Outdoor Adventures

Due to state and city mandates regarding COVID-19, the Bike Shop is closed until further notice. In the meantime, we welcome you to send us your questions about bikes, repairs, and riding using the below form.

Virtual Bike Shop Questions Submission Form

The UCLA Bike Shop is a Do-It-Yourself Workshop established as a partnership between UCLA Recreation and UCLA Transportation to encourage transportation by bicycle among current members of the UCLA Community (i.e., students, employees, and members of UCLA Recreation). 

Workshop location: Northwestern corner of John-Wooden Center

Outdoor tools, workstand, and air pump: Just outside of shop

2131 John Wooden Center
Los Angeles, CA 90095
310.206.7219
bikecenter@recreation.ucla.edu

Public workstations are located in many places around campus, for your convenience. Most of them have a workstand to suspend your bike in the air, a pump to inflate your tires, and a small selection of tools for repairs. Here is a map of their locations and here is a list of them: 

UCLA Bike Shop: Just outside the UCLA Bike Shop

Strathmore: In front of the Strathmore Building on the west side of Westwood Plaza, just north of the Police Station

LuValle: In front of Dodd Hall, south of LuValle Commons

PS9 (pump only): Across Charles Young South from the Center for Health Sciences, south of Parking Structure 9, and on the northernmost inverted-U-bike-rack

100 Medical Plaza: West of 100 Medical Plaza, south of Reagan, and just east of the stairway between Reagan and 100 Medical Plaza

Sunset Recreation: In front of the turnstile at the main entrance, next to bike racks

Schoenberg: East of Inverted Fountain, south of Schoenberg Hall

Hammer Museum: Enter the parking structure from Westwood Plaza and proceed as though you are going to descend to the second level of underground parking; the pump/stand is on the ramp between the two levels.

We often get questions from aspiring and active bicyclists about how to ride to campus from various parts of the city. In response to these inquiries, we've mapped dozens of routes that we've found useful over the years. You may view these routes by clicking on the following links. You are also welcome to ask us about routes. 

Routes to campus from the East

Routes to campus from the North and West

Routes to campus from the South

Special-Event Routes

Types of Flats: 

Here is an illustrated overview of the many ways in which an inner tube can become damaged to cause a flat tire. Many people's first inclination when they get a flat tire is to immediately install a new inner-tube. However, the first step we recommend is attempting to determine which of the following types of flats has occurred. This determination informs the repair and increases the likelihood of its success. It's not fun to go to the trouble of replacing an inner tube, only to get the same flat afterwards. This common pitfall can be prevented by a better-informed approach to the repair. 

Preparing a Tire for Installation: 

Here is an illustrated, step-by-step guide to how to check your tire for common issues. Lots of flats are caused by problems with the tire itself. Screening for these problems and addressing them as needed is a critical part of addressing a flat tire. Sharp objects (e.g., thorns, wires, glass) laying on the ground often lodge themselves in the tread of tires when we run over them on our bikes. These objects sometimes penetrate the tire and poke a hole in the tube inside of it. Afterwards, they can stay in the tire. A quick installation of a tube--without checking the tire--can leave these sharp objects in the tire. The result is that the same puncture occurs again.

All about Rim Strip:

Rim strip is among the most under-appreciated safeguards against flats. Using this illustrated guide is a great way to become acquainted with their role in flat repair.

Tire Installation:

Once the cause of a flat has been investigated, the tire has been prepared for installation, and the rim strip is in good shape, it's time to install the tire. This illustrated guide has key tips to successfully install even an extra-tight tire. 

Cutting Cable Housing:

Cables and the housings in which they travel are the key to shifting and braking on most bicycles. Cables are generally anchored in the shifting mechanism(s) or brake lever(s) at the handlebar of the bicycle. They relay actions taken at this command center to the mechanisms on the bicycle that implement these commands, such as shifting gears or applying the brakes. In order to effectively relay these commands, cables and housing must be in solid shape. If they are damaged in any way, their function will be compromised. In some cases, they need to be replaced to achieve proper function. This illustrated guide shows how to cut cable housing and post-process it to yield the best results. 

We maintain a carefully-selected, value-oriented inventory of new parts that are available for purchase. Sales on our new parts are final (i.e., returns/exchanges will not be accepted and refunds will not be issued).

We also gather used parts that may still be useful or contain useful pieces; they are available free of charge. We do not offer any kind of guarantee on used parts; we recommend that they be inspected for integrity and tested for function prior to use.

If you are interested in working at the UCLA Bike Shop, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with our offerings by using our DIY services and perusing our website. Eligibility requirements to be considered for employment include being a current student at UCLA and not being in one's final year of studies here. Once you have a good sense of what working here involves and whether you're eligible, we invite you to complete our online job-application.

As demonstrated by UCLA's Gold designation in the Bicycle-Friendly University program, UCLA is committed to supporting your bicycle-commuting endeavors.

Videos

Bikes for All is an inspirational video filmed by a UCLA student. Bike-U-mentary, produced by UCLA Transportation, documents two bicycle-commutes to campus. Sharing the road can be challenging when everyone's in a hurry, so Watch for Bruins.

Locking

Most thefts can be deterred by securing the bicycle frame with a U-lock to approved parking-infrastructure (e.g., a bicycle rack). We recommend this humorous video about (in)effective locking produced by BikeUCLA Films, The Bike Bandit.

Riding

The League of American Bicyclists recommends the following guidelines for a smooth commute: 1) Follow the law; 2) Be predictable; 3) Be conspicuous; 4) Think ahead; 5) Ride ready; 6) Keep your cool. These videos about how to ride on the road provide guidance, too; for more information, we recommend our Smart-Cycling Classes.

Routes

We mapped some of our favorite routes to/from campus on our route page. You may also plan your route to campus using tools like Google Maps' Bicycling-Directions (click "Get Directions," then click on the bike icon).

The following links are provided for informational purposes.

A sampling of On-Campus Organizations and Resources:

• UCLA Bicycle Academy
• UCLA Bicycle Coalition
• UCLA Bicycle Master Plan
• UCLA Bicycle Master Plan Implementation Progress Report
• UCLA Cycling Team
• UCLA Health Campus Initiative
• UCLA Transportation

A sampling of Bike Shops, DIY Workshops, and Bike-Rental Services in LA:

• Atomic Cycles
• Bicycle Ambulance (This shop offers used-bike sales)
• Bicycle Kitchen (DIY Workshop)
• Bicycle Workshop (Recumbent-bike specialist and one of the few places in town with a Phil-Wood spoke-cutter)
• Bikes and Hikes LA (This organization offers bike rentals)
• Bikes and Books (This shop offers used-bike sales)
• Bike Attack
• Bike Improv
• Bike Oven (DIY Workshop)
• Bikerowave (DIY Workshop)
• Cynergy Cycles
• Downtown LA Bikes (This shop offers bike rentals)
• Flying Pigeon
• Golden Saddle
• Helen’s Cycles
• Just Ride LA
• Los Angeles Bicycle Kitchen (DIY Workshop)
• Palms Cycles (This shop sometimes offers used-bike sales)
• Performance Bicycle
• REI
• Santa Monica Bike Center (This organization offers bike rentals and sometimes offers used-bike sales)
• Spinlister
• Wheel World Bike Shop

A sampling of Rides, Events, and Classes in/near LA:

• AIDS/LifeCycle
• CicLAvia
• C.I.C.L.E.
• Climate Ride
• Culver City Bicycle Coalition
• LA Bike Trains
• LA Critical Mass
• LA Wheelmen
• Midnight Ridazz
• Ovarian Psycos Bicycle Brigade
• Passage Ride
• Santa Monica Spoke
• Sustainable Streets
• Walk 'N Rollers

A sampling of Governmental and Non-Governmental Bike-Programs:

• California Bicycle Coalition
• California DMV Safety Tips for Bicyclists and Motorists
• League of American Bicyclists
• Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition
• Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan
• Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority: Bike Metro
• Los Angeles Department of Transportation Bicycle Services
• Los Angeles Vision Zero Alliance
  

*The Challenge Course is currently closed. We aim to reopen and begin taking reservations as soon as state and county restrictions allow.  Reservations are not available at this time.  Please check back here for the most current status.  If you would like to be notified when reservations will open, please enter your email address into this form.  Once open, challenge course reservations will need to be requested a minimum of 30 days in advance. 

Who we serve

• UCLA students, staff, faculty
• Professional / corporate teams and associations
• Nonprofit and community organizations
• Youth groups
• Student groups
• Sports teams

What we offer

• Adventure-based programs, tailored to meet your group’s objectives
• Programs for groups ranging from size 5 to 180
• Experiences such as group bonding, teambuilding, leadership development, and individual/group growth
• Programs year round, any day of the week, during daylight hours
• Trained, professional staff skilled in working with a full spectrum of client types
• Programs of different, customizable lengths to fit your schedule
• Options to expand on your event with adjacent field and picnic space for use such as picnic, catering, sound system, etc.
• Portable teambuilding activities for programs at your organization’s location (office, conference room, field space, etc.)

What is a challenge course?

A challenge course is an adventure-filled tool for team development, group bonding, and learning. Our course has both ground-based and high-ropes climbing activities designed to challenge groups of all types. Our professional facilitator staff design a program to match your group’s unique makeup and achieve your desired outcomes. Through collaboration, your group will build trust and cohesiveness while developing skills in leadership, communication, and decision-making. While many activities have a physical component to them, physical strength and fitness is not a basis for achieving success on our course.

To inquire about date availability, request a quote, or to start a new reservation, please submit a Reservation Interest Form.  For other questions, email us at challenge@recreation.ucla.edu.

The UCLA Challenge Course is located on campus at Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, nestled amongst the pine and eucalyptus trees.  Enter via the main entrance to SCRC and head up the stairs, following the signs directing you toward the challenge course.

Address: 111 Easton Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Parking

Parking Lot RC is immediately adjacent to the course and has limited daily visitor spots available for purchase at the automated kiosk.  Parking Lot 11 is a five minute walk and has daily visitor spots also available for purchase at the automated kiosk.  Chartered busses may drop off and pick up directly at SCRC; coordinate details when you make your reservation.

The UCLA Challenge Course is available for private program reservations of a variety of purposes such as staff retreats, teambuilding, youth recreation, experiential learning, and more. Your program will be tailored to meet your group’s unique makeup and desired outcomes. Our most popular programs on offer are:

• Full day ground based teambuilding + high ropes
• Half day ground based teambuilding + high ropes
• 3-hour ground based teambuilding

Looking for something else?  We can customize a program to fit your schedule and desires*.  Fill out a Reservation Interest Form and we will get back to you with options.

*We do not offer climbing-only programs.  Our course uses participant team belay systems and thus we require groups to first build and demonstrate adequate teamwork abilities before advancing to climbing options.  We do not have obstacle-course/aerial-park-type climbs.

Ground based teambuilding

These activities take place on or near the ground and will challenge your team both mentally and physically. Group problem-solving, communication strategies, and creative thinking will be put to work in a series of ground-based teambuilding initiatives that grow progressively harder. Activities may incorporate low-ropes structures or props such as balancing beams, wooden platforms, and suspended cables. While the high ropes climbing course is certainly exciting, most participants find the ground-based activities to be the most valuable in improving their team’s performance and bond.

High ropes course

Our two signature teambuilding climbs include the High V and the Leap of Faith. We also have a Giant’s Ladder and 2 Vertical Playpens.

Interested in what kind of program we can offer you and your group?  Submit a Reservation Interest Form and we will get back to you with options, date availability, and pricing quotes.

Your program date and time will be reserved on the calendar once we receive your $250 nonrefundable deposit.

Reservation process

1. Submit a Reservation Interest Form.
2. Select and confirm your program details (program length/type, date, time, etc.).
3. $250 deposit reserves your program on the calendar.
4. Payment balance is due in full 10 business days prior to your program.
5. Signed contract agreement is due 10 business days prior to your program. *
6. Submit your organization's certificate of insurance, due 10 days prior to your program. *

* These items are not applicable to internal University groups (i.e. departments, current UCLA students).

To inquire about date availability, request a quote, or to start a new reservation, please submit a Reservation Interest Form. For other questions, email us at challenge@recreation.ucla.edu.

Risk Management

Our staff are trained in and prioritize safety.  However, risk management is everyone’s job (both staff and participants).  Challenge course activities, whether on/near the ground or involving climbing, are inherently risky.  It is possible to get hurt.  Risks include mild injuries (i.e. splinters, scrapes, bruises), moderate injuries (broken bones), severe/life-altering injuries (paralysis, blindness), and even death.  Activities can evoke strong emotional and physiological responses.  Participants must follow instructions, choose their level of participation, and take part in managing risk.

Participation

“Challenge by choice” is an essential pillar of our programs.  Our staff will present the group with activities that are designed to be both physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging.  Participants choose if and to what extent they wish to engage in any activity.  Additionally, there are opportunities for participants to change their minds.

All persons on the challenge course (regardless of participation level) must submit a signed waiver.  Minors must have a parent/guardian sign their waiver.

Reservation Policies

• Reservations are required a minimum of 30 days in advance.
• Program is reserved on the calendar upon receipt of your $250 nonrefundable deposit.
• Cancellations made 10 business days or more in advance are eligible for a 100% refund, minus the $250 deposit.
• Date/time changes must be made 10 business days or more in advance, and are subject to availability.
• Program payment balance is due in full 10 business days prior to program, or program may be cancelled.
• If UCLA cancels the program for any reason, a 100% refund will be issued, including the deposit.
• Failure to submit required reservation paperwork (signed contract, certificate of insurance) 10 business days prior to program can result in program cancellation.  Deposit will not be refunded.
• There are no refunds on participant fees in the event that the group arrives at the program with fewer participant numbers than expected.  The program is planned and staffed for the group size as quoted.
• Groups smaller than 10 people are welcome, but the minimum fee charged is for 10 people.

Weather & Clothing

• All program participants must wear close-toed, close-healed, supportive shoes (i.e. no sandals, house slippers, etc.).
• We do not cancel programs for weather. Programs will continue as planned in the event of rain, etc.
• Climbing activities may be limited in the event of high winds.
• We recommend wearing clothing layers that you can adapt to changing temperatures and physical activity, and that you are okay with getting dirty.
• Limit jewelry; no dangling pieces.
• Bring sun/heat protection, such as hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle. We have water fountains for refilling water bottles.

On our trips, we prioritize cooperation, risk management, and responsible stewardship of our environment. Our goal is to foster a supportive, active, and inclusive atmosphere in which we can enjoy each other's company and appreciate the natural history in the unique ecosystems we visit. Participants can look forward to learning skills like pitching tents securely, staying comfortable in varied weather, and practicing leave-no-trace ethics on daily hikes.

Register For a Trip

Pre-Trip Meetings

Pre-Trip Meetings for our trips take place at 6pm on the Tuesday before the trip in the Outdoor-Adventures Office inside the John-Wooden Center. Attendance at the Pre-Trip Meeting is mandatory. Non-attendance precludes participation in the trip without a refund. 

Health Form

Our Health Form must be completed within one day of trip registration. Based on responses, the completion of additional forms and a Physician's Release may be required. In the case of allergies for which epinephrine is prescribed and conditions for which inhalers are prescribed, please note medication requirements described in our health forms. Non-compliance with health-form requirements precludes participation in the trip without a refund. 

Inherent Risk

Outdoor recreation, including our trips, carries with it inherent risks of serious injury and death. While careful risk-management is our highest priority in our trip planning and on our trips, these risks cannot be eliminated.

Code of Conduct

In order to establish a shared understanding of responsibilities with respect to behavior on trips, our Code of Conduct must be reviewed and signed prior to trip departure.

Gear

Our trips include group gear (e.g., stoves, tents, eating-ware, food), a lot of personal gear (e.g., sleeping bags, ground pads, headlamps, water bottles), and some clothing (e.g., waterproof layers, warm tops, broad-brimmed hats, gloves). Participants must provide footwear and most clothing for themselves, as outlined in our What-To-Bring List. Bringing inadequate personal-gear, as assessed by guides prior to departure, precludes participation in the trip without a refund.

Transportation and Food

Our trips include transportation to and from our destination. Most meals are also included, with the exception of any meals on the road the first and last days of the trip. Additional details are included in the "Trip Offerings" part of this website.

Guides

Our guides are staff members with extensive training in responsible outdoor-recreation. A guide who has attained a Wilderness-First-Responder Certification is part of the guide team on each trip.

Eligibility

Registration

Registration for our trips is available in our online store or at Recreation Sales and Service in the John-Wooden Center. For questions specific to the registration process, please contact Recreation Sales and Service. 

Wait List

When a trip is full, we welcome you to join the wait list by completing this online form. If a spot becomes available, we contact people on the wait list to let them know. However, we are unable to reserve newly-opened spots.

Refund Policy

Full refunds are not available for our trips, but a 90% refund may be obtained by emailing us at oa@recreation.ucla.edu 15 business-days prior to trip departure. Refunds are not available for memberships to UCLA Recreation of under 12 months.

Questions?

If you have questions, please feel free to e-mail us (oa@recreation.ucla.edu).

Bruin-Outdoor-Orientation Trips (hereafter, BOOTS) enable incoming, first-year students to meet each other in a small-group setting prior to their first quarter. While BOOTS are challenging, prior experience is not necessary. On BOOTS, we prioritize cooperation, risk management, and responsible stewardship of our environment. Our goal is to foster a supportive, active, and inclusive atmosphere in which we can enjoy each other's company and appreciate the natural history in the unique ecosystems we visit. Participants can look forward to learning skills like pitching tents securely, staying comfortable in varied weather, and practicing leave-no-trace ethics on daily hikes.

Health Form

Our Health Form must be completed within one day of trip registration. Based on responses, the completion of additional forms and a Physician's Release may be required. In the case of allergies for which epinephrine is prescribed and conditions for which inhalers are prescribed, please note medication requirements described in our health forms. Non-compliance with health-form requirements precludes participation in the trip without a refund. 

Inherent Risk

Outdoor recreation, including our trips, carries with it inherent risks of serious injury and death. While careful risk-management is our highest priority in our trip planning and on our trips, these risks cannot be eliminated.

Code of Conduct

In order to establish a shared understanding of responsibilities with respect to behavior on trips, our Code of Conduct must be reviewed and signed prior to trip departure.

Gear

Our trips include group gear (e.g., stoves, tents, eating-ware, and food), a lot of personal gear (e.g., backpacks, sleeping bags, ground pads, headlamps), and some clothing (e.g., waterproof layers, warm layers, gloves). Participants must provide footwear and most clothing for themselves, as outlined in our What-To-Bring List. Bringing inadequate personal-gear, as assessed by guides prior to departure, precludes participation in the trip without a refund.

Transportation and Food

Our trips include transportation to and from our destination. Most meals are also included, with the exception of any meals on the road the first and last days of the trip. Additional details are included in the "BOOT Offerings" part of this website.

Guides

Our guides are staff members with extensive training in responsible outdoor-recreation. A guide who has attained a Wilderness-First-Responder Certification is part of the guide team on each trip.

Registration

Starting on May 15, 2019 at noon, registration for BOOTS is available in our online store or at Recreation Sales and Service in the John-Wooden Center. If you have a UCLA logon, use it to log into our online store. If you do not have a UCLA logon, create an account according to the directions in our online store. Use an email address that is checked regularly because it is our primary method of contacting participants in advance of the trip. 

When trying to find the BOOTs in our online store, be sure that the semester "Summer 2019" is selected in the left-hand column and that the classification selected is "Outdoor Adventures." BOOTS will be listed under the category of "Outdoor Adventures." For questions specific to the registration process, please contact Recreation Sales and Service. 

Students under the age of 18

To register a student under the age of 18 for a BOOT, the student's parent or guardian must create their own account in our online store and create a profile within it for the student. The parent or guardian then uses their account to register the student for the trip.

Wait List

When a trip is full, we welcome you to join the wait list by completing this online form. If a spot becomes available, we contact people on the wait list to let them know. However, we are unable to reserve newly-opened spots.

Refund Policy

Full refunds are not available for our trips, but a 90% refund may be obtained by emailing us at oa@recreation.ucla.edu 15 business-days prior to trip departure.

Arrival and Departure Details

Our trips depart from and return to the UCLA Bike Shop which is located in the northwest corner of the John-Wooden Center. Additional details are available in the documents linked in the "Trip Offerings" part of this website. 

Questions?

If you have questions, please feel free to e-mail us (oa@recreation.ucla.edu).