Cycling Merit Badge

Let your troop learn the fundamentals of mountain biking to earn their next badge.Click “Read More” to view prerequisites and curriculum.

PLEASE NOTE! Minimum Age 8 yrs.

Course Curriculum

1. Review of required prerequisites
   1. Review of required prerequisites
   2. Discuss hazard mitigation
   3. Discuss first aid for cycling
   4. Discuss clothing and personal safety equipment used for cycling
   5. Discuss BSA Bike Safety Guidelines
2. ACE Bike Staff will assist individual scouts in choosing the appropriately sized bike
   Each scout will review their individual bike and present the following:
   1. Methods to clean
   2. How to prepare bikes for riding
   3. Adjust brake, seat, seat height, tire pressure, and steering tube
   4. Oiling points
3. Demonstrate proper braking methods
4. ACE Bike Staff will demonstrate the steps to repair a flat tire
5. Review traffic laws for bicycles

The next block of curriculum will be performed on the mountain bike issued to participants. The BSA Buddy System is to be implemented on all riding segments. Trop Leaders should help ACE Bike guide staff to initiate this procedure to ensure all scouts are partnered up. If one scout stop riding, then the partner stops also, etc.

This portion of the curriculum will be organized based on how much time is left in the day. It should be the goal of all participants to accomplish subjects 1-8 prior to lunch to ensure the afternoon can be designated as a ½ day ride. This ride length will also be decided based on the overall ability of the entire group as assessed from the short 2 mile ride. Discussion between Staff and Troop Leaders should ensue.

1. Scouts will prepare to embark on a 2 mile ride by preparing:
   1. Water and snacks, maps, tools, first aid kit, and a method of communication
   2. Discuss rules of trail riding including when a trail is unsuitable for riding
2. While riding, scouts will demonstrate how to properly:
   1. Mount, pedal, and brake
   2. Proper shifting including shifting while climbing
   3. Use skills techniques for riding up and down hills including over obstacles
   4. Show trail etiquette to hikers and other cyclists

It is also important to discuss what the troop may still need to accomplish on their own, while at home. The BSA Cycling Merit Badge guidelines designate multiple rides of much mileage to fulfill the requirements to earn the badge. Some troops may choose to book a Full Day Guided Ride the 2nd day with ACE to help achieve one of the longer rides that is required. Therefore, the cycling merit badge can be achieved in 2 full days. Your ACE reservationist can help you with this decision if you have an interest in doing so.