A winding dirt trail in a wooded area with dense trees and green foliage on both sides, sunlight filtering through the leaves. El Prieto Canyon Trail.

Let’s go for a ride!

A botanical illustration of an orange California poppy flower with green leaves and a bud
A botanical illustration of an orange California poppy flower with green leaves and a bud
An illustration of Purple Sage with green stems and leaves.
An illustration of Purple Sage with green stems and leaves.
An illustration of Common Yarrow with green stems and leaves.
A botanical illustration of pink Clarkia with green stems and leaves, featuring blooming pink flowers with darker pink veins and brown central parts.

What is Cyclekraft?

Cyclekraft is an outdoor education program for children 3rd-6th grade.

We bring small groups of students (riders) into nature on bikes and teach inquiry-based lessons that nurture students’ innate curiosity about the world.

Riders do creative projects, observe native plants and animals, learn wilderness skills and gain proficiency in riding, as well as maintaining, their bicycles.

Cycle

  1. a recurring series of events in the life cycle of a plant, animal or entire ecosystem

  2. a bicycle

    From the Greek kyklos, meaning “circle“ or “wheel“

Kraft

  1. an activity involving skill in making things by hand

  2. a ship or vessel

    From the German kraft, meaning “energy,” the physical concept of force

Illustration of animals riding a tandem bicycle: frog, squirrel, quail, and coyote.

The Van and the Bike Fleet

At the core of Cyclekraft is our adventure van and fleet of mountain bikes. They allow us to visit less developed areas than what would be feasible on foot while moving through nature with a minimal footprint.

Children so rarely have the opportunity to explore the world by bike in a safe, car-free environment. By riding on fire roads and other designated trails, riders are able to experience a freedom of exploration that is potentially new to them.

Instructor-to-rider Ratio

Each Cyclekraft group consists of 6-12 riders and always has 2 instructors. This low ratio means that each child has the space to ask questions and receive ample one-on-one interaction with educators.

Lesson plans are tailored to the strengths and interests of the group.

A rocky stream flowing through a wooded area with trees and bushes along the bank. The Arroyo Seco.
An illustrated Sycamore leaf with yellow veins

The Arroyo Seco

One of the major tributaries of the Los Angeles River, the Arroyo Seco creates a shady riparian ecosystem as it winds its way into the San Gabriel Mountains.

It also serves as Cyclekraft’s primary lesson location with its diversity of habitat and manageable terrain.

An illustrated Sycamore leaf with yellow veins
Close-up of a California Quail with a clear blue sky background.

Our Spirit Animal

Not only is the California Quail (Callipepla californica) California’s state bird, they are sociable, communal animals and are known to be focused, hearty birds and great foragers. They leave little trace and are essential members of the ecosystem. A superb embodiment of Cyclekraft’s values.

Also, they are very cute.