Help
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers for first-timers, beginners, and anyone planning a guided Bentonville ride.
What makes Bentonville Bike Guide different?
We’re local Bentonville riders who build the ride around your group — first-timers, beginners, vacation intermediates, or jump & flow seekers. Less Trailforks guesswork, more time actually riding trails that fit your pace.
Are you a coaching or skills clinic?
No. We’re a guided-ride service, not a skills school. We’ll share tips and local insights on the trail, but we don’t run drills or structured lessons. If you want formal coaching, we’ll point you to great local clinics.
What skill level are the guides?
Experienced locals who ride NWA constantly — not pro racers. We match trails to your comfort level, from approachable first rides to bigger lines when that’s what you want.
Who is this service for?
Anyone who wants a better Bentonville ride without spending the day figuring out the network: first-time visitors, newer mountain bikers, intermediate vacationers, families/mixed groups, and riders chasing jump & flow. If you’re brand-new to two wheels, start with Beginner / Easygoing or First Ride.
What trails do you guide on?
Whatever fits the ride you booked — approachable Slaughter Pen loops, highlight flow, or classic jump lines (and quieter gems). We pick the day’s trails based on your experience, goals, and conditions.
Why offer jump & flow and beginner rides?
Because Bentonville has both — and visitors show up with very different goals. Jump & Flow is for riders who want features. First Ride and Beginner exist so the rest of the trip isn’t wasted on the wrong trails.
How long are the sessions?
- First Ride Bentonville — 2–2.5 hours
- Beginner / Easygoing — 2–3 hours
- Bentonville Highlights — 3–3.5 hours
- Jump & Flow — 2 or 3.5 hours
- Custom Private — 2–5 hours
How does booking work?
Submit the inquiry form. We review your info and reach out within 24 hours to confirm trail plan and time, finalize payment (Venmo or cash), and send your waiver link.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes. Every rider completes a digital waiver before the ride (Jotform — usually under two minutes). Link comes after booking is confirmed.
What kind of bike should I bring?
The bike you’re most comfortable on. A quality trail or enduro bike is ideal for most NWA riding; e-MTBs are great if you want more laps. Renting? Compare local shops on BikeWhip, then we’ll match trails to that bike.
How many riders can join a session?
Solo and pairs get the most customized ride; larger groups work too and stay social. Tell us your group size when you book so we plan pace and route.
What should I bring?
Helmet (required), pads/gloves you like, water, snacks, charged e-MTB battery if applicable, and a good attitude.
What if it rains?
We respect the trails — if we’d leave tracks, we don’t ride. We’ll shift to drier options when possible, or reschedule/cancel with no hassle.
Where do we meet?
Typically Slaughter Pen — A Street Parking Lot, unless we agree on another spot that fits your ride.
Is media / photo-video required?
No. Capture is an optional add-on only (Social Pack $50 · Pro Pack $75). The ride stands alone.
Why ride with a local guide?
So you spend the day riding the right Bentonville trails for your group — not guessing. Local knowledge, your pace, less planning stress.