This year’s Bentonville Bike Fest was one to remember. It was filled with awesome bike riding of all kinds, great people nerdin’ out on all things cycling, and a devastating storm that shut the event down on Sunday. The Mongoose crew arrived Thursday to set up a spot to not only showcase some bikes, but also to have a place for the athletes to hang out. What athletes, you ask? Well, I’m glad you asked. We had Matty Cranmer, Brayden Barrett-Hay, Brandon Hopkins, and Josh Hult on hand to ride the events and meet fans.
On opening day on Friday, Josh and Brayden rode the dirt jump demos while Matty went to redeem himself at the XCE race. Last year his chain snapped, which ended his day. This year Matty was focused and qualified 4th in the time trials. During his first elimination round Matty was in the lead for lap one, but after getting passed and on lap two he went for a bold passing move which didn’t end up working out. Unfortunately, the rider in front slowed down and moved right in front of Matty causing a crash that took Matty out. He was uninjured, but that was the end of XCE for this year. They say three time’s a charm, right?
Saturday started with the Gravelicious Gravel Race, in either a 30- and 60-mile option. Brandon, Matty and myself opted for the 30 because the Straight Rhythm was soon after the 30 mile race. I ended up middle of my class, Brandon was closer to the front in his, and Matty won his age group and took 7th overall. That was a little redemption after XCE experience.
During Gravelicious Josh and Brayden did another dirt demo throwing down double barspin flips, no-look flips and more! After the crew finished the 30-mile race it was time to start the Straight Rhythm event. Straight Rhythm started with time trials eliminators, and Matty, Josh, Brandon and Brayden all made it to the round of 32. It’s head-to-head racing, so the first one over the line moves on. Josh Hult was the fastest of the group making it to the round of 8! Unfortunately, he was in the slower lane and was barely edged out, which ended the day’s events.
From there, we packed up not knowing what was in store for us that night. We asked Matty Cranmer to describe the storm that ripped through Bentonville and Rogers.
"I’ve never experienced anything like the storm that hit Bentonville last night. Felt like I woke up in a weird, twisted dream at about 1 am and I heard the guys talking in the living room.
I was sleeping in the right corner of the house on the bottom bunk bed when the house literally shook. I had no idea what was going on thinking maybe the roof was about to fly off. That’s when I looked out the window of the bedroom and noticed there was a tree staring at me that I’d never seen before. Thankfully, it didn’t penetrate the house but the fact that I was directly under this tree falling definitely shook me up. Was grateful to be able to wake up and wait out the storm with the rest of the team.
Our damages were minuscule, and I know many were greatly affected by this disaster and I’m sending my best to city of Bentonville and the surrounding areas that were hit by this unbelievable storm. Sending prayers to all that were affected."
Thanks to all who stopped by to visit the Mongoose crew in Bentonville, and we’re sending our best to the Bentonville community. Hope to see everyone at next year’s event!
