Cycling Merit Badge Session

32-Mile Ride (Seal Beach)

2012 Cycling Merit Badge Information

To: BSA Troop 355 Cycling Merit Badge Candidates

The Cycling Merit Badge involves dedication to a systematic, physically demanding, and time consuming regimen with an ultimate goal of completing a 50-mile ride. While this badge will require more time and physical output, many who have completed it claim it is their most cherished badge for exactly that reason – it was tough to get. Listed below are some of the requirements and event timing so that you can plan accordingly. It would be a good idea for candidates to do a couple of 5-mile rides around their neighborhood on their own to get ready for our first formal ride which will be a 10-miler. Please BE PREPARED for the following:

Blue Cards
I need for each candidate to furnish me with a filled out “Blue Card” so that I can sign off on the requirements as you complete them. This is an essential part (as it is for all merit badges) of the record-keeping process and must be done in order for you to receive your badge. Please get them to me no later than November 1.

Solvang Prelude Applications
I will provide copies of the application (can also download from www.bikescor.com) at the next ride. I will need your completed application and check by October 7, so that I can submit all the applications for our troop as a group on October 8.

Written Test
A written test will be taken sometime before the Solvang Prelude ride. It will consist of about 50 short answer questions (most from the merit badge book) and should be relatively easy if you have read/studied your merit badge book and know your Boy Scout First Aid. You must get at least 80% correct to pass.

Schedule of Events

Sunday, September 23 5-Mile Ride (San Marino) Meet @ Scout House 7:30am

Sunday, September 30 10-Mile Ride (Rose Bowl) Meet @ Scout House 7:30am

TBD Bike Mechanics Workshop Mt @ Pasadena Cyclery 7:00pm 1670 E. Walnut, Pasadena, CA. 626-795-2866

Sunday, October 7 15-Mile Ride (Linda Vista) Meet @ Scout House 7:00am

Sunday, October 14 25-Mile Ride (Desc. Garden) Meet @ Scout House 7:00am

Sunday, October 21 25-Mile Ride (Sacred Heart) Meet @ Scout House 7:00am

Sunday, October 28 32-mile Ride (Seal Beach) Meet @ Scout House 7:00am

Saturday, November 4 Solvang Prelude 50-mile Ride

To Be Arranged by appt. Any make-up requirements

Eagle Requirement
This badge is an eagle requirement if you have not already earned the Hiking or Swimming merit badge. Among other things it requires a minimum of 200 miles of cycling. You will do a few more miles and ride more challenging routes in my program, not because I like to torture you, but because I want you to be in shape to complete the 50-milers comfortably and without incident.

Cycling Merit Badge Counselor

John Osgood