Making a Difference in Your Community : Bike Patrol Takes to the Hills to Help

They are an army of neon-helmeted, Lycra-laden warriors on knobby wheels, these parkland patrollers.

On any given day you can see them in the Santa Monica Mountains, in teams of at least two, on lookout from their rolling ranger stations. Fueled by mouthfuls of chewy, grainy Power Bars and gulps of water and fresh air, these mountain bikers traverse the trails of the national recreation area, keeping watch for hikers, bikers or equestrians who need directions or medical help.

The Mountain Bike Unit, organized by the National Park Service, the Cali- fornia Department of Parks and Recreation and the Concerned Off Road Bicyclists Assn., patrols the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area keeping an eye on the parks and their users.

“We’re really hard to miss,” said Ross Blasman, an MBU founder, who described the bright yellow cycling jerseys emblazoned with “MBU” that members wear.

“Our job is to be an extension of the paid park staff,” he said. “We have the same goals that they have, which are to preserve resources while providing recreational opportunities to the visiting public.”

Since the group’s beginning 5 1/2 years ago, Mountain Bike Unit members have volunteered more than 30,000 hours, Blasman said. The unit now has more than 80 active members and can accommodate up to 125.

“They’re our second pair of eyes out in the park helping us patrol,” said Jean Bray, a spokeswoman for the recreation area, which is part of the national parks system. “They’re out there to assist people if they need help.

“They’re trained in CPR. They’re trained in the National Park Service mission,” Bray said. “They’re trained in the courteous use of bicycles in a recreation area and will train other bicycles on the path.”

The next training session for new members is set for May 7 at Malibu Creek State Park. The orientation meeting, where riders meet each other, learn about the program and take an introductory spin, begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m.

“The people are phenomenal. The orientation ride, the May 7 date, is like my favorite day of the year,” said Blasman, 43, of Newbury Park. “We’ve got students, we’ve got peace officers, we’ve got professionals. And they all have one thing in common--they love the mountains and they want to give something back.”

Volunteers are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, basic first aid, National Park Service philosophy and how to deal with backcountry situations in 32 hours over six Saturdays.

When certified, each volunteer will be asked to patrol a minimum of eight hours per month. Patrol areas include Malibu Creek State Park, Point Mugu, Topanga and other national and state parks.

Riders choose the date, time, area and partner for their patrols. They also choose the speed. The MBU isn’t looking for hotshots or hammerheads.

“You don’t have to be good. You have to be smart. We’ve had people take their very first mountain bike ride on the orientation ride,” Blasman said. “We’re looking for people who use their heads, know their limits and have a good heart.”

For more information call the National Park Service VIP Coordinator Sheila Hoffos at (818) 597-1036, Blasman at (805) 378-5100 or Joe Dillman, scheduling coordinator of the MBU at (818) 706-2789.

Volunteers don’t have to call to register for the orientation. They can just show up, Blasman said. Riders should bring cycling helmets, food and water.

Other volunteering opportunities:

Volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve at the Fred Jordan Mission’s annual Mother’s Day luncheon on May 8. The mission is located in Downtown Los Angeles. Homeless and needy mothers will be served a chicken dinner and presented with clothing, diapers and food to take home. To volunteer, call Jackie or Bette at (818) 915-1981.

Getting Involved is a weekly listing of volunteering opportunities. Please address prospective listings to Getting Involved, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Or fax them to (818) 772-3338.