The Faces Behind Big Sugar Gravel!

Race day is almost here! In just ONE MONTH, you’ll navigate the canopy-covered, gloriously chunky roads at the 2021 Big Sugar Gravel Race.

Before you do that, we wanted you to meet the incredible team dedicated to giving you an unforgettable experience in Bentonville on October 23:

Michelle Duffy, Marketing

Where are you located? Emporia, Kan.
Go-to spot in Bentonville? Ozark Brewery in nearby Rogers, Ark.
Favorite part about working on this event? It’s no secret that the Bentonville community embraces cycling like no other! Experiencing that local excitement, coupled with a totally unique and spicy course, makes this event so fun.
Favorite post-ride brew? Hazy IPA baby!

Kristi Mohn, Marketing

Where are you located? Emporia, Kan.
Go-to spot in Bentonville? The Meteor
Favorite part about working on this event? The fall colors, the good gravel, the rolling hills.
Favorite post-ride brew? I’ll take a whiskey, please.

Treva Worrel, Athlete Services

Where are you located? Emporia, Kan.
Go-to spot in Bentonville? The Meteor Cafe
Favorite part about working on this event? Visiting our human and animal friends at Whistling Springs Brewery in Seligman, Mo.
Favorite post-ride brew? Urban Trail at Bike Rack!

Ben Sachs, Event Management

Where are you located? Emporia, Kan.
Go-to spot in Bentonville? Ride spot: Choo Choo trail at Slaughter Pen; Food spot: The HUB Bike Lounge.
Favorite part about working on this event? Bentonville is quickly becoming one of the world’s premier mountain bike destinations. Of course, there are amazing hilly gravel roads to ride as well. Being a part of Big Sugar gives me an excellent excuse to visit this amazing area to explore and ride!
Favorite post-ride brew? What do you mean post-ride? I like a brew during the ride. I call that carbohydrate sports drink. Something light during the ride, a crisp refreshing IPA after.

Nat Ross, Race Director

Where are you located? Bentonville, Ark.
Go-to spot in Bentonville? Meteor Cafe, Sunny’s, Ozark Mtn. Bakery, Rapha Pop-Up, Hawk Moth, Coler MTB Preserve.
Favorite part about working on this event? Meeting the riders and participants!
Favorite post-ride brew? Rebel 29er from Bike Rack Brewing!

Gabbi Addams, Race Director

Go-to spot in Bentonville? Bike Rack Brewing for good food trucks, beer, and outdoor seating.
Favorite part about working on this event? Seeing local agencies like the police department, city, sheriffs, fire, county road folks, etc., come together to make an event like this happen with us. Big thank you to those folks for taking the time to hear our crazy ideas and help us with them.
Favorite post-ride brew? Still micheladas!

Ben Pickel, Event Sponsorship

Where are you located? Denver, Colo.
Go-to spot in Bentonville? Onyx Cafe for morning coffee and The Pressroom for lunch and/or dinner.
Favorite part about working on this event? Introducing brands to the amazing gravel community in Bentonville. MTB gets all the attention, but the gravel riding in the area is top notch as well!
Favorite post-ride brew? Bike Rack Brewing Golden Ale!

Amanda Boyer, Marketing

Where are you located? Denver, Colo.
Go-to spot in Bentonville? Onyx Coffee!!!
Favorite part about working on this event? Surrounded by so many fun, passionate folks between my coworkers, the Bentonville community, and athletes.
Favorite post-ride brew? A refreshing and poundable Kolsch!!

Carli Powers, Event Activation

Where are you located? Denver, Colo.
Go-to spot in Bentonville? 2021 Big Sugar will be my first time visiting Bentonville, but I sure am looking forward to a visit to Bike Rack Brewing!
Favorite part about working on this event? I can’t wait to welcome athletes as they cross the finish line!
Favorite post-ride brew? I’m a sucker for an Oatmeal Stout on an October day!

Dan Mott

Where are you located? Denver, Colo.
Go-to spot in Bentonville? I haven’t been to Bentonville yet, but I’m excited to explore some of the amazing trails!
Favorite part about working on this event? Working with our partners and the whole Big Sugar team that brings this event to life!
Favorite post-ride brew? I’m excited to try Bike Rack Brewing’s Epic Trail Amber Ale!

Mason Mohn, Marketing

Where are you located? Emporia, Kan.
Go-to spot in Bentonville? Undercroft!
Favorite part about working on this event? Getting to meet all sorts of cool people!
Favorite post-ride brew? Any sort of hoppy IPA!

We can’t wait to put on an awesome event for you in the highs and hollows of Northwest Arkansas. See you in the dirt!