Bentonville Bike Fest has rapidly ascended to become a must-attend cycling event in the United States, drawing enthusiasts and professionals alike. For the latest edition, I decided to approach documenting the vibrant atmosphere and thrilling competitions through the unique lens of film photography, aiming to capture the spirit of the festival with an analog touch.
Founded on the vision of Kenny Belaey, a world-renowned trials rider and Red Bull athlete, Bentonville Bike Fest embodies his passion for cycling in all its forms. With a personal appreciation for trials riding, I was particularly excited to witness its prominent role at the festival. Here’s a glimpse into my experience at Bentonville Bike Fest 2022, all captured on film.
Experiencing the Variety at Bentonville Bike Fest
Alt text: A cyclist performs a trials bike maneuver at Bentonville Bike Fest, showcasing skill and balance.
Bentonville Bike Fest is designed as a comprehensive, multi-day experience with a diverse program to appeal to every type of cycling fan. From the groundbreaking UCI flatland BMX competition and exhilarating UCI bike trials to high-energy enduro racing and captivating live music performances, the festival organizers have successfully created an action-packed schedule. Even young cycling enthusiasts are included, with a dedicated Strider race for kids.
Alt text: Montage of Bentonville Bike Fest activities including BMX flatland, vendors, and attendees enjoying the festival atmosphere.
At the heart of the event, a bustling central area hosted a wide array of vendors. Mojo Bike Shop showcased the impressive Bronco bike, while sports drink companies offered refreshing samples, and leading bike brands presented their latest innovations and technology. While Bentonville Bike Fest is still growing, it possesses the energy and momentum to potentially reach the scale of established events like Sea Otter Classic in the future.
The sheer volume of activities throughout the weekend was impressive. A substantial dirt jump area was constructed, providing a stage for professional riders to execute spectacular tricks. Additionally, a large ramp with an airbag landing was available for participants to experience the thrill of aerial maneuvers. It’s challenging to fully convey the dynamic and engaging atmosphere of Bentonville Bike Fest 2022 – it was truly an immersive cycling experience.
Alt text: Collection of images depicting vendor booths and displays at the Bentonville Bike Fest, highlighting bikes and cycling products.
The Excitement of Trials Competition
Alt text: Close-up shots of bike trials obstacles and course features at Bentonville Bike Fest, showcasing the technical terrain.
As a trials riding enthusiast myself, the trials events at Bentonville Bike Fest were a major highlight. In fact, I participated in the North American Trials Championship just before the main UCI competition. Trials is a discipline centered on masterful bike control, demanding exceptional balance and the ability to navigate challenging obstacles within confined spaces. Bentonville Bike Fest 2022 made history by hosting the first UCI Trials event in the United States in many years, possibly ever, marking a significant moment for the sport in the country.
Trials rider Borja Conejos in action at Bentonville Bike Fest
The UCI sanction attracted some of the world’s best trials riders to Bentonville. Witnessing their expertise firsthand was truly remarkable. These athletes demonstrate an almost unbelievable level of bike control, executing maneuvers that seem physically impossible. Observing a rider balance on their rear wheel, then instantaneously hop several feet onto a high platform is an unforgettable experience.
Alt text: Action shots of UCI trials riders competing at Bentonville Bike Fest, demonstrating balance, precision, and control over obstacles.
The inclusion of the North American Trials Championship during the same weekend added to the event’s appeal. A designated warm-up area allowed riders, both amateur and professional, to interact and even ride alongside their heroes. After the competitions concluded, many riders, including myself, took the opportunity to session the trials course together, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere of camaraderie.
The Unique Perspective of Film Photography at a Bike Fest
Alt text: Photographer’s friend Freddy at Bentonville Bike Fest, captured with Nikon F5 camera and Lomo 400 film.
My choice to document Bentonville Bike Fest on film this year was driven by a desire to explore a different creative approach and leverage the distinctive aesthetic of analog photography. Beyond the visual appeal, film offers a tangible sense of permanence with physical negatives as a backup. There’s an undeniable sense of solidity and timelessness associated with film.
Furthermore, I relish the challenge of using classic equipment in a modern context like this event. It serves as valuable practice, honing photographic skills. Considerations such as the highlight sensitivity of color negative film, the inability to instantly review shots, and relying on older autofocus technology demand a more deliberate and skillful approach to photography.
UCI Trials winners on the podium at Bentonville Bike Fest
And of course, there’s the undeniable look of film. While digital editing can emulate aspects of it, the authentic film aesthetic remains unique. I can confidently say that my film photographs from Bentonville Bike Fest possess a distinct character unlike any other images from the event. It’s refreshing to deviate from the norm and embrace a different medium. I also felt that Bentonville Bike Fest, particularly with its historic UCI trials event, deserved to be immortalized on film.
Camera Gear and Film Choices
Alt text: Photographer’s Nikon F5 35mm film camera, used for capturing action shots at Bentonville Bike Fest.
My gear selection for Bentonville Bike Fest was guided by specific performance criteria. I prioritized cameras offering reliable autofocus, fast shutter speeds, and accurate metering. For 35mm film, the Nikon F5 emerged as the ideal choice. This robust camera excels in all these areas, proving dependable throughout the event. I primarily shot in aperture priority mode, occasionally adjusting exposure compensation for challenging lighting. The F5, paired with a borrowed Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G lens, performed flawlessly.
To utilize a roll of Kodak Gold 200 120 film for a review project, I opted for my Yashica Mat 124G medium format camera. Its portability compared to my RB67 and a slightly faster shutter speed of 1/500 made it practical for event photography. Using a TLR camera for sports was a new experiment, and it proved surprisingly effective and enjoyable.
For more casual shooting and general event coverage, I also carried my Pentax IQZoom 160 point-and-shoot camera. For film, both the F5 and the Pentax were loaded with Lomo 400, primarily because it was readily available. Despite being a bit faster than ideal for the bright conditions, Lomo 400 performed admirably.
Photography Insights from the Bike Fest
Action shot of Dani Baron at Bentonville Bike Fest
Bentonville Bike Fest provided valuable learning experiences, both as a cyclist and as a photographer. For future events, I plan to use slower ISO film for 35mm photography. Attempting to shoot at wider apertures like f/2.8 for shallow depth of field resulted in excessively fast shutter speeds, even for the F5. Switching to 100 ISO film should provide more flexibility.
Additionally, I realized the benefit of a longer lens. A 70-200mm f/2.8 lens would be a significant improvement over the 24-70mm, offering greater compression, shallower depth of field, and enhanced zoom range, which would have been advantageous in several situations.
Trials cyclist Borja Conejos in mid-air at Bentonville Bike Fest
Using the Yashica Mat 124G at Bentonville Bike Fest was particularly rewarding. I appreciate the distinctive look of the resulting images. The process of composing shots and pre-focusing with a TLR demanded a more deliberate approach, which was both challenging and deeply satisfying. I am now considering acquiring a 6×4.5 format camera to combine the advantages of 120 film with longer focal lengths for future events.
Final Thoughts on Bentonville Bike Fest
Cyclist Eloi Palau at Bentonville Bike Fest
Bentonville Bike Fest is an exceptional event. Having attended twice, I eagerly anticipate returning next year. I am also committed to continuing to document it with film. There’s a unique satisfaction in combining my passions for cycling and film photography.
Have you ever used film to capture sporting events or other personal hobbies? I’m keen to hear about your experiences and perspectives in the comments below!
