Central Oregon Community College offers a wide range of unique classes, and some of the most fun are the health and human performance activity courses. From backpacking to backcountry snow riding, there is no shortage of adventure. I had the opportunity to take the beginning mountain biking class this term, and I had an absolute blast.

The class is designed to teach students basic skills such as proper braking and shifting, as well as trailside maintenance and repairs. This course is relatively short, meeting only 5 times, and is held during Spring term. Students ride during four of the five class sessions. The first class is held in a classroom, where students review course details, discuss what to pack for a ride and learn what to do in emergency situations.

Taking a class like this may feel intimidating, especially in a place like Bend, where it can be difficult to try something new when it seems like everyone around you has a $4,000 bike on the back of their car. However, every experience level and every type of bike are welcome. Students who do not own a bike can rent one through local companies at a discounted student rate.

For the first two riding sessions, the class met at Phil’s Trailhead and rode routes ranging from 6 to about 10 miles. The other two riding sessions were held at the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station. About midway through each ride, students stop for lunch and discuss how the ride is going. If students are unsure about features on the trail, professor Lara D’Orvilliers is happy to spend time helping them workshop technical sections, such as rock gardens.

D’Orvilliers said she enjoys teaching the mountain biking class because “it gets people outside having new experiences.”

If you have the opportunity to take this class, I highly recommend it. In a place like Bend, mountain biking is easily accessible, and the trails are awesome!