MOUNTAIN BIKE UNIT (MBU)
Calling all mountain bikers age 18 and over!
The Mountain Bike Unit, sponsored by the National Park Service (NPS) and California State Parks (CDPR) as well as the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), is looking for mountain bikers who might be interested in joining the unit.
Here's what it's all about:
The MBU assists in providing park visitors with a quality outdoor experience while preserving natural resources patrolling over 60 thousand acres of public parkland in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Beginning in February 2026, training will include visitor contact skills, radio use, park rules and regulations, First Aid and CPR, and field training exercises.
All degrees of riding experience are welcome!
Patrol areas include National Park Service locations (Cheeseboro/ Palo Comado and Zuma/Trancas Canyons, Rancho Sierra Vista, and Circle X Ranch) and State Park locations (Malibu Creek, Will Rogers, Point Mugu, and Topanga). In addition, we patrol MRCA areas near metropolitan Los Angeles.
Self-schedule your patrols with other members anytime on our website.
Other activities in which the MBU participates include the Youth Adventures Program which offers disadvantaged youth an opportunity to enjoy mountain bike experiences in the parks, plus assisting in such events as Wheel to the Sea and the Los Angeles Marathon.
Would you like to learn more?
Click below to receive email notices about our next training:
Orientation Event:
The next orientation meeting will be at 8:30am on Saturday, January 24 2026, at King Gillette Ranch. This will be an indoor meeting to learn more about patrolling with the MBU prior to committing to training with us. Bring your bike and helmet, and if the weather is good, we'll go on an optional fun ride after the presentation.
Address and google maps link to King Gillette Ranch:
26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
https://maps.app.goo.gl/39FCfsh48us8BLTK6
Ride-Along Program:
The Mountain Bike Unit is excited to launch our Ride-Along Program - a chance for members of the public to join us on select volunteer patrols throughout 2025! These rides are designed to be a fun, low-pressure way to connect with our group and get a first-hand look at what it’s like to be an MBU member. No need to sign up - just show up for one of the rides below. We hope you enjoy the experience and consider joining us for official training next year!
| Date/Time | Location | Ride Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sat July 2nd 9:00am-12:00pm | Malibu Creek State Park, lower lot by the restroom with vending machines | Casual ride through the campground and out to Century Lake for a break then return. All fire roads. Approx 4mi 400' climbing. |
| Date/Time | Location | Ride Level |
|---|---|---|
| Sat July 2nd 9:00am-12:00pm | Malibu Creek State Park, lower lot by the restroom with vending machines | Steady ride to the Tapia singletrack saddle, the Grassland singletrack and then stop for a break at the Visitor Center. Ride to the MASH bridge before returning to the parking lot. Approx 7mi 700' climbing. |
| Date/Time | Location | Ride Level |
|---|---|---|
| Sat July 2nd 9:00am-12:00pm | Malibu Creek State Park, lower lot by the restroom with vending machines | Challenging ride to the MASH site and up Bulldog Lateral to connect with Bulldog and make a loop back around to Crags. Stop at the MASH site for a break on the return. Approx 10mi 1100' climbing. |
Things to know before joining us on a ride-along:
- Plan to join us for the entirety of our patrol. We do our best to stick together as volunteers and would like to begin and end our patrol with you!
- We welcome all mountain bike riders 18 years and older of different levels of endurance and skill, but to ensure you have the best ride-along experience possible, please attend a ride that you think best matches your riding style.
- Please arrive early enough to enter the park, prepare your bike, use the restroom, etc before the patrol start time.
- Bring your bike, a helmet, plenty of water as well as a snack and sunscreen. Check the weather ahead of time and wear comfortable clothing. Helmets and closed-toe shoes are required for all participants.
- When you first arrive, look for us in our distinct yellow jerseys and say hello so we know you plan to ride with us.
- At the patrol start time, MBU patrollers will introduce themselves and discuss what you can expect on a volunteer patrol and what it's like to join the MBU. The entire ride will be a learning experience so please feel free to ask lots of questions along the way!
- Please remember - you should be self-sufficient and are responsible for your own safety at all times.
