BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
SPRING BREAK | TEXAS, USA | MAR 7-15, 2025
OOVER
OVERVIEW
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Join us for an unforgettable week of adventure in one of Texas's most breathtaking landscapes. Immerse yourself in nature as we hike through stunning canyons, camp under the stars, and paddle along the Rio Grande. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, this trip promises incredible sights, camaraderie, and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle. Don't miss out on this perfect blend of adventure and relaxation! Sign up now for a spring break you won’t forget!
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Explore the rugged beauty of Big Bend National Park, where towering cliffs, sweeping desert landscapes, and vibrant wildlife come together in a true natural wonderland. This vast park covers over 800,000 acres of diverse terrain, offering everything from towering limestone canyons and lush river valleys to colorful desert flora. Hike scenic trails, some leading to breathtaking panoramic vistas, and bask in the sheer vastness of the canyons. At night, gaze at the star-filled sky in one of the best stargazing locations in the country, with nearly no light pollution.
Reconnect with nature as you journey through Big Bend's unique blend of ecosystems, where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the lush banks of the Rio Grande. Feel the excitement of navigating river rapids, relax with the calming sounds of nature, and share stories around a crackling campfire.
Location
We'll leave from our Basecamp on Bucknell's campus. From there we will drive to BWI airport, Fly into Midland Texas, and drive to Big Bend National Park.
Pre-Trip Meeting
There will be two pre-trip meetings for this extended break trip that are mandatory. During this meetings we will go over trip logistics, packing lists, and expectations
Wednesday, February 12 from 7pm-8:30pm at Basecamp. This will be a chance for trip leaders and participants to get to know each other and review the trip logistics. Dinner will be provided. Mandatory.
Wednesday, March 5th from 7pm-8:30pm Basecamp. This will be our final meeting where we will make sure everyone has everything on the packing list and go through personal items before packing them away for the trip! Dinner will be provided. Mandatory.
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LOGISTICS
CLICK EACH CATEGORY TO LEARN ABOUT THE DETAILS
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What are Bison Bikes?Bison Bikes is a bike share program managed through the Outdoor Education and Leadership (OEL). Bison Bikes provides long term rentals each semester and during the summer to current Bucknell students at no cost. Students can request a bike through our portal (website). Students are able to recieve ongoing maintenance for their bike, and other related needs throughout the semester. Regular maintenance costs are taken care of by the program and not the responsibility of the student. Significant damanges or a lost/stolen bike is the financial responsibility of the student. Each bike rental includes a bike lock and helmet.
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How do I rent a bike through Bison Bikes?Prior to the start of each fall and spring semester we will make our Bike Request form available here on our portal (website). Simply complete the information requested and submit. Regardless of availability, our staff will be in touch within 2-3 regular business days following the closing date of the lottery. Because less students are on campus and request bikes during the summer, generally all bison bike requests will be met during the summer. Bikes will be assigned based on random selection from the entries received through our Bike Request form. If a bike is available, a pick up time will be shared with you to rent the bike, bike lock and helmet. At the time of pick up, you will also need to review and agree to our Rental Agreement and Liability Form. Spring 2025 Bison Bike rentals will be available for pick up during the scheduled times for pick up and are due back during scheduled times. We will not be able to rent out bikes outside of the pre selected pick up and return times which are shared with the renter upon selection. The renter must be present during these times to pick up and return the bike. You can always Contact Us directly with more questions about the bike request and rental process.
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Damage PolicyRegular use of bikes will result in basic maintenance needs (flat tire, chain pops off, brake issues, etc.). Repair and/or maintenance needs as a result of standard wear and tear can be serviced by OEL Rental Center Staff at no cost to the renter. If damage occurs to bikes as a result of abuse or neglect (running it into a curb, attempting to ride down stairs, etc.) renters will assume the responsibility of fees for repairing or replacing bikes/bike parts as required. Repair and replacement fees will be reviewed and assessed by the Bison Bike Student Manager and/or the OEL Professional Staff. Failure to pay damage fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account.
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Lock PolicyEvery Bison Bike renter is provided with a bike lock upon bike rental. Renters are required to use the lock distributed by the OEL Rental Center for their Bison Bike. Bikes must be locked appropriately around the frame and front tire when not in use. If a bike is found unlocked or locked inappropriately, the bike may be confiscated and the renter notified. If a second offense occurs, the bike may be confiscated and the renter may not be permitted to rent a Bison Bike again during their time at Bucknell. If a renter fails to lock the bike responsibly or does not use the provided lock and the bike is stolen, they will be held responsible for the bike theft. The renter will be responsible for paying all fees associated with replacement of their stolen equipment. Failure to pay replacement fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account. Replacement cost for the bike is $600.00. Replacement cost for the helmet is $30.00. Replacement cost for the bike lock is $25.00.
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Return Date PolicyAll Bison Bikes will be due during a designated date window/range toward the end of each semester. This will be pre-determined by the OEL Rental Center and shared with the renter at the time the bike is rented. It is the renter's responsibility to schedule their return during this period of time. Failure to return a bike during this period of time will result in late fees as explained in our Late Fee Policy. Failure to return the Bison Bike, helmet, and lock by the scheduled return date may limit the renters ability to be rented a Bison Bike in the future.
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Late Fee PolicyBikes, locks with key, and helmets must be returned during the pre-determined time period as agreed during initial pick up. Late returns of the rental package - bike + locks/key + helmet will incur a flat late fee of $10/day until the cost of the equipment is reached. Bikes, locks with key and helmets returned at different times will result in itemized daily late fees of $10 for the bike, $5 for the lock/key and $5 for the helmet per day until the cost of the equipment is reached. Failure to return items online may limit the renters ability to rent a Bison Bike in the future. Failure to pay replacement fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account.
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Bike MaintenanceIf your Bison Bike needs maintenance (flat tire, squeaky brakes) please bring your bike into the OEL Rental and Outfitting Center located in Tustin between 12pm-4pm Monday through Friday while classes are in session. The staff can take your bike, and our bike techs will fix it within the next few days. You'll be contacted when it is ready for pick up! If damages are due to irresponsible use, you will be charged for the maintenance costs. Please email oelbikes@bucknell.edu with any questions! If your personal bike needs maintenance, you can bring it into the OEL Rental and Outfitting Center located in Tustin between 12pm-4pm Monday through Friday while classes are in session. The bison bike staff can take a look your bike within the next few days. If your bike just needs a basic tune up, bike techs can service your bike for free. If your bike requires parts or more extensive work, we will return the bike to you and recommend that you take your bike to a local bike shop for maintenance. Links Cyclerly (website link) Cycle Up Cafe (website link) Students and the Bucknell Community are welcome to stop by the OEL Rental and Outfitting Center located in Tustin between 12pm-4pm Monday through Friday while classes are in session to use an allen wrench or bike pump as well. Email oelbikes@bucknell.edu with any questions.
