Carson Beckett and Crystal Anthony took the top spots in the inaugural OZ Stage Race this past weekend, wrapping up three days of muddy, fast-paced mountain bike racing across Benton County.
Anthony, from Little Rock, dominated the women’s field, winning all three stages. Her final time over the 80-mile course was 8 hours, 54 minutes, and 44 seconds. The race kicked off Friday at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch and moved through rugged singletrack before ending Sunday with a 30-mile stage from Coler MTB Preserve to Bella Vista.
Beckett, a rider out of Brevard, North Carolina, held onto the lead in the men’s open category despite challenging conditions. Wet weather earlier in the week left trails slick and demanding, and more than a few riders dealt with mechanical issues. Beckett avoided trouble, winning the first two stages and entering Sunday’s final leg with a 12-minute, 36-second lead.
Sunday’s stage covered terrain from Slaughter Pen to Blowing Springs, but included more road and gravel than previous days, making it the fastest — and arguably most technical — of the bunch. Beckett crossed the line with a combined time of 8:39:25.
“Sunday was pretty cool,” Beckett said. “I know conditions were pretty wet in the days previous, but it was just super fast today. And the flow of the trail was really nice.”
The OZ Stage Race was designed as a point-to-point event that highlights some of the best mountain biking terrain in Northwest Arkansas. Each day’s stage varied in distance and challenge, offering a mix of singletrack, greenway, and gravel roads. The race also served as a fundraiser for the Arkansas Off-Road Series, supporting trail maintenance and youth cycling programs in the region.
What’s next for local riders
While the OZ Stage Race was the first of its kind in the area, it’s already being talked about as a highlight on the regional cycling calendar. Local riders turned out in strong numbers, with many using it as a tune-up for bigger events later in the summer.
If you’re thinking about getting into stage racing or just want to see what mountain biking in NWA has to offer, the trails used in this event are open to the public. Coler MTB Preserve and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch both offer family-friendly loops as well as more advanced terrain.
For families, the Greenway trails connecting Bentonville and Bella Vista are a good place to start. Many are paved or packed gravel, suitable for hybrid bikes or even strollers. The full route from Coler to Bella Vista, while challenging for kids, can be broken into shorter segments for a day ride or picnic outing.
Trailheads near the race route include:
- Coler MTB Preserve (Bentonville)
- Slaughter Pen Trailhead (Bella Vista)
- Handcut Hollow (part of the Ozark Highland Trail network)
Riders of all skill levels showed up over the weekend, from weekend warriors to nationally ranked pros. That mix made for exciting racing and a welcoming atmosphere, especially for newcomers.
Get involved
The OZ Stage Race may be over, but the community behind it is active year-round. The Arkansas Off-Road Series organizes regular group rides, races, and volunteer opportunities to keep local trails in great shape.
Volunteers are always needed for trail work days, and youth programs are looking for mentors. If you’ve got a bike and a free Saturday, showing up at a trailhead is a great way to give back and meet other riders.
For those interested in racing, the series hosts events throughout the year, from short criteriums to multi-day stage races. You don’t need to be fast — just ready to ride.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
