More women on bikes has always been my motto. I'm a dame in a MTB world full of dudes. Selfishly, I want more bike besties, and I'd love for more of them to be women. The sport leans heavily toward guys, and at last check, most sources show that only 15-30% are women riders. This disparity is even more significant when considering racing and mountain biking competitions.
Let's go, gals – There's plenty in the cycle of change, and more women's riding groups are emerging nationwide. The key is finding and supporting these communities that value diversity and prioritize bike culture for all. A shining example: Northwest Arkansas and the sister communities of Bella Vista and Bentonville. Known regionally as the OZ trails network, this expansive world-class system covers over 500 miles of trail and is affectionately known to many as the mountain biking capital of the world. It's no surprise it spawned a sweet example of a women-specific ride organization.
If you have not yet had the pleasure, please Meet WOZ, the Women of OZ: Since the first flagship ride in March 2019, WOZ has had nearly 7,000 women ride with them, and their network now consists of over 150 ride leaders.
About WOZ (Women of OZ)
Their motto: “Let's ride together” and the mission is to break down barriers that may prevent women from enjoying this amazing sport. Mountain biking is the gateway to adventure, self-discovery, and friendship. They found that as women grow in confidence on the bike, that confidence spreads in every part of their lives. I myself am a living, breathing example of how the lessons of sport have defined my personal and professional career.
Women of OZ NWA is an inclusive non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a supportive community for women mountain bikers. The strength lies in diversity and a commitment to creating a welcoming and non-intimidating environment for all individuals who identify as women, no matter background or skill level.
The WOZ signature flagship ride is held year-round on the first Saturday of every month. Each ride offers a free fundamental skills clinic as well as guided rides of all levels (beginner to advanced). Every ride is followed by a post-ride social event sponsored by a local restaurant or brewery, a great way for women to connect and support a local business. WOZ also offers clinics to women looking to advance their skills and educational opportunities for women to become instructors and leads/sweeps for upcoming rides. I was stoked to hear that an average of 100 women attend the monthly flagship rides.
Bella Vista Ride with WOZ
Not a stranger to NWA, my husband Josh and I visit two to three times a year. Every visit, I try to fit in a WOZ event. Our mid-March dates didn't jive with the Flagship ride date, but I was able to arrange a private rip with WOZ ambassadors (Lindsay and Sarah P.) for a local's guide to some of the best Bella Vista trails and to gain insight on what makes the organization's hub spin!
Riding with locals never disappoints. Kim (my fellow Michigan-based dirt sister) and I learned an important route, the Happy Hour Loop that fortuitously deposits you at the Gear Garden after about an hour of pedaling. Route notes: start at Blowing Springs front lot, ride north to the Back 40, then follow the fairways along the route to Mulligan for a few jumps and drops. Along the signature techy cross-country trails, meet a few aliens, and be sure to throw the tennis ball for the dogs behind the fence.
Return to Blowing Springs and the Gear Garden oasis, which features a babbling brook and waterfall cascading down the mossy rock ledges. Pull up a picnic table with your gal pals from April to October. Sip some local craft beer (Trailhead Lager) and check the schedule for live music when you visit.
Besides learning some local insight on trails and features, I learned a bunch about WOZ and how the organization has emerged as a leader in women's mountain biking advocacy. Kim and I had a great time following Lindsay and Sarah around, bending their ear on how they got involved. The four of us added a few more miles to check out Mighty Pine and the new section leading to the Wonderland area. We returned via the greenway, rolled under 71 to Tunnel Vision along Sugar Creek, to BV 65 BBQ for appetizers and iced teas.
Riding Mulligan's Trail with Women of OZ
Riding Tunnel Vision in Bella Vista, Arkansas
Don't just take my word for it; experience a ride or WOZ event for yourself and ask a ride leader or Ambassador how they got involved. Here are examples from Sarah Drew, the current Director of Operations, and Lindsay Hall, Ambassador and ride leader.
“Although I wasn't there from day one, discovering Women of OZ just two months after the inaugural flagship changed everything for me. What started as a nervous first ride turned into a deep involvement over the years—leading rides, helping with marketing, leading our social team, and now, as Director of Development, ensuring every flagship is truly epic. It's a privilege to connect with our community and support the ride leaders who make women feel welcome, confident, and empowered.” Sarah Drew
“WOZ was instrumental in my success, progression, and interest in mountain biking. I went from absolutely no trail riding experience to enjoying a variety of trails! Shout out to the WOZ Ride Leaders, who gave me the initial opportunity and helped me understand the basics. These amazing women created a positive and low-pressure atmosphere, which created a positive ripple effect! I wanted to give back to the organization that has done so much for me, where I hope to provide other women a great experience as they get into the sport of mountain biking!” Lindsay Hall
The Best of Bella Vista
We spent most of our trip riding the best of Bella Vista, always plotting a route that allowed us to roll out the garage for bike-in, bike out convenience. We had a 6-pack of riders, interchangeable depending on the day and state of our legs. The CycloTherapy house was home base as always; we put the kitchen, grill, deck, patio, and especially the hot tub to good use to fuel and recover for Bella Vista's punchy riding elevation. The house is directly across the street from the new Kingsdale Connector Trail, adjacent to the Kingsdale Complex, which features a Fitness Center and pool directly next to the Kingswood Golf Course.
Riding trails and features in Bella Vista, and Bentonville, AR
Kingsdale Connector Loop
It's an easy roll to start at the new Kingsdale Connector that sends you along Sugar Creek to the impressive Sugar Bridge for a quick traverse of one of seven Bella Vista golf courses. There are plenty of built-in scenic snack breaks on this route. As you cross under the highway, roll down the road to Pinion Creek Falls before tackling more Back 40 cross country. Make a quick pit stop at the stately Cooper Memorial Chapel… you'll need a break and a blessing to survive the upcoming hills!
In my case, I lucked out with a tow. Huge shout out to riding buddy Steve, who was packing a tow strap and thankfully rides an e-bike. We connected our bikes, and I savored the assist for a long climb on Flo Ride, which would have torched my quads for sure. We continued our loop on Back 40 and returned via the Sugar Bridge again.
Total miles = 18
Elevation gain = 1400 feet
Riding the Back 40 loop in Bella Vista AR
Taking a swing break at Huntley Gravity Zone
Huntley Gravity Zone
No Bella Vista trip is complete without a stop and session on Shock-n-Awe then Tango Whiskey at the Huntley Gravity Zone. The Bella Vista berms, oh my! Work on gaining speed and riding the sculpted curves until you run out of sessioning standima (how long can you stand on your pedals in a low-ready position?). We pushed our legs by tacking on some cross-country miles by following Up Hill Both Ways, leading to a tour of Lago Vista and Tunnel Vision to complete an undulating 12-mile loop.
Bella Vista's Bike Park
There's always something new happening in the land of OZ, new trails and connectors for sure. On March 17, it was a Kate Courtney spotting at a social ride from Rapha Bentonville. 100s showed up to meet and ride with a pro and world champion XC biker. She's won three World Cup XC events and was in town to ride the March UCI World Cup races being hosted in nearby Fayetteville.
The buzz continues with the Bella Vista/Bentonville lift-served OZ Trails Bike Park announcement. It's literally the ONLY thing the area did not have. Downhillers will be delighted; Construction and excavating have already begun to create 20 miles of gravity trails. The park will connect to existing trail networks (Little Sugar) and the Razorback Greenway, all easy access from HWY 71. Mark your calendars for spring 2026 for some fun rips paired with a lift.
It's an impressive combination: WOZ (Women of OZ), a world-class trail network in Bella Vista and Bentonville, and the OZ Trails Bike Park coming soon. It's time to plan an NWA trip soon – Let's Ride Together!
