To promote safe bicycle riding habits and foster a sense of community among cyclists, Campus Recreation is hosting several bicycling events this fall. The events include bike commuting and maintenance classes, ice cream rides and adventure trips at different locations in the Midwest.
Ice Cream Rides
Ice cream rides are fun, casual bicycle adventures for students who want to meet others at the university and learn more about bicycling in the Outdoor Adventures program and the Lincoln community. Each week, students can meet at the Outdoor Adventure Center and ride to a local ice cream shop for a free treat. Bike helmets and bike rentals are included, but space is limited, so participants are encouraged to register early. Students are allowed to enroll in one free ride per semester. Remaining ice cream rides are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 and 11.
Smart Cycling
In this bike commuting class, participants will learn how to ride a bicycle with confidence and competence for pleasure, utility and sport under various highway, climate, terrain, and traffic conditions. Class time is spent on the bike doing drills to build bike-handling skills and riding on the street as a part of traffic. Participants should pass an online test prior to class start. Classes meet at the Outdoor Adventure Center and are free for UNL students and Campus Rec members thanks to a grant from the Parent’s Association. Fees are $30 for the general public. Smart cycling classes this fall are 4:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10 and 5 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 17.
Platte River Mountain Biking
Participants will start the day with a dawn ride on some of the best regional trails. The rides will feature a lap around trails, with a return before 9 a.m. Register early to reserve a spot. Fees are $5 per ride for university students and Campus Rec members and $20 for the general public. All rides are 6 to 9 a.m. Dates are Sept. 11, Sept. 25 and Oct. 9.
Wilderness Park Mountain Biking
This series features rides through Lincoln’s Wilderness Park. Located a short ride from downtown, Wilderness Park offers miles of winding forest single track trails that help riders improve bike handling abilities while connecting with nature. Cost is $10 for university students and Campus Rec members, and $20 for the general public. Wilderness Park rides are 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 18 and 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. Sept. 27.
Sub-24 Bike Tour
The Sub-24 Bike Tour is an adventurous weekend getaway designed to teach riders the basics of bike touring and planning. The zero-emissions trip will depart from the Outdoor Adventures Center and take riders along a crushed limestone trail to a tranquil state recreation area. Participants will carry all food and camping gear on bikes in this self-contained overnight ride. Cost is $35 for Nebraska students and Campus Rec members, and $45 for the general public. The ride starts at 9 a.m. Sept. 29 and finishes by 5 p.m. Sept. 30.
Bike Maintenance Skills Class
This course includes information about basic bike repairs and regular maintenance-related topics. A new topic will be presented each week, including patching a flat tire; brake adjustments; derailleur adjustments; riding position and bike fit; and layring for winter commuting. Each class runs two nights and they are free for students and Campus Rec members, and $30 for the general public. All classes are 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4, 11 and 30, and Nov. 6.
Registration is available online, by calling 402-472-4777, or by visiting the Outdoor Adventures Center.
