Bikefest: How Bentonville Turned Bike Culture Into A Festival with Kenny Belaey

Bentonville Bikefest didn’t get big by only talking to bike people. We’re joined by Kenny Belaey, world champion trials athlete, Red Bull athlete, and the founder of Bentonville Bikefest, to explain how a week of riding in Northwest Arkansas turns into something closer to a true festival: races, exhibits, demos, kids zones, and a constant nudge to stop spectating and start participating.We dig into what Kenny saw early on that made Bentonville different from other mountain bike destinations. The trails and the Razorback Greenway matter, but so does the unique concentration of corporate brands and suppliers in the region. Kenny shares how that sponsor ecosystem can fuel action sports the way mainstream brands fuel major leagues, helping Bikefest grow in production, reach, and ambition while still feeling welcoming and local.Then we get into what’s new for year six, including Red Bull Double Down. Kenny breaks down the format: a BMX rider and a mountain biker drop in together, time their speed, cross mid-air, and bet it all on one jaw-dropping trick. We also talk about why e-bikes and cargo bikes belong at a bike festival, how coaching helps beginners get comfortable fast, and what we hope you take home: the sense that you might not need your car for every trip, plus the excitement of finding the right bike for your life.If you’re planning a Bentonville trip, searching for a mountain bike festival, or just curious how a town becomes “bike-centered,” this conversation is your roadmap. Subscribe for more stories from our new American town, and if you enjoyed this one, share it with a friend and leave a review.A New American Town is here to help you plan your trip to Bentonville, Arkansas. From guides, events, and restaurant highlights. Find all this and more at visitbentonville.com and subscribe to our newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.  You can listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, CastBox, Podcast Casts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Podcast Addict.