Riders will learn…

Ecology

Identifying native plants and animals
Understanding different organisms role in the ecosystem
Exploring plant intelligence and coevolution
Discussing the differences between native and non-native species

cycle Skills

How to ride safely and efficiently
How the parts of a bicycle work
Basic tools and how to use them to fix a bike
How to cultivate stewardship and responsibility for our bikes

Art

Working with natural materials like clay, plant fibers, organic dyes
Creating visual art that reflects the natural world
Writing poetry and music inspired by wildlife
Building fairy houses and sculptures

Bushcraft

Building model shelters
Identifying food and water sources when in nature
Indigenous tool making techniques
Wilderness navigation and map-making

Illustration of a Valley Oak leaf with detailed vein patterns.

A young girl with light brown hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a blue and gray jacket, is holding and reading a trail map while walking on a wooded trail covered with fallen leaves.

Children coloring and decorating rocks with stickers on a wooden table, with coloring supplies and artwork around.

Group Identity

Each Cyclekraft cohort develops a character of its own, made up of the unique personalities and backgrounds of the individuals that are part of it. Riders will find a name for the group, create an emblem that represents them and brainstorm a collective agreement with a motto to lead their intentions for the season.

A field of yellow, white, blue, and orange wildflowers in bloom

Seasonally appropriate lessons

We scout the trails regularly, noting current conditions, as well as any seasonal changes such as wildflower blooms, bird migrations or unique phenomena to incorporate into our weekly lesson plan.

California Native Ecosystems

We live in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. With thousands of plant, animal and insect species to discover, many of which are threatened, Los Angeles contains a trove of wildlife to learn about and protect.

Hand-drawn illustration of a yellow-orange poppy flower with green leaves.

Satellite image of Los Angeles with a coastal area and inland regions showing varied terrain.

A person in a gray hoodie and black pants fixing or inspecting a white mountain bike next to a tree on a forest trail.

Bicycle Repair and Maintenance

Bicycles are the tools that bring us through nature swiftly and silently. With minimal impact on the ecosystem we are visitors in.

By learning how bicycles work and how to keep them running smoothly, riders develop responsibility, and the empowering knowledge of how to fix something when it is broken.

Sample Schedule

Riders eat a packed meal or have hot supper at school. Bathroom runs. Water bottles filled. When everyone is ready, we load into the van!
We drive to the trailhead and unload our gear and bikes. Riders and instructors check for any mechanical or safety issues before the ride.
The group sets off on the trail! The length of the ride depends on the group’s abilities, weather conditions and what activities we have planned. We might stop along the way to learn about things along the trail, or we might make a beeline for our lesson spot.
We park our bikes on the side of the trail in a nice shady spot. We have a bite to eat and begin our lesson or activity for the day.
This will be hands-on time to explore the daily theme—whether it’s art, building, storytelling, or plant studies.
We ride back the way we came, returning to the van. If time permits, we stop for a mini-lesson along the way.
We pack up the van and head back to school for parents to pick up their children. See you next week!

Collaboration