast US, upper Midwest, and from surrounding states. Definitely a cool place.

[@juanmanueldelacruzperez5787]

I really like how you both make a correlation between the Chanels!!! I love it!

[@Natespov]

congrats on 400k eric!!!!!!!

[@flyfishjake26]

Bentonville is wildly hard to maintain speed due the lack in descent, but it doesn’t help that your both on full squish. That is really going to kill your speed in a place like Bentonville.

[@iwasnevergivenaname6373]

So glad you came here! I live and work here and it's just really cool to see my backyard In your video's. Masterpiece is down the hill from Crystal Bridges museum of American art where I work and I get to pass it every now And then for my job as a landscaper. Glad you got play on it and anyone reading this be careful on Masterpiece. If you go down on the metal you can get hurt BAD. Come visit the museum too, we're trying to make it more accessible to bikers And there are tons of trails all around the museum!

[@jrldude8719]

That compilation of Yuka jumping was great!!

[@ZackSavir]

I feel bentonville has been rising from the ground slowly behind us. We knew it was getting mountain biking and we saw some good places, and then THIS great video dude

[@nwamtb]

Thanks for visiting! I'd be happy to show you around next time you visit if you would like!

[@theguy6890]

It’s great to live in bentonville I love seeing my favorite KZbinrs in my home town riding the trails i am riding too it’s just such a cool vibe

[@johnnydoe66]

As close to Bentonville as I live, the little bit I have ridden there has been fun. I do have to agree with you about how most of the trails seem too much alike. I myself am not into flow and jumps, but more natural and technical trails. I rode the Back 40 and the Ledges the last day of January and I did enjoy it because of the distance and the "thrill" of exposure on the Ledges.

[@jimm244]

I’m really impressed with Yuka, bike skills. Not only can she send, buth she handled that case better than I’ll ever be able to. It would’ve broken me in half. Seriously. I have a riding buddy with family out in this area. He says lots of great trails. I can see why!

[@calebday6988]

for real hahaha

[@streddaz]

My home town, Latrobe, Tasmania is the self titled "Platypus Capitol of the World" plus has some pretty good trails and the state of Tasmania has the unofficial title of mountain biking capitol of Australia, so I'm very lucky to live where I am. I really like what they have done at Bentonville, it would be nice if most cities and towns incorporated cycling the way they have.

[@frankapple4130]

You missed the dual slalom track. That is a highlight there for sure

[@hobmarg]

Awesome editing in this one... really enjoyed the Yuka sending it montage too.

[@andreasmortensen9667]

That place is like in Denmark, in Denmatk it's just flat basically everywhere, but that makes a lot of us danes good at climping because we don't start on a mountain but just ride up hills, ride down the hill again over and over. But it's fun never the less. Great video

[@enzojacobsen4349]

I feel that the reason this is the mtb capital isn't the trails or the dirt or anything, it is that it is an entire town based on mountain biking every day of the year. No where else in the word has singletrack right off of downtown.

[@shortdaywondering8709]

Having just watched Ozarks on Netflix, this story has a laundry vibe. I've been covided from San Diego county to heritage land in Louisiana. (Ironically "Nebo" where I'm building my own pinball machine trail on 6 acres). This will likely become a destination until I get back to Penasquitos, Greer Ranch and the Ted Williams. I would have never guessed it. Thanks

[@nickmaclachlan5178]

Whilst I don't agree with their self proclaimed title, I like what Walmart is doing here, effectively they are giving back to the community directly, rather than giving taxes to Federal Government and hoping that money trickles down to where it is needed. Yes it's a bit of a Tax fiddle rather than out and out Laundry, but I just wish they had their Headquarters in a City with a few more hills........

[@mampe4122]

I'm a local that is 100% thrilled with the trails we have, but I did roll my eyes when they came out with that tag line. We have the trails, but no scenery like Utah or Colorado, or......pick anywhere with actual mountains.

[@willbros1499]

If you're talking Bentonville proper...than yeah, agreed. But if you're venturing out a bit, BOC has some great views, as do the Camp Orr trails on the Buffalo River. Mt. Nebo...has some great landscape views, as well as a few select spots on Mt. Kessler. It's not the Rockies, but there are some vistas and some pretty views in places if that's what people really want to experience.

[@TheOzLife]

Great video! Hope you enjoyed your time in Bentonville!

[@Gmork-The-Nothing]

Great review. Would love to see you do one on my hometown of Rotorua. Good to see it got a mention here too 🤙

[@petedeiwert3782]

Finally a fair assessment of Bentonville. It’s a worthwhile spot to visit and they are for sure getting people introduced to mtn biking. However, it lacks much of what we all love about riding, climbing and descending. It has a park feel to most of it. I can’t see how that would satisfy a seasoned rider beyond a long weekend

[@mrvwbug4423]

I do see why it's mostly flow trails, flat, pedally tech sucks, you don't need steep terrain for a flow trail to run decently.

[@WeekendPirate]

Welp with my new found love to mountain biking I think I need to take a trip over there and find out 😁

[@gr8fulride]

That kid grinning his head off at the end . "That hurt". Awesome vid. I though blowing springs trails were high in the fun scale. I'm a slightly average weekend warrior style trail rider. Definitely going back to explore more around Bentonville

[@Jason.rimando]

I went to Bentonville for the first time a month ago to go to their annual bike fest and check out the trails. It was incredible to see the trail network and the time and money spent to constantly create them. One of the locals told me that the Walton family spends $150 million a year on building and grooming trails... That's insane. IMO, not the MTB capital of the world, but definitely an amazing place to check out for all riders. Will definitely recommend everyone to check that place out and you can bet that I will be coming back again.

[@luisguevara4113]

sincere, no BS, good review. I will go visit and now I will not feel cheated because since I now now exactly what it is my expectations will be right and I can just enjoy it. Thank you.

[@davecrashes4905]

I love seeing the same trip from the perspective of both you and Yuka

[@oldschooldude3500]

Since when did bentonville become the capital of mountain biking. I've never been there but one day make the journey there just to say I tried it. You tell me capital of mountain biking and bentonville is not the first place I think of. Just my 2 cents but Whistler, Moab are the two that come to mind. Mountain bike decisions for sure, Whistler, Moab, Park city, Durango, Fruita, Sedona. And there are others for sure. Maybe even Bentonville.

[@bicycle019]

Felt the same issue when I visited Bentonville to ride - so much pedaling to keep speed to try and keep up with the features. Not a fall line trail to be found. Amazing craftsmanship and what seemed like relentless trail building threaded all through the town. Mixed bag for me. Super impressed on one level, but also bummed that all that money and effort went into an area that lacks the terrain to match it. I would say it's a model though for what every town should aspire to be when it comes to inclusivity and mountain biking. If they can do it in NWA they can do it anywhere.

[@willbros1499]

Expand out a little. Slaughter Pen and Coler combine for about 35 miles. 5 minutes away in Bella Vista, there's about 120 miles that has natural terrain, scenic areas, and everything from Gravity Logic built flow trails, to long XC rides with jumps and drops along the way.

[@Vanadium]

@@willbros1499 looks like bentonvill only got jumps, super boring to me to got only one thing and flat stuff all over the place, how do you expect new riders to get bassed a rock garden or roots when you only build this kind of stuff?

[@willbros1499]

@@Vanadium ....Well, that's sort of like how everyone shows their video of riding A line, and people think there's nothing but flow trails in Whistler. Bentonville proper is to appeal to the masses, and they are the urban trails right in town. There's plenty of tech and rock/root riding here within a 30 minute drive, and much more within an hour. Our riders do just fine riding in other places. It's cool though...pedaling is not for everyone.

[@Vanadium]

@@willbros1499 pedaling is fine for me. Isn't it possible to make two trail's within pedal reach for exactly that? With flat, I ment shaped trails with flat surface. I have the same problem here that most of our trails get more and more easy and we now need too look elsewhere to get a fine rock garden or complicated turns because everything is a berm now. That doesn't sharpen your skills. I also don't think it's good that you need your car to get to the trails because teens can't have that. I am also a dude without a car and can't reach stuff because of it.

[@joeytrimble21]

I understand how Bentonville may no measure up to Whistler or moab for some people, but you have to realize that their targeted visitors are people from the south/midwest/mideast US, who rarely have any trails like this in their area.

[@fillfreakin2245]

Then they should market themselves as the mtb capital of middle America, not the world.

[@johnwesely]

@@fillfreakin2245 I live out West, but I like going to Bentonville to bike because it is so different from what I have at home.

[@O6i]

Somewhere in that town is someone with an electric bike clearing every jump without a single pedal stroke lol

[@frankapple4130]

The jump trails at coler are good at trail speed. I went there a few months ago for the first time.

[@jeffp5418]

Good take on Bentonville. You really have to ride all of the 'other' areas in order to get the full scope of the place. I found an ebike was a blast because I could cover more ground especially if you have limited days. The native dirt isn't very good, lots of loose over hard pack.

[@Ryan_Sauer]

Lol I really liked the Yuka sending it montage. It was wicked!

[@jeffersonsharp2292]

Calling this the mountain bike capital of the world is like Walmart calling the bikes they sell mountain bikes. Imagine if all these resources were spent somewhere with, you know, elevation. Of course if you're a resident of flatland I guess this local resource is great, but I certainly wouldn't travel to a place like this.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Perfect timing, I'm headed down there next week for 5 days. We shall see if it lives up to the hype.

[@calebday6988]

make sure to hit slaughter pen and coler mountain, slaughter pen is huge but coler has a ton of insane features

[@fullerblacksmithing7954]

Hey BCPov, if you want Bentonville esque trails, but with more elevation, checkout Lacrosse Wisconsin, BKXC visited a couple years ago, and there's plenty to ride, all smaller stuff, and family oriented, but PLENTY of tech If you know where to look. It's where I'm from actually, so if you ever need a guide, maybe I'll be out there when or if you visit!

[@DirtyPandaMTB]

Good to watch you guys do different videos of the same place! Very interesting different angles! Love the good work mate 👊

[@ajgreenwald8792]

This place looks like somewhere I would want to visit if I'm in the area. When Colorado thaws out I think you would have a ton of fun riding here and plenty of opportunity for great content!

[@Jarekthegamingdragon]

While I do like the unique gimmicks they've added to tracks, to call themselves the mountain bike capitol of the world while they can't even compete with some middle of no where places in the pacific northwest is kind of hilarious.

[@rickphillips3815]

I dont know about "mountain bike capital of the world" but my friends and I had an absolute blast on the trail systems in Bentonville. Don't knock it until you try it. Good video!

[@reecethebeast9552]

I love your guy's videos. Keep up the great work!!

[@cbuttle04]

As a local, it was cool to see you guys ride here. It is a different type of riding than other places for sure. The jumps can be harder to clear, but so much more rewarding when you do. It may not be for everyone, but having it in your backyard, that's hard to beat. I know there are 'bigger' 'better' 'faster' places. But having it so close to everything, and having trails that are well maintained, new trails all the time, cool features, etc. makes it a really special place!

[@derrickherder4768]

I helped maintain some trails with the Northwest Arkansas Trail Blazers for a month and the place would be good for an ebike. But leatherwood and eureka springs is where we went for the weekends to get our downhill fix.

[@bikestuff2207]

I found Bentonville more like the "Disneyland of mountain biking". Knoxville is the new and upcoming urban MTB destination. They don't the amount of trails of Bentonville, but the town is way cooler.

[@2_wheeltherapy]

Well I started watching this thinking shmeh “self-proclaimed”, but not gonna lie… very impressed and it’s officially going on the must ride list.

[@timwhitburn6260]

I can see it’s unchallenging for you gravity riders but for us XC/multisport athletes it looks amazing.

[@LoganArndt]

Awesome video! I plan heading to Bentonville this October to ride!

[@dawittyone]

I live in a town next to Bentonville and I love it here

[@coopsnz1]

I live in Australia ,my local council built mountain bike track here and has attracted mountain bike rider from all parts of Sydney

[@shadow_hunter97gl93]

Hey man, awesome video. Glad I was able to see what all you did! Did you ever end up hitting that step up drop you were attempting?

[@pedalwithus]

love your channel. Thanks for visiting NWA again. As Texans, we struggle with this distinction as well...but as you highlighted, there are other areas in AR that are being built out by the Walton Foundation. I think you should go to Hot Springs and ride NorthWoods...LOVIT, Womble and Iron Mountain trail systems. They are more Cross Country with some gravity mixed in. AR is building, come back. visit again, We go up there 4-5 times per year to film for our channel which is new. (gotta start somewhere). Just love that you visit and give a fair assessment.

[@exbeast7521]

If you haven't yet, check out Mount Fitzgerald in Springdale, been around for a while and it's a very different experience than Slaugter

[@leannadawn6943]

Love love love the bada$$ Yuka montage 😍 send it girl!

[@brianferris1]

On my 6 week US road trip, I felt Bentonville was the mtb capital of world. But that was 1.5 years ago. Now I'm sure they have several more trails.

[@endurogod-r1e]

Have you been to canada🤣🤣

[@brianferris1]

@@endurogod-r1e They wouldn't let me in the last time I tried. I may go to Ottawa next year.

[@endurogod-r1e]

@@brianferris1 come to bc, best trails in the world

[@whyyamad]

Idk bout the capital of the world but a city putting this much time, money and effort into trails is fucking rad in my opinion. Id love to have something like this locally.

[@allforfun16]

Just went there! Unfortunately a lot of wet trails after the ice melted.

[@B1KER]

Fun video to watch. I appreciated the objective review. I totally agree that what they have done there is phenomenal but the claim to be the "mountain biking capitol of the world" is in my eyes a mere marketing campaign. Either way, I'd love to see other cities embrace riding like Bentonville has and it could really change the world.

[@shadowhunterevil8214]

8:47 man, ur in luck :)

[@lukejohnson6623]

It may just be that I’m from CO but I think the capital is fruita or western CO in general.

[@Bayplaces]

I think it's good proof of concept. That if you invest in outdoor recreation people will visit. I think the important consideration is sustainability. Fortunately, Walton family can provide that. If we built this many trails that fast where I live, we'd be struggling to maintain keeping them open if we didn't have adequate funding. It's definitely compelling - I'm sure I'd visit Bentonville if I was nearby.

[@johnvocatura]

The stone is so cool, yet so dangerous.

[@n0steeze]

How does "completely frozen ground" roll slow? Keep practicing your pumping techniques and you'll be able to clear a lot more with less pedaling!

[@themtbrush2453]

I’m a big fan of you guys! I live in Bentonville, hopefully next time your by I can meet you guys :)

[@AlpineRR26]

Congrats on 400k 🎉 😃

[@JoseCastillo-cn4dc]

Thanks i was planning to go . Great information

[@eig1979]

For a second, thought that was where they filmed Groundhogs day. But that was in Woodstock Illinois.

[@mrpercussive]

Looks like a pretty cool spot. Planning to stop by on my cross country trip this year!

[@allanridesbikes5856]

Those cases look like my jumps! Lol. And that's nuts because Yuka is a beast given what she's sent.

[@BOLJETHRO]

i go to Rotorua most weekends as i am from New Zealand, its so good as its only a three hour drive

[@jayriouioj3807]

how about the mountains in Colorado i feel like we got a shot at that title

[@dkd123]

I think it's funny that the Walton family poured all this money into making Bentonville a mountain biking destination and yet you still can't buy a half-decent mountain bike at your local Walmart.

[@Nick_CF]

And they giggle to the bank as there stores help destroy small shops. Ill never be fully on board with this corporations actions...it will always be self serving

[@calebday6988]

bruh half decent mtb ~ 350$+ just fucking buy a bike and not from a grocery store like walmart😂😂 its not that hard bro cmon

[@Arthur-br9qb]

great vid keep it up your doing great

[@rcmtb1052]

Yuka and Eric upload at the same time❤️😍

[@slushyham1128]

I think Whistler that’s where everybody really wants to go not Walmart

[@dreadsanddirt5966]

It's a fitting title. Bentonville may not have the single biggest, or steepest, or most gnarly trails, but they (considering the general area and including Eureka Springs) DO have every possible style of trail for every level of rider, and it's not just riders and rider exclusive businesses that contribute. From what I understand, WalMart has contributed close to $100 MILLION dollars to the mtb scene there. So no, it might not be the biggest, most challenging place to ride in the world, but if the criteria for the title entails an absolutely unconditional support and proactive development of the sport...they do take that crown. (and nope, not a bentonville local!)

[@mustclime5311]

wondered where you went.....thanks for posting.