Cycling Merit Badge Information

Because the Cycling merit badge requires specialized individual fitness and equipment, it is VERY important that you adequately prepare yourself and your bike for this class. This page provides the information that you will need to prepare yourself to do your best in this class. (Note that Cycling and Hiking are not offered every year.)

Prepare Yourself and Your Equipment

You should prepare yourself for the physical exertion required for this class. In addition to the required pre-camp tours (rides), it is a good idea to do as much riding as possible before coming to camp. The class will be riding every day for a total of 130 miles of riding! This is a heavy load even for people who ride regularly. On Friday, the class will be doing a 50-mile ride, which must be completed in less than 8 hours. You should be in good condition before you come to camp, otherwise you will not be physically able to complete the merit badge.

It is critical to have your bicycle in good working order. It should be tuned up and fitted at a local bicycle shop before you come to camp. If you do not have a proper bicycle, the Eagle Week staff has made arrangements for rentals to be available from a Plymouth shop. The Eagle Week staff will need to know at least one week in advance if you wish to take advantage of this rental option.

You will need to bring the following equipment for this class:

• A copy of Cycling merit badge pamphlet
• A multi-speed bicycle in good working order, properly fitted
• A bicycle helmet, properly fitted
• A spare inner tube and tire repair kit (you will carry this in a pocket)
• Two water bottles (your bicycle should have cages), or a camel back with at least 1-qt capacity
• A pair of stiff soled shoes (sneakers are OK, no sandals) and athletic socks
• A set of comfortable shorts and shirt (these may NOT be loose and baggy; they should fit snug, but not tight).
• A light weight jacket to wear in case of rain.

Pre-Camp Required Touring

Before attending camp, you must complete TWO rides of of 10 miles each. You must submit a written report of the tours including: the route you traveled (including a Google or MapQuest map of the route is a good idea), the dates of your rides, and any points of interest you observed (it's a good idea to mark these on the map). These rides should be done the week before camp.

At Camp Touring Schedule

During the Cycling merit badge class, you will complete 110 miles of riding. The touring schedule for the week is as follows:

• Monday 10 miles
• Tuesday 25 miles
• Wednesday 25 miles
• Thursday 50 miles

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements (or to inquire about bike rental), please contact the Eagle Week Scoutmaster.

OCC-Eagle Week-2009

Old Colony Council

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All other issues are expedited by the Old Colony Council office (OColony@bsamail.org).