Youth mountain bike racing drew thousands to Mountain Home in August

Mountain Home welcomed hundreds of young mountain bikers and their families in August as the Arkansas Interscholastic Cycling Association (AR NICA) held a two-day time trial at Clysta-Willet Park. The event featured 750 student athletes, 445 coaches, and 1,540 spectators, totaling 2,760 people including staff and competitors. Only about 15-20 participants were local, with the majority staying in hotels, Airbnbs, or campgrounds, providing a notable economic boost to the community.The Time Trial marked the return of youth mountain bike racing to Mountain Home after a one-year absence. Racing took place from early morning through mid-afternoon, giving the public the chance to watch and support student-athletes from across the state.
The event highlighted Mountain Home’s trails and recreational amenities while bringing in visitors who contributed to lodging, dining, and retail businesses throughout the city. It also served as the first of six weekends in the 2025 AR NICA season, which will travel to Jonesboro, Siloam Springs, Conway, Hot Springs, Barling, and Fayetteville.

Founded in 2016, AR NICA offers mountain biking opportunities for students in grades 5-12 and runs programs such as GRiT (Girls Riding Together), Teen Trail Corps trail work, and outdoor adventure education, promoting youth fitness, teamwork, and community engagement.

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