Thanks to a new partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia (ORCA), Ohio University students and community members now have additional access to explore the natural beauty of the outdoors through biking.
The collaboration allows for discounted bike rentals made available at the university’s Outdoor Pursuits department in Campus Recreation. On February 5, full and front-suspension mountain bikes were made available to rent at the Charles J. Ping Recreation Center for day-long increments.
“For Outdoor Pursuits, aligning with ORCA was a natural fit,” said Cody Lennon, the assistant director of Outdoor Recreation and Education. “By sharing a commitment to connecting our community with outdoor activities, it was evident collaborating would amplify our impact. In October 2021, ORCA approached our program, initiating discussions on how we could enhance access to mountain biking — an opportunity we embraced given our existing gear rental program focused on backpacking and camping.”
Delia Palmisano, the communications and philanthropy director for ORCA, said the organization is thankful for this partnership. Also, they are excited by the opportunity to expand access to the activity in the region.
Partnership Details
Lennon said rental rates are designed to be accessible, starting at half the price of comparable destinations. A full-suspension bike rents for $50, while a front-suspension bike is available for $40. “Additionally, we extend a 35% discount to local community members and students with a valid ID,” said Lennon. “Our bike fleet ranges in retail value from $900 to $2,100.”
ORCA was founded in 2019 with a clear mission: To leverage the outdoor recreation assets in Appalachian Ohio for economic growth and community enrichment. The organization’s stewardship includes managing a 58-mile mountain bike trail system near Athens, Ohio, where Ohio University is located.
Lennon said Athens offers uncounted opportunities for student engagement due to its vibrant atmosphere. However, bridging the gap between campus life and community involvement has been a challenge.
“Introducing rental bikes has not only unlocked access to trails like Baileys and Sells Park, but also strengthened ties between students and the surrounding landscape, including trails at Strouds Run State Park and Lake Hope State Park,” said Lennon. “It’s a tangible step toward our core mission of fostering community through outdoor recreation.”
Future Developments and Tips
For other schools looking to start beneficial collaborations in the community, Lennon advised to stay engaged with community leaders, remain patient through challenges and embrace creative problem-solving. “Establishing our partnership with ORCA took two years of planning, problem-solving and perseverance,” he said. “The key was maintaining a ‘solve to yes’ mindset, staying open to possibilities while navigating obstacles.”
Looking ahead, Ohio University Outdoor Pursuits will aim to deepen community engagement and explore further partnerships.
“Our department thrives on inclusivity, empowerment and engagement, and we see immense potential in expanding our trip offerings with mountain biking,” said Lennon. “These excursions will not only introduce participants to trail riding but also provide instruction and guidance, enhancing their outdoor experience. Moreover, we envision our rental program igniting interest in mountain bike tourism among Ohio University students, contributing to the region’s outdoor economy.”
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