Matthew Mark Foundation

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Bella Vista, AR
Matthew Mark Foundation

Mountain Biking, Mentorship and Ministry

07/04/2026

(Actual pic from Loch Lomond last night! 🇺🇸)

Today we celebrate 250 years of American Independence.

We thank God for the freedom to gather with family, to worship without fear, to raise our children, and to live in hope.

We remember those who sacrificed to preserve these blessings.

Above all, we remember the God who first revealed Himself as the Deliverer: bringing Israel out of Egypt, breaking the chains of slavery, and through Jesus offering freedom from sin and death.

May we never take either gift for granted.

"That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom." - Abraham Lincoln

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
- John 8:36

06/30/2026

A little late to posting this, but wow... what an incredible couple of days at OZ Trails Bike Park.

As the dad of a 7-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a 9-month-old, I have to say: this place is so much more than big jumps and crazy downhill lines. It's one of the best places I've ever seen for progression, confidence-building, and family riding.

Watching my little one improve over the course of 2 days and about 20 laps on the green trails was one of those proud dad moments I'll never forget. By the end of the day, she was riding First Flight in nearly half the time she did on her first run. Seeing confidence grow right in front of your eyes is pretty special.

But what stood out just as much as the trails was the people, staff, crew.

From the retail shop, bike shop, lift operators, patrol, food service, and maintenance crews, to the countless riders we met on the trails. Everyone was smiling, encouraging, welcoming, and genuinely happy to be there. We ran into so many friends (many not in video!) and made some new ones too. The atmosphere reminded me of Chick-fil-A (my barometer of hospitality)... everyone seems to genuinely enjoy what they're doing, and that positivity is contagious.

If you've been hesitant because you think it's only for advanced riders, don't be. There truly is something for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned riders. It's an incredible place for kids, teens, adults, and families to grow their skills together.

We're proud founding members, and although it took us a little while to finally get out there, we're excited to spend many more days making memories at OZ Trails Bike Park.

What an amazing addition to Bella Vista and Northwest Arkansas. I can't wait to watch all three of my kids grow up riding here.🙏

06/09/2026

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." – Psalm 107:1

Gratitude.

Here's just a snapshot of the last couple of weeks, which have been an absolute whirlwind in the best way possible. Between Homeschool Homies, family rides, private coaching sessions, guided tours, group lessons, private jump sessions, and introducing new riders to mountain biking in the summer heat, we've been running hard and loving every minute of it.

It's been busy, hot, and so fun!

We're incredibly grateful.

We're thankful for every family that trusts us with their kids, every rider who signs up for a lesson, every parent cheering from the sidelines, and every person who chooses to spend part of their day riding bikes with us.

With BikeFest in town this week, our schedule is completely packed, and we're thankful for the opportunity to serve so many riders from our local community and beyond.

A quick note: our Family Ride this week will be canceled as we focus on Bike Fest activities and our existing bookings. We'll share reminders in our stories and by email as well.

Thank you for supporting Lifted Academy and the Matthew Mark Foundation. We're excited for what's ahead and honored to be part of so many families' mountain biking journeys.

Matthew Mark Foundation | Lifted Academy

🚵 Coaching • Tours • Camps • Mentorship • Homeschool Programs

📚 Lifted Academy (Coming Soon)

🌲 Faith • Adventure • Community

📍 Bella Vista, Arkansas

📧 [email protected]
📞 479-343-8388
🔗 MatthewMarkFoundation.org

05/26/2026

A few people have asked recently why it’s called The Matthew Mark Foundation… so I wanted to share a little bit of the story behind the name. ❤️

The foundation was created in honor of two of my friends, Matt and Mark, who both passed away far too soon. Their lives, their struggles, and their loss deeply impacted me and became a huge part of why this organization exists today.

Over the years, through injuries, skateboarding, surfing, mountain biking, teaching, faith, fatherhood, and life in general… I’ve seen firsthand how important community, purpose, encouragement, and simply feeling seen can be.

That’s really what the Matthew Mark Foundation is about.

We’re not just about bikes, events, or programs.

We’re about people.

We’re about creating spaces where kids, teens, families, and adults can feel welcomed, encouraged, challenged, supported, and loved.

A place where community matters.

Where faith matters.
Where kindness matters.
Where nobody has to feel alone.

This reel is just a little glimpse into the heart behind why we do what we do.

Thanks to everyone who has supported, volunteered, donated, shown up, prayed, encouraged us, or simply believed in the mission along the way. 🙏

We’re just getting started.

YouthMentorship

05/20/2026

Last Week's Family Ride was so fun! Lots of miles. Lots of smiles. This week is the Ladies Ride.

Wednesday, 5:30 Bark Park

Last Ride For This Series: NEXT WEEK!

Its been a fun mini-season of rides. We will pick it back up in the Fall.😊😁

05/08/2026

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

05/04/2026

Abide in Him.🙏

04/29/2026

Our second Family Ride is in the books! What a fun crew. 10-15 min devotional, 1 song, bit of prayer, riding till tired. We had such a good time.

Its really all about the kids. A relaxing ride. However, I did a bit of babysitting, while some parents did some trail riding. Kids had a blast, and played in the mud.😂😂

Upcoming Rides (all are welcome):

Wed, April 29: Ladies Ride
Bark Park, 5:30pm

Wed, May 6: Family Ride #3
Bark Park, 5:30pm

FAMILY RIDE DEVOTIONAL
4/22/2026

“Small but Strong”: David & Goliath
My daughter Noa today told me her favorite Bible story is David and Goliath...especially when David fought the lion and defeated the giant.

David wasn’t the biggest, strongest, or most experienced. Most people didn’t believe he could do it. Lots of doubters!

But David knew something they didn’t:
He wasn’t fighting alone. He had FULL faith in the Lord.

The same God who helped him with the lion…
was the same God who stood beside him before Goliath.

And that’s true for us.
Sometimes we feel small.
Sometimes things feel too big.
Sometimes people doubt us, or we doubt ourselves.

But God doesn’t ask us to be the strongest.
He asks us to trust Him.

You might feel small… but with God, you are strong.

Verse to Remember/Encouragement

“The battle is the Lord’s.” - 1 Samuel 17:47

Prayer
Heavenly Father,

Thank You for bringing us together today. Thank You for the ability to ride, to move, and to enjoy this time as a community.

Just like David, remind us that we are never alone. When things feel big or overwhelming, help us remember that You are bigger.

Give us courage, peace, and strength, not our own, but Yours.

Help us to encourage one another, be kind, be patient, and look out for each other on the trail.

If anyone here is carrying something heavy, we ask that You meet them right where they are. Bring comfort, healing, and clarity.

Keep us safe, help us have fun, and let this be a time of joy and connection.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

If anyone needs prayer, we’d love to pray with you before we ride, while we do this worship song.

04/27/2026

We went to with friends. It was glorious!

Only rode 1 day, one of the days had crazy storms. But the kids loved it, baby Taj got his first camping experience.

No pov (forgot it), just some great pics, vids, and quality family time.

The grounds are so beautiful. It's so nice in person, just picturesque, tucked away in the woods.

The staff is kind, courteous, so friendly! And the owners are the best. Jenn held baby Taj, they treated us all like family.

Met new friends, did a few hooting laps together on Swayze Train. Woot-woot!😁

The shop is great, well stocked, the smashburgers are BOMB! Bike wash, clean bathrooms, showers, and the trails are AWESOME! Only got to ride Stroller Coaster, Hippie Cowboy and Swayze Train...and wow, so fun! Swayze Train is my #1 so far.

Can't wait to head back up there and ride the rest of the trails. We walked them, the features are proper! They weren't open the day we rode. Something to look forward to next time.

Thank you !

Address

Bella Vista, AR
72715

Website

http://www.matthewmarkfoundation.org/

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