Five WildLink alumni from Generation Green recruited and joined forces with eighteen other Generation Green club members and community members to complete the 23 mile bike ride. The ride took participants through quiet suburban neighborhoods, the noisy chaos of the Rose Bowl, some wide dirt fire trails, and about a mile of single-track trails (including a stream crossing!). For many participants, it was their first time trying mountain biking!

It was a warm day, and participants were excited to make it to Gould Mesa, where they could splash off in the stream and relax at a shady picnic table, while enjoying the tamales Jason brought for the group. After a bit of relaxation, Jonar took time to facilitate a conversation about taking this experience home and the importance of caring for public lands. One student, Pablo, wrote, "I learned we must maintain our environment like if it were our own home."

Many of the adults stated that they never knew a resource like Gould Mesa existed so close to home. One adult participant said, "I bike around my neighborhood all the time and I never knew this existed. I'll definitely be back. I'll bring my wife and kids back to this place. Maybe we'll even camp out."

When asked to reflect what she enjoyed about the trip, Marilu wrote, "I was able to use my skills learned at my trips in Yosemite. My favorite was teaching others."

Generation Green is already planning on running this event next year!