Life Time Big Sugar Classic, Team USA events, Square 2 Square anchor a month of world-class races, community rides, and family-friendly cycling events
BENTONVILLE, Ark. (Oct. 2, 2025) — Bentonville, known as the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, will host a full slate of cycling events in October, from international gravel and mountain bike races to family rides and industry gatherings.
Life Time Big Sugar Classic | Oct. 12–18
The centerpiece is the Life Time Big Sugar Classic, Bentonville’s biggest cycling celebration of the year and the anchor of the city’s annual Biketober festivities. The week opens with the Little Sugar MTB, a premier mountain bike race on Bentonville and Bella Vista’s singletrack. It culminates on Saturday, Oct. 18, with a full day of racing and celebration:
- Big Sugar Gravel – the flagship gravel race through the rugged Ozarks backroads.
- OZ Kids™ Crit Championship Series – youth riders take over the Bentonville Square.
- The Gravel Rave – Bentonville’s legendary cycling after-party, bringing together riders, fans, and the community.
Media wishing to cover Big Sugar Classic events must apply for credentials by Oct. 3: https://www.bigsugarclassic.com/press/
Team USA In Bentonville
Adding to the excitement, the USA Cycling National Mountain Bike Team will be in Bentonville during Big Sugar week, with a series of community and cultural events that showcase how cycling is celebrated across the city.
Team USA appearances open to the public include:
- Oct. 14 | Dual Slalom Race & Hangout at The HUB Bike Lounge – A chance for fans to ride with Team USA members and connect with the athletes in a casual setting.
- Oct. 16 | Meet & Greet at Thaden School – A student-focused event where Team USA inspires the next generation of cyclists.
- Oct. 17 | Coffee with the Team at the Onyx Coffee Lab in Bentonville
Special Media Event
Bikes + Art: The Bentonville Way
At Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Team USA will join with Crystal Bridges to showcase the intersection of sports, art, and culture. The event is Oct. 15, 10–11 a.m., and will feature:
- Exclusive media access to Team USA athletes.
- Interactive activations inside and outside the museum.
- Photo and video opportunities highlighting Bentonville’s dual identity as both the Mountain Biking Capital of the World™ and home to a world-class art institution.
Learn about the exhibition here: https://www.visitbentonville.com/articles/post/get-in-the-game-and-usa-cycling-bikes/.
Please RSVP for the media event at alison@visitbentonville.com.
Other October Highlights
Other October highlights include the Square 2 Square Fall Ride (Oct. 11), connecting Fayetteville and Bentonville along the Razorback Greenway; Bike to School Week (Oct. 6–10); the Ladies AllRide Mountain Bike Skills Camp (Oct. 11+); and the SHIFT’25 Summit (Oct. 15–17) at Compton Gardens, bringing together cycling leaders and outdoor industry innovators.
“Cycling has transformed Bentonville far beyond the trails. It fuels our economy, supports local businesses, and creates opportunities for our community,” said Kalene Griffith, president and CEO of Visit Bentonville. “October is the perfect time to see those benefits in action. Life Time's Big Sugar Classic has grown into a world-class event that showcases our trails while paving the way for more cycling programs, which have invigorated our community's culture and spirit.”
Calendar of October Biking Events
- Oct. 3: Weekend Warm Up (recurring Fridays) – Greater Bentonville Area Chamber group ride.
- Oct. 6: Welcome to Bentonville Ride Club Introduction & Ride – monthly intro ride.
- Oct. 6–10: Bike to School Week – Families across Bentonville will trade carpool lines for bike lanes, encouraging healthy, active transportation for students.
- Oct. 7: Tour de Coler Weekly Group Ride (recurring Tuesdays) – ability-grouped MTB rides at Coler.
- Oct. 11: Square 2 Square Fall Ride – Thousands of riders will take on the scenic 30-mile route from Fayetteville to Bentonville, one of Northwest Arkansas’ most popular community cycling events.
- Oct. 11–12: Ladies AllRide Mountain Bike Skills Camp – A multi-day skills clinic designed to empower women on the trails.
- Oct. 12–18: Life Time Big Sugar Classic | Bike Week – daily programming all week.
- Oct. 12: Life Time Little Sugar MTB – Bentonville to Bella Vista singletrack courses.
- Oct. 14: Hangout with Team USA at The HUB Bike Lounge (7–9 p.m.).
- Oct. 16: Meet & Greet with the USA Cycling National Mountain Bike Team (2–4 p.m., Thaden School).
- Oct. 18: Life Time Big Sugar Gravel – flagship Ozarks gravel race (multiple distances).
- Oct. 18: OZ Kids™ Crit Championship Series – final stop at Big Sugar Classic.
- Oct. 18: The Gravel Rave – The world’s greatest cycling after-party.
- Oct. 15–17: SHIFT’25 – Industry gathering at Compton Gardens, bringing together cycling advocates, leaders, and innovators to discuss the future of outdoor recreation.
Check out Visit Bentonville’s September to November 2025 Cycling Event Guide for more information.
