Foundations are two-day intensive workshops during which IMBA staff and local experts and stakeholders lead participants through the recipe for a model community trail system: planning, design, building, activation, promotion and measuring success. Attendees will also get a firsthand look at components of an intentional and diverse mountain bike trails community through field visits.
Individuals best-suited to attend the workshops are land managers, community officials, recreation professionals and tourism/economic development staff. In addition to helping you understand the benefits of trails and the experiences desired by mountain bikers, we will provide the knowledge you need to get started making great trails happen locally and help you identify the next steps needed to bring more trails to your own backyards.
The cost to attend is $600, which includes registration, breakfast and lunch, shuttles for field workshops and evening festivities. 10 Scholarships will be available, please contact John Cox for scholarship questions and details.
This event is designed to help attendees learn how to get more trails close to home learning from the benefits and challenges the community in Northwest Arkansas has experienced through their targeted focus and investment in trails. A key element of Foundations is to have local stakeholders—such as parks and recreation, tourism and economic development professionals—all present and involved in the workshop so you get the interact with and hear from them directly.
Note that afternoon site visits will be walking and talking tours. We will not get our hands dirty during this event (no trail building), nor will attendees be returning home with a complete, detailed trails plan, but you will walk away with the knowledge and resources to gain momentum in your own community leading to site-specific plans for more trails close to your home.
Reservations: Due to the demand of Foundations we do not allow spots to be reserved for anticipated registrations. We encourage your group to register early as we are limited to 40 spots. If you would like to know how many spots remain please contact us.
Cancellations & Refunds: A registration may be cancelled with a full refund issued if cancellation is requested up to 30 days prior to the event. Within 30 days of the event date a 50% refund will be issued up to two (2) weeks prior. No refunds will be issued if cancelled within two (2) weeks of the event. In the event IMBA must cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances, IMBA will refund the full cost of registration. However, IMBA does not assume responsibility for any additional costs, charges, or expenses; such as charges made for travel and lodging.
REGISTER HERE
Example Schedule
(please note this schedule is subject to change)
Wednesday, April 5
- 5:00-8:00pm Welcome reception at Bike Rack Brewing, 801 SE 8th St #61, Bentonville, AR 72712
Thursday, April 6
- 8:00am-1:00pm Classroom workshop at The Ledger 240 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712
- 1:00-4:00pm Field sessions at Local Trail Systems (shuttles will be provided)
- 5:30-7:00pm Optional MTB Ride at Town Square
Friday, April 7
- 8:00am-1:00pm Classroom workshop The Ledger 240 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712
- 1:00-3:45pm Field sessions at Local Trail Systems (shuttles will be provided)
- 3:45-4:30pm Classroom Trail Planning Session
- Closing
Get there and enjoy Bentonville
TRAVEL
- Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, Bentonville
- Tulsa International Airport, Oklahoma (2-hour drive)
- Springfield National Airport, Missouri (2-hour drive)
Do not fly into Little Rock, AR, if possible. It’s much farther away.
Greyhound Shuttles from the Airports
From Springfield, MO, and Tulsa, OK, to Bentonville/Rogers, AR
$30.00 to $60.00 | Book on the Greyhound website
EXPLORE
Enjoy a revitalized downtown square, historic areas, world-class art museums, and an abundance of paved-path and singletrack bicycling options. And bring your appetite; Bentonville is a great destination for foodies. The Wall Street Journal named Bentonville as one of its up-and-coming culinary scenes in 2014 and it has only flourished since then. Explore all that Bentonville has to offer.
LODGING
Airbnb & Short Term Rentals
- Bentonville has many great Airbnb and short-term rentals available at reasonable rates.
Hotels:
The majority of hotels in the Bentonville area are outside of the downtown area and will require a vehicle, or some form of transportation to get into town each morning.
BIKE RENTALS/SHIPPING
Renting:
Bikes can be rented locally. Please note you need to select a specific location with each of these retailers. It is strongly recommended that you reserve a rental before you arrive.
Shipping:
Bikes can be shipped to your lodging destination with BikeFlights
