As the sun dips lower on Friday afternoons in Bentonville, you won't find the town winding down for the weekend. Instead, it's quite the opposite as the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce parking lot buzzes with the anticipation of adventure seekers and networking professionals alike!

OkayNWA has the scoop on the latest craze sweeping through the Northwest Arkansas cycling scene: the Weekend Warmup mountain bike rides. Each Friday from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, a blend of pedal enthusiasts and career-driven individuals are ditching the traditional happy hour for handlebars and helmets.

This isn't your ordinary ride through the park. With routes alternating each week between challenging mountain bike trails and vibrant gravel paths, every Friday promises a fresh jolt of adrenaline. And this week, gear up for an epic journey through the hills as we tackle the mountain trails, courtesy of OZ Cycling Tours' expert navigators.

But wait, there's more to these rides than the rush of flying down trails. The Weekend Warmup is forging a path where business cards are swapped over bike frames and collaborations are born between breaths. Yes, you heard it right – mountain biking has become Bentonville's newest networking hotspot. Picture discussing your latest project proposal while coasting alongside potential partners and clients.

Thanks to the enthusiastic sponsorship of The Bike Inn and Gearhead Outfitters, riders can confidently push their limits, knowing safety and enjoyment are at the forefront of every excursion. Whether you’re well-versed in the ways of the trail or just curiously considering getting on the saddle, all levels of experience are welcomed with open arms – or should we say, open trails?

The call is out to all cycling aficionados and business innovators in Northwest Arkansas: why settle for usual Friday plans when you can mix thrill with opportunity? Dust off your mountain bike, lace up those riding shoes, and let’s buzz into the weekend, Bentonville style. Remember, a networked path is best traveled on two wheels.

Meet up point? The Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce parking lot. Destination? The peak of productive networking. The journey starts this Friday – don't miss the ride! 🚵‍♂️🌲🚵‍♀️🌲🚵‍♂️