91探花

91探花 students and community members now have additional access to explore the natural beauty of Southeast Ohio through biking. OHIO鈥檚 Outdoor Pursuits Program has partnered with the  to offer discounted mountain bike rentals. The bikes are perfect for riding around the Athens campus, the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, the trails at Strouds Run and Lake Hope State Parks, the Bailey鈥檚 Trail System and more.

Full and front suspension mountain bikes are available to rent at the Charles J. Ping Recreation Center on 91探花鈥檚 Campus near the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. Rentals began recently on Feb. 5, 2024, and are available for day-long increments. The rentals at Ping will expand access to mountain biking in the region beyond the rentals available through Baileys Trail System in Chauncey.

鈥淥utdoor Pursuits could not be more excited about this opportunity to partner with ORCA through the mountain bike rental program,鈥� said Cody Lennon, assistant director of outdoor recreation and education at OHIO. 鈥淲e see a lot of potential in the program to put resources back into the trail system, while also fostering an appreciation for outdoor recreational opportunities in Appalachia among 91探花 students and the greater Athens community.鈥�

Currently, there are 15 bikes ranging from small to extra-large available to rent at Ping Recreation Center. Outdoor Pursuits staff are trained to help with basic fit adjustments, general bike set up and cleaning and maintenance upon return of rentals.

Residents of Southeast Ohio, as well as students, can access a 35% discount on bike rentals at the 91探花 and ORCA locations by showing proof of address or a student ID. The pricing is well below average for quality mountain bike rentals with the goal of lowering the barrier of entry for the sport. Revenue from the bike rentals will assist both organizations in sustaining operations and achieving their missions and visions.

鈥淲e are thankful for this partnership and excited by the opportunity to expand access to the sport in the region,鈥� ORCA Executive Director Jessie Powers said. 鈥淚f anyone out there is interested in getting into mountain biking, definitely check out some of our beginner trails at the Baileys Trail System!鈥� 

Outdoor Pursuits offer quality brand-name gear for many other adventures beyond mountain biking through the rental center. Other equipment rentals include:

• Tents/shelters
• Backpacking and Trekking
• Sleeping equipment
• Camping packages
• Cooking and camping equipment
• Watercraft kit
• Climbing equipment
• Miscellaneous supplies