Letter to Parents
Cycling
Your son is interested in the Cycling Merit Badge. This merit badge requires a significant commitment. Cycling merit badge requires two 10’s, two 15’s and two 25 mile rides, and a 50 mile ride. We will need help transporting bicycles and scouts to and from each ride. We also could use a "chase car" in the event of an emergency on the "50". You are welcome to ride with us on any of the rides. I am planning three rides per month, your son will need to do all seven rides for the merit badge. If a make up ride is needed it will be your son's responsibility Your son should be in good health and have a valid medical form on file with the troop.
Although the Cycling merit badge is technically not a high adventure event please be aware that it is quite demanding for scouts 12 and under. I may need you to accompany your son if he is unable to keep up with the rest of the group.
We will meet on Wednesday evenings in February, to get bikes in ready and study the rules of the road.
I plan on starting the rides in March, with the 50 miler in May. March and April rides are scheduled for Sunday afternoons, while the May rides are on Saturday Mornings. We will meet either at my house or in Spring Grove for the rides. Missing or defective equipment is cause for not being allowed on the ride.
Although cycling is not a particularly expensive sport you can expect some additional expenses. A good multi-speed bike, with good brakes and good tires is required. The cycling merit badge does require good equipment and you will probably want to purchase some new equipment to make the trips easier and safer. We will go over other required equipment at our first meeting.
Please print out and fill in the parental consent form and driver information sheet. So I'll know how many bike racks we'll have available for transportation.
Feel free to call or email me if you have any questions.