Brent's stoke for bikes began when he was 8 years old. A shiny new red PUCH BMX bike was a total birthday surprise! On that bike he spent countless hours riding around the neighborhood and dirt trails with friends. Wheelies, skids, bunnyhops and trackstands were learned at a young age.

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in 1984 a Murray Street Machine was the bike that got him onto the dirt roads in the Foothills of Los Angeles. This is when his interest in mountain biking was formed. Many bikes and miles later around 1989 Brent found himself working on bikes for a living at the local shop.

It was in the So Cal Bike Shop scene where he learned all about cycling culture. From Road to Track, Cyclocross to Touring, he immersed himself in it and strived to learn the best set ups for each type of riding.

 

Mountain biking was Brent's primary focus but he spent quite a bit of time doing long road rides as well. Commuting by bike most days also helped lots. He continued to work on bikes for a living developing an excellent reputation as a mechanic in the So Cal cycling scene. With a new baby on the way, Brent and his Wife Jennifer relocated to Salida, Colorado.

     After a few years with the most excellent Absolute Bikes in Salida Brent and Jennifer Opened up Bentonville Bicycle Co in Bentonville, Arkansas. This shop was a successful venture and is still going strong in Bentonville. Brent and Jennifer sold the shop at the end of 2021 to help with a family member in Maryland. 

     While in Maryland, Brent and Jennifer opened up a new shop-Catoctin Mountain Cyclery, near Frederick. This shop quickly became well known for high quality service and epic, community building shop rides. Brent and Jennifer sold Catoctin Mountain Cyclery in the middle of 2023. (Its still going strong!)

and headed back to Colorado.

     The plan was really to head back to Northwest Arkansas from here but having a home to sell first in Colorado and a young Son doing well in school there complicated things a bit. Brent opened a Mobile repair shop- Down In It Cycles. and operated this right up til the move back to Bella Vista. Brent has no aspirations of ever operating a mobile shop again. Ask him how he really felt about it sometime.......lol.

     Whew....what a ride! if you read all this, you are awesome! Thanks for taking the time.

     All of That brought Jennifer and Brent (and their Son) back to Bella Vista, Arkansas. Super friendly people, excellent trails, year-round riding and the best cycling community ever. Brent says that in his mid 50's, he still has lots of years in him to operate a shop and wrench on bikes but just can't and has no desire to move again. Bella Vista is home. It always felt like home and he missed it from the moment he had to leave. 

     

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Brent loves long tough rides and has completed some big ones such as the Vapor Trail 125 (once on a rigid singlespeed!) Leadville 100, Stokesville 60K (Super rad if you get out to Virginia) and Barnburner 104 in Flagstaff, AZ.

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Some quick Q and A with Brent

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Q. We know you ride lots, what is your favorite trail in the area?

A. I would say the Back 40. The length is perfect, and the scenery and trail conditions can't be beat. I also enjoy Tunnel Vision. So much trail goodness around here though! 

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Q. What about out of the area?

A. No way to only pick one. Here's 5.

1.Phil's World-Cortez, CO.

2.Pauley Creek-Downieville, CA

3. El Prieto-Pasadena, CA

4. Stokesville, Virginia Trails

5. Black Ops-Cedar City, Utah

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Q. What is the bike you ride the most?

A. Unlike many in the bike industry, I only have 1 mountain bike, and I love it! It's a custom-built Canfield Nimble Nine singlespeed.

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Q. We've heard about you and the singlespeeds! What's the deal with that?

A. There are certain areas in the country where singlespeeds are the perfect choice. Northwest Arkansas is one of them. They are light, smooth and fast. Ever rider should try one here!