Meet the Ride Leaders of Send It South 2025
This February, the inaugural Send It South festival—a three-day music and biking festival—is taking place in the heart of downtown Bentonville at the Momentary.
From Friday, February 7, to Sunday, February 9, the Momentary campus will be home to more than six acclaimed musical artists and exclusive trailside music pop-ups right next to the best of NWA year-round riding. But, group rides are only as good as your ride leader, so we wanted to make sure you got acquainted before hitting the trails.
Read on to learn more about the ride leaders at this year’s festival.
Still need tickets? Book your festival passes online and reserve your spot today!
WHO'S WHO OF SEND IT SOUTH 2025
Andy Chasteen
@andychasteen
Andy is the co-founder of the Rule of Three cycling event in Bentonville and spends almost every day on the trails of Northwest Arkansas.
Nat Ross
@nat__ross
Nat Ross is an American professional cross-country mountain bike racer. Ross became the first American to win a professional race on a twenty-nine inch mountain bike. Ross was inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2008. Ross is a two-time World Champion with multiple National Championship titles. Ross is a pioneer in mountain bike innovation with regards to racing.
Will Frank
@wfrank2010
Local cycling legend with over 20 years of experience riding and exploring the region. Known for my expertise in creating and leading challenging yet scenic bike routes, have become a go-to “route guru” for cyclists of all levels. Whether navigating hidden trails or curating the perfect ride, I bring passion and knowledge to every event.
Bob Caporaso
@ctnebraska
NWA local. A group ride leader with the Friends of Arkansas singles track (FAST).
Gary Vernon
@garykvernon
Gary Vernon is the Director of Trail Innovation for Runway group and has been leading trail development for Tom and Steuart Walton for the past decade.
Justice Berry
@justice_jax_berry
Hi! I am Justice Berry! Most everyone calls me Jax. Hope you’re ready to rip, I know I am!
Finn Logan
@floganmtb
Finn Logan is seventeen years old and currently rides for YT Industries/ YT Mill Bentonville. He loves free riding, jumping, jibbing and racing gravity disciplines. He works as a trail builder for AltTerra LLC when he’s not going to school, riding bikes, or out enjoying nature.
Sammi Runnels
@aunicornvomited
I race gravel for team Velocio // Exploro. I design mtb trails for Rock Solid Contracting.
Brody Betz
@brody_betz
I am an 18-year-old mountain biker who has lived in Bentonville, Arkansas, for about 9 years now. I have been riding and racing since about 2018 and working in bike shops since 2021.
Victor Gurel
@victor.gurel
Just a guy that loves riding bikes.
Pat Zimmerman
@high_in_the_ozarks
Disciple of Arkansas, OZ, and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Drummer, motocrosser, white water kayaker, pilot, skier, gravel promoter, cat 1 MTBer.
David Coleman
@thebikeminded
David lives and rides here in NWA, sometimes underbiked and sometimes overbiked, as long as the route has some good dirt in these rolling Ozark hills you’ll see a big smile on his face as the miles pass by.
Jeremy Houchin
@jorts_and_readers
Daytime gig – manage The Meteor bike shop locations. Nighttime gig — spending time with my partner, bike rider, food consumer, and known to go to a dance/rave or two.
Bobby Parker
@bobbyridesbikes
Bobby Parker is a professional mountain bike coach and the founder of Better Biking NWA, where they specialize in teaching bike skills and mental techniques to riders of all levels. With over 20 years of experience in the cycling industry and certifications from PMBIA, USA Cycling, and BICP, they combine technical expertise with a passion for helping others progress and enjoy riding. Based in Northwest Arkansas, Bobby is also deeply involved in the local riding community, hosting group rides like Bentonville Hang Time.
Caro Poole
@caro_piscine
Passionate cyclist who loves riding with friends!
Matthew Porter
@matthewjamesporter
Husband, father, athlete, in that order. Lover of all things Northwest Arkansas but mostly Rule of Three style rides. Let’s go!
Rich Drew
@therichdrew
Rich found his two-wheeled calling at the ripe age of five when he followed his brother into the world of BMX. (Yes, “Rad” is his favorite movie.) Rich eventually made the move to mountain biking where he competed professionally in XC and enduro, winning races and championships along the way. In 2015, Rich combined his love of riding with his background in corporate training to create The Ride Series. His feel for the nuances of both teaching and the trail enables him to break down complex skills into understandable steps that riders of every level can appreciate and apply.
Paige Onweller
@paigepowered
Paige Onweller is a professional off-road cyclist who is passionate about getting more women on bikes. Her most recent accomplishments include being the top American female at Unbound Gravel with an impressive 3rd place finish. She also was 3rd overall in the Lifetime Grand Prix overall rankings for 2024 with several podiums at the marquee events. Prior to racing full-time, she practiced urgent care and emergency medicine as a PA for 8 years.
Noah Collins
@ryse_on
Noah’s day job is literally to get people inspired to get outside. He has a long history on the bike and has led countless rides during his time as an endurance coach and leader in the cycling industry. As a native Coloradan that now calls NWA home, he is no stranger to adventure!
Ben Gabardi
@bengabardi
I am a Mississippi native, but I have called northwest Arkansas home for the last few years, and I am excited to share the trails and gravel roads that led me to move here with everyone!
Cole Tininenko
@coletininenko
True Bentonville local, bike industry veteran, won dozens of dollars bike racing. Took up riding to explore Bentonville before I could drive, continue to ride to explore AR, and eat candy on gas station curbs with my friends.
Adela Nochebuena
@nochebuenaa
I highly enjoy the freedom that biking makes me feel and love to encourage and support the biking community!!
Kate Gabardi
@kategabardi
Mississippi Native, animal collector, and love connecting with and meeting new people on the trails here in NWA!
Taylor Lideen
@tlideen
My name is Taylor Lideen. My wife and I moved from Phoenix, AZ, to Bella Vista, AR, 3 years ago, and it has been a dream come true. Living in NWA is really all it’s cracked up to be 😉
Matt Hartman
@spokedevents
Matt Hartman is a freelance race director and the owner of Spoked Events, a company dedicated to organizing cycling events and helping other organizations create successful and memorable experiences. Originally from St. Louis, MO, Matt now resides in Northwest Arkansas, where he combines his passion for cycling, event management, and community building.
Shelby Frank
@shel_puns
A road racer turned off-road rider for the adventure and challenges that off-road riding brings. Shelby moved to Bentonville a year and a half ago, drawn by the incredible trails, community, and the opportunity to be closer to her family.
Rachael Gatto
@rkgatto
I’m a wife and mom who moved to Northwest Arkansas from Illinois because of my passion for all things mountain biking. I not only enjoy riding the trails, but I also want to share the excitement of mountain biking with others.
Andy Heuser
@andypedals98
Andy is a bike racer through and through, but you never know what bike you’ll find him out on… racing enduro one week and national series crits the next, if it has pedals, it’s fair game.
Jamie Caporaso
@jamienhw
Jamie is a Bentonville local who thrives on the rhythm of the trail and the energy of Northwest Arkansas. Passionate about mountain biking. Jamie is always chasing adventure and embracing the next adventure.
Wes Wells
@snipes_wells
Transplant from Wyoming, 10 years ago, lives breaths and loves everything Arkansas. Proud husband, father and friend.
Jonny Sundt
@egccx
Former professional cyclist, I do work in cycling broadcasting and event announcing when I’m not busy running my residential construction business here in NWA.
Anneke Beerten
@annekebeerten
Pro-mountain bike rider, 3x World Champion, and currently full-time skills coach in Bentonville, Arkansas. When not riding or coaching you can find me eating Tacos!
Claire Shipley
@clairefshipley
Claire is a Bentonville local and the Community Manager at the Rapha Clubhouse, where she oversees and organizes a variety of community events and group rides. When she’s not planning rides or events, Claire can be found out on the road, gravel, or trail, enjoying her passion for cycling. Her go-to ride snack? Nerd Clusters, of course!
Landon Kennedy
@landalf_
Hi there! My name is Landon, and I’ve been lucky to call Bentonville home for most of my life. Watching the city’s trail systems evolve has been incredible—right alongside my own biking journey! By day, I’m part of the crew at The Meteor, a local cafe that fuels riders and adventurers alike. Beyond that, I’m proud to coach young riders through Bike School Bentonville. Seeing kids develop their skills—confidently and with smiles—is hands down one of the most rewarding experiences ever. Shoutout to the amazing team of coaches I get to work with! I’m beyond excited to connect, ride, and adventure with all of you. Let’s hit the trails and make some memories!
Brian Bolton
@briancycleboltron
I work here in NWA where as a kid I used to visit my grandmother for the summers and as much as I loved being with my brother and hangin with my g-ma I hated Arkansas. Fast forward some 35 years and now I live here! I grew up in Tulsa, OK where my love for cycling started and now we live in Bella Vista where the love continues to grow. Cheers!
Trent Kenreigh-Tomas
@t_kenreigh
I’m a Bentonville local and Brand Experience Rep for Specialized Bicycles with a passion for all types of cycling, from road to downhill mountain biking. I love sharing the experiences and joy of being on two wheels with others, whether it’s exploring new trails or pushing limits on familiar ones. My goal is to help riders of all levels get the most out of every ride.
Ben Craig
@bdc1229
Local rider who has been riding and racing for over 40 years.
Sean Thurman
@_seanthurman_
New Bentonville resident and Race Director for Unbound Gravel and both Little and Big Sugars. You can usually find me exploring all the NWA has to offer via gravel, singletrack, or pavement. Fueled by coffee, always.
Candice Hansen
@shortpassion_mtb
I became a mountain biker shortly after moving to NWA. It wasn’t a love at first ride, but after taking a clinic with the local Women of OZ NWA group, I became obsessed with the sport. This ultimately led me to become a rider leader and Head of the Philanthropy Committee with Women of OZ. I also began working with the Women’s MTB Network in 2023 and continue making strides to connect women all over through mountain biking.
Jackie Chasteen
@jackiechasteen_
I like bikes.
Sam Pickman
@sampickman
Director of product at Allied Cycle Works.
Laith Smith
@panic_rev
I’m Laith, an Arkansas native with a passion for anything with two wheels. My mom frequently reminds me of the fits I through if I didn’t have my green “boom-boom.” There’s no telling how many green toy motorcycles she had to buy from our local Walmart. The green boom-boom eventually turned into a passion of racing motorcycles until attending the University of Arkansas. Now, having access to so many trail systems, mountain biking quickly became my new addiction. Fast forward 2 decades and me and my wife, Ali, are raising our 2 children, London and Liam, in the heart of Bentonville. I am living my childhood dream.
ALSO FEATURING
Richie Bergeron, Kyle Lockhause, Lucas Strain, and Brady Carman.
Ready to hit the trails? Book your festival tickets for Send It South today!