How many carbs per hour for Little Sugar MTB?

60–90 g/hr for most trained riders on the 50-mile, weighted toward liquid carbohydrate and gel to survive continuous singletrack where chewing is unsafe.

How much water should I carry for Little Sugar?

Enough for 60–90 minutes at 500–1000 ml/hr, plus reserve. A 1.5–2 L hydration pack plus one bottle of concentrated carb mix is the most common setup on the 50-mile.

How much sodium do I need?

400–1000 mg per liter (34 fl oz) of fluid, tuned to your sweat sodium concentration. Salty sweaters and warm-day starts trend higher.

Should I use caffeine at Little Sugar?

Yes — 3–6 mg/kg body mass split across the race, with the largest single dose held for the final aid before the last Back 40 or Coler climbs.

What should I eat before the race?

1–4 g/kg carbohydrate 2–4 hours pre-start from familiar low-fiber, low-fat foods, plus 30–50 g CHO 20 minutes before the gun.

How do I fuel when I can't take my hands off the bar?

Fuel before entering technical sections and immediately after exiting them. A hydration hose reduces the need to reach for bottles; a top-tube bag with pre-opened gels lets you eat without stopping.

How hard is Little Sugar MTB?

The 50-mile is a solid 4–7 hour MTB race with 5,000–7,000 ft of climbing on world-class but relentlessly punchy singletrack. It is more demanding per hour than a typical XC race and less remote than an ultra like Marji Gesick.

How long does it take to finish the Little Sugar 50?

Elite riders finish in 3:30–4:00, strong amateurs 4:00–5:00, most finishers 5:00–7:00. The 30-mile typically runs 2:15–4:30, and the 15-mile 1:15–2:30.

When is Little Sugar MTB?

Late October, the weekend before Big Sugar Gravel. Confirm the exact date on the official Big Sugar / Little Sugar website each year.

Where does Little Sugar start and finish?

Start and finish are at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in Bentonville, with a full festival, packet pickup, food trucks and post-race beer garden on-site.

How much does it cost to enter Little Sugar?

Recent editions have priced the 50-mile at ~$115–$165, the 30-mile at ~$85–$125 and the 15-mile at ~$45–$75 USD, with pricing tiering up as the event fills. Confirm current pricing on BikeReg.

How do I register for Little Sugar?

Registration opens in spring or early summer on BikeReg via the official Big Sugar / Little Sugar website. The event has sold out — register early.

How many aid stations does Little Sugar have?

The 50-mile typically has 3–4 on-course aid stations plus the start/finish, spaced roughly every 12–18 miles of trail. Shorter distances share the same aid network. Confirm the current-year layout in the Athlete Guide.

What tire width for Little Sugar MTB?

2.35–2.5 in tubeless with a reinforced casing is the sweet spot. Ozark chert punishes thin sidewalls — do not race with a lightweight XC casing you haven't tested locally.

Hardtail or full suspension for Little Sugar?

A modern short-travel (100–120 mm) full-suspension 29er is the fastest choice for most riders. A trail hardtail works well for skilled riders and is 1–2 lb lighter, at a comfort cost that compounds after hour three.

Do I need a dropper post at Little Sugar?

Yes for most riders. The descents on Coler and the Back 40 are steep and flowy enough that a dropper meaningfully improves both speed and safety. Nearly all finishers use one.

How do I pace Little Sugar?

Cap the first 45 minutes at high Zone 2 heart rate. The pack tends to sprint from the neutral start — let them. You will pass most of them again by hour three.

How do I train for Little Sugar if I don't have technical trails?

Substitute repeated 3–8 minute climbs on any terrain plus dedicated skills sessions on the most technical trail available. Book a 2–3 day training trip to Bentonville in the 8 weeks before race day if possible.

What's the weather like at Little Sugar?

Typical late-October race day: 40–50 °F (4–10 °C) at the start, 65–75 °F (18–24 °C) midday, moderate humidity, and a small chance of rain that can leave roots and rocks slick.

How many calories per hour do I need?

For a 4–7 hour effort, target 240–360 kcal/hr, primarily from carbohydrate. Larger and faster riders trend higher; humid or warm-day riders should shift more calories to liquid form.

How do I carb load for Little Sugar?

For 2 days pre-race, target 7–10 g/kg body mass per day of carbohydrate from familiar low-fiber sources: rice, pasta, potato, bread, sports drinks. Reduce fat and fiber, keep protein moderate, hydrate with sodium.

Where should I stay for Little Sugar?

Downtown Bentonville puts you within 5–10 minutes of Coler by car or bike. Airbnbs and hotels near 8th Street give easy access to both the race venue and the pre-race scene. Book 4–6 months in advance for race weekend.

Which airport is closest to Bentonville?

Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is 15 minutes from Bentonville with direct flights from most major U.S. hubs. Rent a car — there is no meaningful public transit to the trails or race venue.

Can I race both Little Sugar and Big Sugar Gravel?

Yes, and many riders do. The events are one week apart. Recovery nutrition on Little Sugar afternoon and a light-volume mid-week are what separate riders who race Big Sugar well from those who limp through it.

Little Sugar MTB Race-Day Checklist — Fueling, Kit & Execution

Little Sugar race-day checklist

A minimal execution checklist. Every line should be rehearsed in training, not tried for the first time on race day.

Bottles pre-mixed with target carbohydrate and sodium concentration
Backup calories (gels or chews) equal to 30–50% of planned intake
Caffeine doses pre-portioned and timed
Drop bag / aid plan with bottle swaps written down
Pre-race breakfast rehearsed in training
Layering plan for start-line temperature
Sunscreen, chamois cream and any GI insurance (e.g., anti-nausea)
Post-race recovery calories staged at the finish

Packing list

Bike

Race bike (fully serviced 2 weeks out)
Dropper post checked and lubed
Fresh tubeless sealant within 2 weeks
Two bottle cages or one + top-tube bag
GPS head unit + fresh mount

Nutrition

Gels / chews / drink mix for 7 hours + 30% buffer
2–3 caffeine doses
1–2 solid items for the mid-race drop bag
Pre-race breakfast supplies
Post-race recovery drink + real meal

Hydration

51–68 fl oz hydration pack
1–2 bottles for concentrated carb mix
Electrolyte mix rehearsed in training
Bite-valve spare

Clothing

Short-sleeve jersey + bibs
Arm warmers
Wind vest or packable shell
Long-finger gloves
Cap or buff under helmet
Warm dry layer for the finish

Weather gear

Sunscreen SPF 50+
Lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses (clear or photochromic)
Small pack of chamois wipes

Tools & spares

2× CO2 + inflator
Mini pump
Tire plug kit
Spare tube
Multi-tool with chain breaker
Chain quick link
Spare derailleur hanger
Small first-aid kit

Documents & logistics

Athlete Guide printout
Race number + timing chip
Photo ID
Crew brief (printed): what to hand up at Aid 2 and Aid 3

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Frequently asked questions

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Every athlete is different. FTP, finish time, body weight, sweat rate, weather, nutrition preferences and race goals all change what you should eat and drink.

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A Race Fueling Plan gives you a personalized strategy for this event. The free checklist helps you prepare the basics first: race-week setup, 48-hour prep, race morning, hydration, sodium, caffeine, aid stations, and backup calories.

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Little Sugar MTB — Race-Day Checklist

Little Sugar race-day checklist

Packing list