Texas Tech University offers many resources on campus that may go unnoticed by students. For the naturally adventurous, a particular assortment of resources for outdoor-focused recreation are available to tuition-payers, sometimes at reduced or no cost.
The Texas Tech Outdoor Pursuits Center (OPC) is one of those resources. OPC can assist students and faculty alike with a variety of different services. From assistance with bike repairs or maintenance, securing rentals for skiing or snowboarding trips or learning the basics of whitewater kayaking, the center is suited to accommodate its patrons in a multitude of ways.
Bike Repair Shop
OPC bike mechanic Joe Hinnant (Photo by: Anna Claire Beasley)
Patrons whose bicycles are ailed by a flat tire, squeaky brakes or are in need of last minute adjustments can bring it over to the Outdoor Pursuits Center’s repair shop. Located directly adjacent to the OPC’s main office, the bike shop can be found outside of the Robert H. Ewalt Student Recreation Center. Here, experienced cyclists can diagnose issues with a bike, order replacement parts and execute repairs all in a central location. The time-frame for repairs depends on extent of the issue and the number of other requests preoccupying the staff. Upon completion of all repair requests, a representative notifies clientele that their bike is ready to be returned.
Do it Yourself Bike Maintenance
Bike tools for self-use
DIY bike workshop
Have the knowledge to fix a flat but lack the necessary tools to complete the job? Fear no more, as the OPC shop now features a DIY workspace. This space includes tools needed to make minor adjustments, either between classes or before the trek home. By buying a tube and putting it in themselves, patrons can save more than half of typical flat tire repair costs.
Rental Equipment
This is the perfect resource for individuals who are new to outdoor excursions and are not yet certain about investing in their own equipment quite yet. The OPC shop rents out basic camping, biking and kayaking gear at reduced fee rates. Reservations are available up to one week from pick-up date to ensure gear is obtained well in advance of a trip.
Ski Shop
The OPC ski shop is up and running after Thanksgiving, and includes the whole package— freshly waxed skis and snowboards, poles, bindings, boots and helmets. Students or faculty are encouraged to pick up a pair of skis or a snowboard here before heading out to the mountains as prices increase remarkably the higher one gets in elevation. Rentals are in high demand during this short season, so be sure to make use of the ski shop’s reservation system.
Weekly Activities and Classes
OPC offers an array of free weekly activities to students and faculty. One can use these resources to hone their skills and knowledge for future adventures, or for participating in other OPC-led excursions. Examples of these activities include—
- Trail Running: Mondays at 4:30 p.m. Endorphins will be pulsing after hitting the Mae Simmons Trails for a couple miles. Transportation is provided, pick-up and drop-off will be in front of the OPC.
- Weekly Mountain Bike Ride: Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Learn the basics of mountain biking on the Mae Simmons Trails using the OPC bikes. Again, transportation is provided with pick-up and drop-off in front of the OPC.
- Pool Session Kayaking: Thursdays at 7 p.m. Meet at the OPC shop and develop skills used for whitewater kayaking in the indoor recreation center pool. The OPC will provide the kayaks, just bring a swimsuit.
- Fundamentals of Belay Class: Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Learn how to belay with friends at the climbing wall and receive a certification. For just $10, this certification is valid for a year. Sign up, pay in the OPC shop or online, and head down to the climbing wall and OPC instructors will take it from there.
Outdoor Trips
Arguably the best characteristic the Outdoor Pursuits Center has to offer are trips. Backpacking in the Grand Canyon, hiking in Big Bend National Park, mountain biking in Utah, ice climbing in Colorado, and mountain climbing in New Mexico are just a few of the expeditions students and faculty have embarked on with OPC trip leaders. These trips are known to safely entice individuals out of their comfort zone and away from the stresses produced by school and the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Although the trips are already at an extremely affordable cost, the experiences and stories gained are priceless.
OPC climbing trip in El Rito, New Mexico
OPC-led trips include these amenities—
Transportation: gas money is factored into the trip price
Gear: whether hiking, climbing, or kayaking, all gear besides clothing is included.
Food: full meals are cooked by trip leaders (or anyone who wants to help) at the campsite!
Check out the Outdoor Pursuits Center website to find more information about trips: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/opc/trips.php
About Kalli Gardenhire
