Brent’s lifelong love of bikes began at age eight with a shiny red PUCH BMX—a total birthday surprise. That little bike opened up his world. From sun-up to sundown, he tore through his neighborhood and local dirt trails, mastering wheelies, skids, bunnyhops, and trackstands along the way.

By 1984, a Murray Street Machine carried him into the dirt roads of the Los Angeles foothills, where mountain biking first took root. A few years and many miles later, Brent found himself working at a local shop, discovering that wrenching on bikes was just as rewarding as riding them.

The Southern California bike scene became his playground. Road, track, cyclocross, touring—he dove into every corner of cycling culture, learning the best setups for each discipline. Mountain biking stayed his main passion, but long road rides and daily commutes kept him spinning year-round. Before long, he’d earned a reputation as one of SoCal’s most trusted mechanics.

When Brent and his wife Jennifer moved to Salida, Colorado, they brought that same spirit west. After a few years with Absolute Bikes, they opened Bentonville Bicycle Co. in Arkansas—a shop that quickly became a local staple and continues to thrive today. Later, the couple founded Catoctin Mountain Cyclery near Frederick, Maryland, known for its high-quality service and community-driven rides.

Eventually, life brought them back to Colorado, where Brent ran a mobile repair business, Down In It Cycles. And while he loved the work, he knew his heart was still in Northwest Arkansas. When the chance came to return, he took it—no hesitation.

Now back in Bentonville, Brent says he’s finally home. “The people, the trails, the community—it’s all here,” he says. “I can’t imagine leaving again.”

He still takes on big rides like the Vapor Trail 125 (once on a rigid singlespeed!), Leadville 100, Stokesville 60K, and Barnburner 104 in Flagstaff, Arizona—proof that the fire still burns strong.

Quick Q&A with Brent

Favorite local trail:
The Back 40. The perfect length, with unbeatable scenery. Tunnel Vision comes close though.

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Favorite trails beyond Arkansas:

Hard to narrow down, but here are five all-time favorites:

1. Phil’s World – Cortez, CO

2. Pauley Creek – Downieville, CA

3. El Prieto – Pasadena, CA

4. Stokesville Trails – Virginia

5. Black Ops – Cedar City, UT

Bike you ride most:

A custom-built Canfield Nimble Nine singlespeed—one bike that does it all.

Why singlespeed?

Because Northwest Arkansas is perfect for it: light, smooth, and fast. Every rider should try one here.

Favorite post-ride spot:

A cold IPA and a sandwich from Danger Dave’s in Bentonville. Hard to top.

“Whew… what a ride. If you’ve read this far—thanks for coming along for it.”