Dear Parents and Scouts of Troop 88,
On Sunday, October 16, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (note the change from October 15 in the original T88 calendar) those who are interested will have the opportunity to begin work on the Cycling merit badge. This is one of the more fun - but difficult - merit badges to obtain. This information sheet summarizes the requirements of this badge. More specifics will be distributed as we plan more of the details.
We will meet on Sunday in the Presidio, in the giant parking lot where Arguello Ave “dead-ends” at Sheridan. Directions: From Geary Blvd, go north on Arguello and follow it to the very end in the Presidio at Sheridan, where the landmarks will be the flag pole with antique Army cannon to the east (your right) and tennis courts and the bowling alley to the west (your left).
We will begin to work on this badge by: 1) learning about the inspection, maintenance, care, and repair of a bicycle, 2) discussing bicycle safety, 3) changing a flat tire, 4) reviewing first aid, and 5) taking a road test. The remainder of the work on the requirements, including the required rides, will be included later in the program either as planned calendar events or as alternatives to events that may be cancelled or postponed.
What to bring for the Sunday event in the Presidio:
The bike you plan to ride on these events
Your bike helmet
A spare tire that fits your bike
Any bike tools you have
An air pump – only if you have one (don’t buy one!)
A hat or cap
Sun block
Water
Permission slip - attached
And – the 10 essentials!
As always on any Boy Scout event, safety will be of primary concern. Scout leaders and experienced bikers will participate in these events. Parents will also be encouraged to participate by either biking or, following the bikers in cars (for the longer rides) to either pick up stragglers or help shuttle bikers back and forth.
A good bike will be necessary to participate. This work is not intended to be a “walk in the park” (we would rather be riding in the park), so be mindful of the condition of the bike you will be using, and bring a spare tire for the bike. We don’t want to be in the boondocks and have a flat tire without a spare. Furthermore, the bikes used on these events must be inspected by T88 scouts and leaders. All bikes used on all T88 bike events must be T88 scout inspected; no bike, which has not passed the inspection, will be allowed on the trip.
Don’t feel obligated to
buy a new bike to participate. All
of these boys are growing up and may possibly outgrow
any bike used in these events. Bikes can be
borrowed or rented. In the interest of safety
of the scouts, the bikes should have multiple gears for climbing grades and for speed. We will be
doing both road and off-road biking (fireroads, etc).
The
bicycling merit badge bike riding requirements are as follows:
Two 10 mile rides
Two 15 mile rides
Two 25 mile rides
One 50 mile ride (planned by the participants) to be completed in 8 hours.
Note: There are other requirements that must be completed, but these are the actual bike riding requirements.
We will be discussing in detail these merit badge bike-riding requirements and other T88 biking events at meetings and through other correspondence in the near future.
So, I guess that’s it. Call me at 415/695-1157 if you have any questions regarding this Presidio bike event on Sunday, October 16 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. I will also be at the meeting on Wednesday if you want to meet with me then.
Go ride a bike!
Gary Furney