Boy Scouts of America Troop 1097  Serving Gaithersburg, Germantown & N. Potomac 

Cycling Merit Badge: 16 Mile Bike Ride

  • 25 Aug 2018
  • 2:30 PM
  • 26 Aug 2018
  • 3:00 PM
  • C&O Canal Towpath

Registration


Registration is closed

Final Plan

Sat. 8/25/18 

2:30pm: Meet at Chapter House 

3:00pm: Leave to Downsville, MD where we start our ride. (Ideally we would be dropped off, so we don't leave cars at the starting point)

4:00pm: Start evening ride to Horseshoe Bend Campsite (Mile 79.9), spend the night.

Sun 8/26/18

6:30am: Get up, eat breakfast, break camp

7:30am: Depart for 22-mile ride to Brunswick, MD (Mile 55)

12:30pm: Arrive at Brunswick, eat lunch & rest

2:00pm: Leave Brunswick & return to Chapter House (We'd have to be picked up by the nice folks who dropped us off)

3:00pm: Arrive at Chapter House


Directions:

Starting Point: Mile 84.2 - Dam #4 Recreation Area:

  • Take I-81 Exit 1, turn onto Route 63, following signs AWAY from Williamsport.
  • At the next intersection, make a right to remain on Route 63 (toward Downsville)
  • Once in Downsville, make a right onto Dam #4 Road (Rt 632)
  • Large parking area at end of road.

Ending/Pickup Point: 55.0: Brunswick, MD.

  • After about 10 miles on Route 340, take the Route 17 Exit for Brunswick.
  • Route 17 will bear right at a traffic light.
  • Upon entering the town, follow the traffic circle almost all the way around. Exit at "A-Street"
  • Once on "A-Street", bear to the right and cross over both sets of railroad tracks.
  • The towpath access point is directly under the Route 17/287 bridge (you can't miss it!)
  • Parking is available under the bridge, or back in the large commuter lot located between the railroad tracks.


Before you leave:

  • Know how to fix a flat tire.
  • Inspect your tires - replace if frayed or worn.
  • Inspect your brake and shift cables - also replace if frayed.
  • Ensure that your rack attachments are tight.
  • Test ride your bike - Do not make a bunch of changes the night before. Get your bike ready a week or two prior and try to ride it at least a few times before you start your trip.


Basic Gear:

- Bike (make sure it's ready for a day-long ride)
- Helmet
- Back Pack w/padded straps
- Water Bottle
- Rain Jacket
- Layers for warmth (maybe gloves)

Additional Items to bring along:

  • Bug Repellent (IMPORTANT!)
  • Extra Tube (IMPORTANT!)
  • Patch Kit (IMPORTANT)
  • Tire Pump
  • Bell or Horn (Required by NPS)
  • Extra Spokes
  • Dual Water Bottles or Camelback
  • Multi-use Bike Tool
  • Chain Lube
  • Pocket Knife
  • Helmet
  • Eye Wear (Sunglasses)
  • Bike Lock
  • Sun Screen
  • Towel
  • Clothes
  • Padded Bike Shorts
  • Power Bars
  • ID, Credit, Cash
  • Flashlight (for Paw Paw Tunnel)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Matches or Lighter
  • Toiletries
  • Wet Towelettes
  • Trash Bags
  • Miscellaneous (always useful)

For overnight camping: 
  • Tent
  • Tent Pad or Tarp
  • Cloth line
  • Cook ware
  • Bungee Cables
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Stove
  • Dehydrated Food or MRE


Scout in Charge: Habib Najjar

Adult in Charge:  Kyle Lyne

Permission Slip Fillable.pdf

Food: We will be bringing freeze-dried meals for Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. Sunday lunch will be purchased at Brunswick at each Scout's expense (bring money for lunch).

If any adults would be willing to ride with us, we would appreciate the help.

We are in need of towable child carriers, if anyone has one to carry our gear.



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