Hobbies bring students together

By Scott Johnson, News Writing Student

Shared hobbies can draw people together as two Oklahoma City Community College students learned recently.

OCCC students Magen Long, 21, and Hunter Owen, 20, sat patiently on their first day of Mass Communication class with Mrs. Gwin Faulconer-lippert while students introduced themselves to the class.

When Long’s turn arrived, she stood up, stated her name, and said, “…and I love to ride my bike!”

Almost immediately Owen chimes in breaking the awkwardness of the first day of class, “I love to ride bikes too!”

Only seconds were needed to form this friendship.

“ I started riding my bike when I was one and a half and started competing nationally when I was three” said Long as she paused, “with training wheels of course!”

Longs’ passion is riding her 20-inch BMX bike, but is not limited to just one machine.

She also enjoys riding and competing on her road bike as well as her mountain bike.

Long is a public Relations major and plans to get a bachelor degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Owen, Broadcasting or Animal Science major (undecided) rides his bike at least two miles a day.

Stanley Draper Lake is a favorite mountain biking spot for the extremist.

Draper lake offers choice trails for the novice rider all the way up to professional trails, or the ones that Owen prefers.

“Being crazy is what I do, it keeps me going!”

Draper lake trails are located around Stanley Draper lake and do not cost money to enjoy.

Owen and Long enjoy riding their bikes together whenever they get a chance, even riding a small dirt track that Long has built in her backyard.

The track consists of a drop-in point, jumps and banked turns.

“I saw him [Owen] ride in my backyard and crash!” said Long teasingly as she spoke about her friend.

Long intends on finishing her Public Relations degree at UCO and finding a job in the biking community.

Owen, also a University of Oklahoma student, intends on finishing his education at OU and would love to work for the Animal Planet someday.