Hello Prospective Buffalo Devo Athletes and Families,

On behalf of the Buffalo Devo Board, thanks for your interest in Buffalo Devo for the 2026 season.

Buffalo Devo is dedicated to developing lifelong, well-rounded athletes. We support our athletes in both training and racing, but our ultimate goal is to equip them with the skills needed to succeed on and off the bike — goal setting, perseverance, accountability, teamwork, and self-awareness. Above all, we’re here to help athletes enjoy the incredible riding opportunities we have right in our backyard.

This year marks another exciting season of growth for Buffalo Devo, with expanded programming and more opportunities to ride, race, and have fun!

2026 Buffalo Devo Program Overview

The 2026 season will focus on:

• Weekly Coach-led Practices focusing on skills and development

• Weekly Group Rides

• Race support for a wide range of Enduro, XC, and Gravel events.

• Race Support will continue throughout the season regardless if practice is in session

Session 1

• March – June (Daylight Savings begins March 8, 2026)

• Coach-led Skills Practices on Thursdays (16 total)

  • March 12 - June 25

• Saturday group rides

  • March 14 - June 27

Session 2

• August – November (Daylight Savings ends November 1, 2026)

• Coach-led Skills Practices on Wednesdays (12 total)

  • August 12 - October 28

• Saturday group rides

  • August 15 - October 31

Buffalo Devo Athlete Benefits

• Weekly Skills Session

  • Professionally designed curriculum led by Buffalo Devo coaches

  • Focus on bike handling, technical skills, and rider development

• Team & Coach Support at Select Race Weekends

  • Pre-race prep and strategy

  • On-course encouragement and pit support

  • Light mechanical assistance

  • Perks like team hotel coordination and group dinner reservations (as applicable)

• Buffalo Devo Gear Package

  • Official Buffalo Devo race jersey and T-shirt (included in registration fee)

  • Choice of Enduro or XC/Gravel race fit

  • Additional race and practice kits available for purchase

• Community & Group Rides

  • Access to the Buffalo Devo community for Saturday organized group rides Gravel, XC MTB and Enduro)

    • Rides can organize in Fayetteville, Bentonville, or other towns

    • Posted in the Stack app — a great opportunity to train and connect

  • Discounts from Local Shops and Cycling Brands

  • Team discounts on Skratch Labs, SRAM, Allied Cycle Works bikes, and select races

• Team Participation

  • No need to choose between Enduro or a XC/Gravel team

  • Athletes will have exposure to all disciplines and can self select:

    • Which Saturday Group Ride to join (Enduro or XC/Gravel)

    • Which races to participate in

  • We encourage athletes to explore multiple disciplines throughout the season.

Race Support Schedule*

*Race schedules subject to change

Gravel Events

• March: Mid South

• April: Hazel Valley Rally, Highlands Gravel Classic

• May: Rule of Three (35 or 60 mi)

• October: Big Sugar (50 mi)

XC MTB Events

• AMBCS (Coach Support x8)

• March: US Pro Cup (Coach Support)

• May: Noon to Moon (Pit Support)

• October: Little Sugar (Pit Support)

Enduro/Downhill Events

• Arkansas Enduro Series (Coach Support x4)

• Ozark Enduro Lite Series (Pit Support x3)

• Arkansas Downhill Series (Coach Support x3)

Race Support Requirements

• Minimum of 3 registered athletes per event required for coach support (5 preferred)

• Pit Support provided even for single entries

• Athletes must RSVP via the Stack Team calendar for coach presence

Meet Your Coaches

Enduro Head Coach: Jake Ingram

A passionate cyclist and outdoorsman that grew up in Fort Smith, AR. With roots in off-road dirt bike racing, he transitioned into mountain biking riding/racing in his college years. After graduating from Colorado State University in 2018, Jake spent four seasons coaching and guiding at Trestle Bike Park School. Throughout the last several years, Jake was able to compete at the professional level as an enduro racer, traveling the states racing BMEs and other national events with 5 regional pro titles to his name.

XC & Gravel Head Coach: Sam Pickman

A bike racer since he was 14 years old, Sam has traveled the country racing as an elite amateur through his 20’s and 30’s. For the past 20 years Sam has worked with some of the most famous cyclists in the world developing products for them that would go on to win the biggest races including multiple World Championships, and Tours de France.

Additional Coaches:

Andy Heuser: 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. Andy grew up in the Chicago Cyclocross Cup, went "full roadie" after moving to Texas, and finally fell in love with dirt here in NWA. His diverse racing history and background in Education bring a wealth of knowledge to any cycling program.

Lucas Strain: Lucas brings a diverse background in track, road, and mountain cycling, having competed internationally for many years across numerous countries. His experience spans both high-level competition and athlete development. He previously led the strength program for the SCAD collegiate cycling team and now serves as the Head of Paint & Design at Allied Cycle Works in Bentonville, Arkansas, where he combines technical expertise with creative craftsmanship.

Meet Your Directors

Buffalo Devo Director: Sam Pickman

XC & Gravel Director: Sean Thurman

Enduro Director: Adam Rogers

Program Fees

One-Time Team Fee: $150

Covers administrative costs, team jersey, and T-shirt

Session 1: $500

Session 2: $350

Financial Aid (limited) and Monthly Payment Options are available

Communication & Attendance

Athletes and parents should RSVP for all practices, rides, and race weekends through the Stack Team calendar. Communication is primarily through the Stack Team App

FAQ

Is my athlete right for this program?

Buffalo Devo is for young athletes (ages 12–19) who want to grow their skills and confidence in a positive, supportive environment.

Do you have to race?

No. Racing is optional — the focus is on developing lifelong cyclists who enjoy the process of learning and improving. That said, a significant portion of this program is race support, so you may not see the value if you are not racing.

Do you offer personalized training plans?

Not as part of this program, but we can recommend excellent local coaches for individual training plans.

Is there a tryout?

No tryout required. Athletes are grouped by ability and experience. Saturday rides include pace guidance and descriptions.

Are you looking for parent involvement?

Absolutely! Parent support makes all the difference — from team hotels and dinners to social media, nutrition, and tent setup. The more involvement, the better the experience for everyone!

When should I register?

Applications are open until December 15th.

Team roster capped at 25 athletes.

If you have questions reach out directly. If you think we are the right fit for you, please complete the form linked below and we’ll be in touch once selections are made.

Sam Pickman

sam.pickman@gmail.com

Buffalo Devo Director