The Life Time Big Sugar Classic will conclude an epic year of off-road racing across the country when it hosts more than 3,200 mountain and gravel bikers for a week of fun, fast dirt in northwest Arkansas Oct. 14-21. The eight-day celebration includes bike events, industry gatherings, sponsor activations, an expo, and first-ever Gravel Rave. The full event schedule is available here.
The Life Time Big Sugar Classic week kicks off with Life Time’s newest event, Little Sugar MTB, on Sunday, Oct. 15. The Little Sugar MTB offers 100k, 50k, or 20k race distances, starting from the Coler MTB Preserve and traversing the legendary terrain in Bella Vista with a finish in downtown Bentonville. The flagship 100k distance will pass through the Little Sugar, Back 40, and Slaughter Pen trails before heading back to town. Riders will face grinding climbs that alternate with fast-rolling descents, while being greeted by the area’s stunning landscape, featuring unique bluff lines, caves, waterfalls, and the iconic Ledges. A $65,000 prize purse is up for grabs for the top-five finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Life Time also is partnering with the Women of OZ for a women-led group ride leaving from the Ledger at 3 p.m. on Oct. 15. Later that day, an After Party will be hosted at the Ledger Bentonville, the first-ever bikeable building with six stories of exterior switchbacks that lead to incredible views of Downtown Bentonville. Cyclists and their loved ones are welcome to enjoy an open bar, food by Chef Biju Thomas, and music from DJ Raquel.
Shakeout rides will take place on Oct. 20 with Ventum Racing, Chamois Butt’r, All Bodies on Bikes, Kodiak Cakes, and Pirelli Tires, in partnership with Life Time and People for Bikes for a “Schoolhouse Rock” ride. Riders will have the opportunity to visit a remodeled schoolhouse for drinks, food, and a pre-race party along the route. There will also be panels throughout the day on the Expo Stage from fan-favorite gravel cyclists.
The third Big Sugar Gravel presented by Mazda, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21. It marks the final race in the 2023 Life Time Grand Prix Series. The gravel event offers two distances including the marquee 100-mile distance, and a 50-mile option, with both courses made up of challenging, picturesque roads through the highs and hollows of Northwest Arkansas and Southern Missouri. The evening will be capped by honoring the top ten male and female Grand Prix athletes, who will walk away with their earnings from a season-long battle for the $250,000 prize purse.
Athletes looking for an even bigger challenge may experience Bentonville’s mountain bike trails and gravel roads in the Sweet Tooth or Semi-Sweet Tooth Challenge, racing the Little Sugar MTB event on Sunday, followed by the Big Sugar Gravel event six days later.
Life Time Big Sugar Classic – More Than Just Riding
Throughout the week, additional bike industry events will take place, including the People for Bike Shift conference from Oct. 16-18, and Outerbike Bentonville from Oct. 20-22. More than 5,000 non-racer attendees are expected across the week along with 400 cycling industry members.
On Thursday, Oct. 19, at 3 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Big Sugar Gravel Expo will kick off in Bentonville City Square and feature talks and panels from gravel favorites, including Kristi Mohn and Abi Robbins, as well as Grand Prix athletes such as fifth-place Gravel World Championships finisher, Keegan Swenson. At 7 p.m., Bike Rack Brewing will host a Social Hour for race participants.
Gravel Rave – Cycling Collides With Beats
The week’s first Gravel Rave ends the unprecedented week with a night where the world of gravel cycling will collide with electrifying beats, awards, gourmet food, and spirited attire. The event is for everyone – whether you’re coming for the beats, the bites, or the brews, including:
- Gourmet Delights: Savor delectable bites and glowing treats, curated by the renowned Chef Biji (@bijuthechef).
- Electrifying Beats: Dance to the rhythm of former World Tour pro cyclist turned DJ sensation, Taylor Phinney, with a guest set from Life Time Grand Prix athlete and DJ Alexis Skarda.
- Hip Hop Violinist: Groove to the contemporary beats of EZINMA (@ezinma) our sensational self-proclaimed “Classical Bae” violinist.
- Grand Prix Awards Ceremony: Witness the crowning moments of the 2023 Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda.
- Cash Bar: Enjoy an array of adult beverages to keep the party going.
- Gravel Glow: Get ready to shine and express your unique style in your hip, funky, and cool attire. Think denim jorts, Hawaiian button-downs, neon, and glow-in-the-dark clothes.
To reserve your spot and for more information, visit https://www.bigsugarclassic.com/gravel-rave/
