Support Your Local Trails: Join FAST
Friends of Arkansas Singletrack (FAST) is the Benton County, AR chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). Since 2007, we have worked with local stakeholders to elevate the Arkansas mountain biking experience, focusing on a fun, family-friendly atmosphere for all riders. Your membership fuels the trails, the community, and the advocacy needed to keep NWA a world-class riding destination.
Who We Are & What We Do
We focus our efforts on four core areas to enhance the singletrack experience in Benton County, Northwest Arkansas:
Community: We host weekly Wednesday night group rides for all skill levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned pros. We also organize signature events like our Beach Bash and the Loop de Loop Challenge, a 50-mile grassroots ride. To keep our community safe, the OZ MTB Patrol—a group of certified volunteers—provides mechanical and first aid support during rides and major local events.
Stewardship: We coordinate year-round trail workdays and partner with local land managers to maintain and improve the trails you love. Beyond the dirt, we partner with Pedal It Forward for volunteer bike-building opportunities to help provide bicycles to neighbors in need.
Education: We provide basic instruction to new riders during group rides and guidance for those new to trail work. We educate the community on trail usage and when to avoid riding to prevent trail damage. Our website provides essential resources, including a Route Library, links to Trail Conditions pages, trail maps, and guidance on how to report trail issues.
Advocacy: We engage with local stakeholders and land managers to promote and preserve land access. We listen to the concerns of both managers and users, representing our members as their unified voice in ongoing trail preservation and new development.
Where Your Membership Dollars Go
Your membership dollars are invested both locally and nationally. FAST pours resources directly into maintaining, preserving, and advocating for our local trail systems. Meanwhile, IMBA provides national-level advocacy and administrative support.
Locally, your support funds:
- Insurance: Covering volunteer workdays, rides and events.
- Tools, Equipment, & Materials: Buying the rakes, shovels, fuel, and other items needed to maintain our beloved singletrack.
- Rides & Events: Providing resources to make our weekly rides and annual events fun, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
- Resources: We create useful tools for both our members and the general public such as our route library and trail conditions pages.
- Community Engagement: Supporting community events and providing opportunities for education, awareness, and advocacy.
Member Perks & Benefits
Membership pays for itself through members-only events and exclusive discounts. We offer both local rewards and national benefits through our partnership with IMBA.
FAST Local Perks:
- Members-Only Events & Post-Ride Treats: Access to members-only club events such as our annual Super Bowl Ride and Beach Bash, as well as free food and beverages following Wednesday night group rides.
- Volunteer Recognition Program:A robust volunteer program recognizing and encouraging our members who spend time and sweat maintaining our trails and furthering our mission locally.
- Ride with GPS Premium: Enhanced navigation and route planning tools. This perk is unlocked with 25 volunteer hours or more.
IMBA National Perks:
- Subaru VIP Program: Purchase or lease a new Subaru at retailer cost.
- ExpertVoice: Discounts of up to 60% off on over 100 top outdoor and bike brands.
- Mountain Bike Action: Free digital subscription to Mountain Bike Magazine, delivered via email.
- BikeInsure: Special member pricing on comprehensive bike insurance.
- Brand Discounts: Savings on gear from Club Ride apparel, and Water-to-Go bottles.
Other Ways to Give Back
Not ready for a full membership? You can still help keep the wheels turning through these options:
- Become a FAST Sponsor: Interested in partnering with FAST as a sponsor? Email our president to get the ball rolling.
- One-time Donation: Make a tax-deductible direct donation to FAST. 100% of these funds stay local to support our mission.
- LuvTrails: Support the trails you ride with per-mile micro-donations via Strava. It’s an easy way to give back every time you hit the dirt.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Partner with us to help us with our mission. Join the crew that builds, protects, and rides singletrack in Benton County, AR.
