Bike Trek 2012 Troop 50 Low-cost HIGH Adventure

1. Bike Trek 2012Troop 50 Low-cost HIGH Adventure

2. Why Low-cost HIGH ADVENTURE? Build: Teamwork, Character, Fitness Test of Outdoor Skills Unique Challenges STRESSED  DESSERTS < $$$ than a week a summer camp!! FFFFffffuuuuuuuuuuunnnnnnn….

3. Why this particular trek? Food - Planning, Variety, Self-reliant Raiment – Minimal needs, $ management Life – Use the gift God gave you Opportunity - Local, Safe, Thrifty Friendship – Better with your buddies Fellowship – Lifetime of memories

4. Where, What, How, When?

5. Trails • Great Alleghany Passage (Venture Trek 320+) • Crushed limestone built mainly on abandoned RR beds • Trail is nearly level with the average grade of less than 1%: • Steepest grades: 0.8% eastbound & 1.75% westbound • Trail crosses the Eastern Continental Divide. • C&O Canal (Scout Trek 184+ & Venture Trek 320+) • The towpath is overall much less improved than the GAP, as it was built for mules and not railroads.  Be prepared for ruts, tree roots, mud and mosquitos. • From Cumberland to Washington, DC, you drop 625 feet to sea level on the C&O Canal towpath – 0.064%   

6. Maps – Vertical

7. Maps – Horizontal

8. Cycling Merit Badge • Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while cycling, including hypothermia, heat reactions, frostbite, dehydration, insect stings, tick bites, snakebites, blisters, and hyperventilation. • Clean and adjust a bicycle. Prepare it for inspection using a bicycle safety checklist. Be sure the bicycle meets local laws. • Show your bicycle to your counselor for inspection. Point out the adjustments or repairs you have made. Do the following: • Show all points that need oiling regularly. • Show points that should be checked regularly to make sure the bicycle is safe to ride. • Show how to adjust brakes, seat level and height, and �steering tube. • Describe how to brake safely with foot brakes and with hand brakes. • Show how to repair a flat. Use an old bicycle tire. • Take a road test with your counselor and demonstrate the following: • Properly mount, pedal, and brake, including emergency stops. • On an urban street with light traffic, properly execute a left turn from the center of the street; also demonstrate an alternate left-turn technique used during periods of heavy traffic. • Properly execute a right turn. • Demonstrate appropriate actions at a right-turn-only lane when you are continuing straight. • Show proper curbside and road-edge riding. Show how to ride safely along a row of parked cars. • Cross railroad tracks properly. • Describe your state's traffic laws for bicycles. Compare them with motor-vehicle laws. Know the bicycle safety guidelines. • Avoiding main highways, take two rides of 10 miles each, two rides of 15 miles each, and two rides of 25 miles each. You must make a report of the rides taken. List dates, routes traveled, and interesting things seen.* • After fulfilling requirement 8, lay out on a road map a 50-mile trip. Stay away from main highways. Using your map, make this ride in eight hours.

9. Cool Stuff to Do Bike, Bike, & Bike Crew Culture Trains, Tunnels, Towns, & Turkey Vultures Swim, Raft, & Fish: Ohiopyle & Potomac Rivers Explore: Cave, Camp, City (Museums, Movies, More) History: F&I, Revolutionary, & Civil War Forts & Battles Culinary Delights: Flapjacks, Burgers, Pizza, IC, etc. Advancement: Cycling MB, lower rank skills Awards: C&O Historic Trail, 50 Miler

10. Gotta have Gear • Bike • Trail worthy with rear rack, saddlebags, water bottle cages • Safety: Helmet, Bell, Lights (F&R) • Repair kit with knowledge • Greenfield Kickstand • Rider • Comfortable clothing, Bike shorts recommended • Camper • Basic lightweight gear, 40º sleeping bag, eating utensils • Crew • Tent, cooking gear, food

11. Crews • Consist of 6-12 riders, 2 adult advisors minimum • Friends & similar riding ability • Work together as a team to plan trek adventure • Route, campsite, activities, etc. • Menu, crew gear, etc. • Prep rides, Cycling MB, Shakedowns • Youth Leader Roles: • Crew leader, Navigator • Treasurer, Scribe, Photographer, etc. • Quartermaster, Grub master, etc.

12. Timeline Sign-ups preferred by Pancake Breakfast, $50 deposit Finalize trek dates by Mid-Dec Gather personal gear, get bike approved – Dec-Feb First Trek Meeting – Feb Organize crews, leadership, bike maintenance – March Payment 2, saddlebags, start conditioning rides – April Final payment, longer rides – May Shakedowns – late May, early June Trek planning by crew – March-June, coord. logistics

13. Help Needed Trek Treasurer Trek Advisor (have minimum, more welcome) Rider prep - shepherd 10-25 mile rides in spring Assist with teaching cycling MB Organize conservation project(s) for 50 miler Transportation Out Transportation Back

14. Q&A Getcher checkbook out & register today! Let’s go riding!!!

15. Boy Scout Wish List For Scouts Interested in the Summer ‘12 GAP/C&O Canal Bike Trek IN Order of Priority Sturdy Bicycle – can be rented from Bike Line for $75.00/wk*** Comfortable, well ventilated bicycle helmet (required)*** Tire patch kit*** & tire levers *** Handlebar bell*** Bike rack over rear tire*** One spare tube *** (need to know tire size) Hikers head lamp** Hydration Pack **– 2 or 3 liters, with some room for tools and stuff (not too big or heavy!) Fingerless cycling gloves with padded palms** Padded cycling shorts* BSA Cycling Merit Badge Booklet** Waterproof compression or stuff sack for sleeping bag* Cage bottles – 1-2 Large ones** Bike tools: small adjustable wrench, “multi-tool”, hand operated tire pump (need to know valve stem type).* Small handlebar or under seat bag** Synthetic cycling socks (2-3 pr)** Note – this is NOT a packing list, merely a list of bike trek gear which is required***, suggested**, or desirable*.