Cycling

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What you will learn

• Basics of bike types

• Repairs

• Maintenance

• Equipment

• Riding skills

• Touring

• Off‐road cycling

How you will learn it

First Aid

• Types of injuries

• How to prevent injuries

• Show first aid for injuries

Maintenance

• Identify bike parts

• What to adjust

• What to lube

Safety

• How to ride a bike

• Rules of the road

• Emergency procedures

Touring (Bike Trips)

• Set goals

• Plan & Execute

• HAVE FUN!!!

Why you’ll want to learn it

• Can be used toward EAGLE Scout.

• Allows you to enjoy the outdoors.

• Environmentally friendly and easy means of transportation.

• It’s cheaper than owning a car.

• Keeps you physically fit

• If you are really good at it you can become a champion cyclist.  (like Lance Armstrong)

Who will learn it

• Scouts of Troop 728

• Venturers of Crew 728

• All participants must meet general requirements to attend the bike trip

When

• March 28th – 29th

• Start – Good Shepherd Gym

• Arrive – Alpine Scout Camp

• Camp overnight

• Leave – Alpine Scout Camp

• Arrive – Good Shepherd Gym

• Distance 15 miles each way

What to bring

For the ride

• Day Pack• Snacks (6 energy bars or trailmix)

• Water (bladder or water bot)

• Gloves & hat

• Sunglasses

• Patch kit

• Spare tube

• Bike tools

• Personal First aid kit

For the overnight – travels by car

• Sleeping bag

• tent

• Sleeping clothes Only (pjs, spare socks)

• Food for lunch, dinner, & breakfast (by patrol)

•The Troop•Pump, patches, first aid kit, spare tubes

First Aid

• What types of injuries can occur?– Hypothermia

– Heat reactions

– Frostbite

– Dehydration

– Insect stings & tick and snake bites

– Blisters

– hyperventilation

Fulfills requirement 1.

First Aid

• Hypothermia– Body temperature drops so low that it can no longer keep warm.

First Aid

• Hypothermia– Symptoms

• Shivering

• Irritability

• Disorientation

• Sleepiness

• Incoherence

• Body temperature drops

• Hypothermia– Treatment

• Warm the victim

• Remove wet clothing

• Build shelter

• Use sleeping bag

– Prevention• Dress properly

• Change wet clothes often

First Aid

• Heat Reaction– Heat stroke and heat exhaustion occurs when the body becomes overheated.

First Aid

• Heat reaction– Symptoms 

• Heat stroke– Red hot dry skin– No perspiration– Rapid pulse– Disorientation– Fainting,unconsiousness, or 

convulsions• Heat exhaustion

– Body temp above 98.6– Pale and clammy skin– Heavy sweating– Dizziness, weakness– Headache, muscle cramps

• Heat Reaction– Treatment

• Heat Stroke– Move to cool spot– Lie up with head and shoulders 

raised– Take of clothes– Sponge with cold water– Cold packs– Drink water– Treat for shock

• Heat exhaustion– Move to cool spot– Raise legs– Loosen clothing– Sip water

– Prevention• Dress properly• Stay hydrated & cool

First Aid

• Frostbite– Occurs when exposed skin is in danger of freezing.

First Aid

• Frostbite– Symptoms 

• Flesh becomes painful or numb

• Area will become greyish or whitish in color

• Blisters may appear• Sometimes you don’t even 

notice any feeling

• Frostbite– Treatment

• Get affected area warm and keep it warm

• Thaw fingers by holding them in your armpits

• Press bare palm over frosted nose, ears, or cheeks

• Place feet on a someone else’s belly

• Place in luke warm water 104 degrees

• Do not rub snow on area• Cover blisters with sterile 

dressing– Prevention

• Dress properly and cover extremities well

First Aid

• Dehydration– Caused by lack of water in the body

First Aid

• Dehydration– Symptoms ‐moderate

• Dark colored urine• Thirst• Dry lips• Slightly dry mouth

– Symptoms – severe• Sunken eyes• Pale skin• Fatigue• Headache• Rapid but weak pulse• Short breathing• Confusion

• Dehydration– Treatment ‐moderate

• Drink plenty of water

– Treatment – severe• Drink water• hospitalization

– Prevention• Drink plenty of water before, 

during, and after activities

First Aid

• Insect stings & tick and snake bites– Most insect bites are only irritating– Ticks, bees, wasps, hornets, and some ants may be dangerous

First Aid• Insect stings & tick and snake bites

– Poisonous snakebites are dangerous (pit vipers, rattle snakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths)

• Symptoms include – slowed physical and mental reactions, sleepiness, nausea, shortness of breath, convulsions, shock, coma

• Treatment– Lie down and be still– Remove any rings, watches, and bracelets– Put a broad constricting band around the arm or leg 2‐4 inches from the bite– Treat for shock– Do not apply cold pack– Obtain medical help FAST!

First Aid

• Blisters– Form when the skin is irritated. (hotspot)

• Use a piece of mole foam to protect the tender area• Blisters are best left unbroken, but could be drained to provide comfort.

First Aid• Hyperventilation

– An attack of short, rapid breathing brought on by intensive physical exercise.• Does not last long• Encourage the person to calm down and take deep, slow breaths.• Breath into a paper bag helps because by increasing the carbon dioxide in the blood.

Hypothermia

Heat Reaction

Frostbite

Blisters

Dehydration

Poisonous Snakebites

Hyperventilation

An attack of short, rapid breathing brought on by intensive physical exercise

Occurs when exposed skin is in danger of freezing.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion occurs when the body becomes overheated.

Form when the skin is irritated

Caused by lack of water in the body

Body temperature drops so low that it can no longer keep warm.

Slowed physical and mental reactions, sleepiness, nausea, shortness of breath, convulsions, shock, coma

Draw a line to match the injury with the description.

Cycling

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Maintenance

• Bicycle types– BMX

• Single speed

• 20” wheels

– ATB, comfort, hybrid• Multi gears

• 26” knobby tires

– Road• Thin frame and tires

• Curved handlebars

• Bicycle parts– Brakes

• Side pull

• Center pull

• Cantilever

• Linear pull

• Disk brakes

• coaster

Maintenance

• Bicycle parts cont.– Gears

• Fixed gear

• Multigear– Front Derailleur

– Rear Derailleur

• Cassette (in the rear)

• Crankset (in the front)

Maintenance

• Bicycle parts cont.– Wheels

• Spokes

• Hub

• Rim

– Tires• Knobby

• Semi slick

• slick

Bicycle Safety Check list� Frame - Clean and not bent out of shape. No cracks at Frame Joints .� Front Fork - Clean and not bent out of shape. No cracks at Fork Joints .� Headset Bearing - Well lubricated; turns freely with no binding. No perceptible play in the assembly.� Bottom-Bracket Bearing - Turns freely with not more than barely perceptible play in the bearing.� Crank Arms - Clean and not bent out of shape. Tightened securely on the Crankset Axle .� Chainrings - Clean, not worn, and not bent out of shape. Chainring Bolts tightened securely to hold Chainrings toCrankarms.� Pedals - Bearings well lubricated; turn freely with no play in the bearing. Pedals tightly screwed into Crankarm. Toe Clipsfunctional.� Fenders - Clean; tightly attached without rattling or rubbing against the Tires .� Wheels - Run true and round. Wheel nuts tight. Closed and tight quick-releases . Centered in form or frame members.� Wheel Bearings in hubs - Well lubricated and properly adjusted to move freely with no more than barely perceptible play.� Spokes - None broken or bent. Tightened to a uniform tension.� Tires - Good Tread . Valves 0 completely airtight. Properly inflated to recommended pressure.� Rims - Clean of all oil and grime. Free of dents or kinks.� Chain - Proper tension, allowing 1/2 inch of play. No stiff links. Clean, lubricated, and wiped of excess lubrication.� Gearing - Clean and oiled. Three-speed gears adjusted to eliminate all slipping. Front 42a and Rear 4b derailleurs

adjusted for proper shifting with Shifters 4c.� Brakes� Coaster - Even braking. Operate within a 20-degree back-pedaling motion.� Hand - Even braking. All nuts tight. Front and rear brakes work without binding. Minimum of 3/16 inch of rubber onBrake Pads . Brake pads aligned with rims and contact rims with a minimum of movement of Hand Controls . No squealwhen brakes are used.� Cables - No frayed ends. No broken strands. All taut.� Handlebars - Tightened securely. Grips not worn; fit snugly, adjusted to comfort of rider, ends plugged, & in line with wheel.� Saddle - Height, tilt, and fore/aft position adjusted to rider. All adjustments securely tightened. Seatpost not extendedbeyond maximum mark on post.� Lights - Front light visible for 500 feet. Generator or battery in good operating condition.� Rear Red Reflectors/Lights - Visible for 300 feet. Lights/Blinkers functional with generator or batteries.� Bell or Horn - In good operating condition. All accessories well tightened and securely fastened. No broken frames orfasteners.� Bike Registration - If required by local law, must be displayed on frame.

Maintenance

• Bicycle safety check list– Found in the cycling meritbadge book

– Online at www.meritbadge.com

• What to oil•Chain•Derailleurs•Cable ends•Brake calipers•Cassette•Handlebar•Seatpost•stem

Maintenance

• What to check for safety– Brakes

– Tire pressure

– Handlebar bolts

– Seatpost bolts

– Frame cracks

• How to adjust demo– Brakes

– Steerer tube

– Seatpost

Maintenance

• Fixing a flat– Check if the flat is due to the valve

– Remove wheel from bike

– Using a tire tool, remove the tire from the wheel

– Check tire for any sharp object and remove

– Locate the hole in the tube and patch

– Carefully put the tube and tire back onto the wheel

Cycling

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Safety

• How to brake safely

• Foot brakes– Apply back pedal and shift weight to the back

• Hand brakes– Apply even pressure to both brakes

– Shift your weight to the back

Fulfills requirement 4, 6, 7.

Safety

• How to properly:– Mount a bike

• Swing either leg over the bike and stand over the top tube.

– Pedal and shift gears• Shift gears while pedaling only

• Shift to easier gears before a hill

• Apply easy pressure while shifting gears

• Do not cross the chain

Safety

• How to execute– Left turn from center of street

– Alternate left turn during heavy traffic

– Right turn

– Right turn only lane when continuing straight

– Curbside, road edge riding & riding along parked cars

– Cross railroad tracks properly

SafetyUse Lights at Night: Always use a strong white head light and a red tail light at night or when visibility is poor. Use bike reflectors, reflective clothing and a bell. See, be seen and be heard!

One Person per Bike: Riding double is only permitted when carrying a child, age one or older, in an approved carrier or when riding on a tandem bike. Cyclists under age 14 must always wear a helmet

Obey Traffic Signs and Signals: As vehicles, bicycles must obey all NYC Traffic Rules. Cyclists have the same rights, privileges and duties as other vehicular traffic.

Never Ride Against Traffic: Motorists and pedestrians are not looking for bicyclists riding against traffic. It is illegal and dangerous. Ride with traffic to avoid accidents.

Stay Off Sidewalks: Bikes are not permitted on sidewalks unless bike wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter and the rider is 12 years or younger, or signs allow.

Be Visible: Ensure your visibility at night by wearing light-toned clothing with reflective tape material. Outfit your bike with lights as you would for riding on the roads.

SafetyThe following guidelines and procedures apply to all BSA units, councils, and

national program activities involving bicycling.

1. Qualified Supervision All unit, district, council, and national event activities must be supervised by a mature

and conscientious adult at least age 21 who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the safety of children in his or her care, who is experienced with the skills and equipment involved in the activity, and who is committed to compliance with these BSA safety guidelines.

2. Physical FitnessBiking is strenuous. Long treks and hill climbing should not be attempted without

training and preparation. For Scouting activities, all participants must present evidence of fitness assured by a complete health history from a physician, parent, or legal guardian. The adult supervisor should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate any potential risks associated with individual health conditions. In the event of any significant health conditions, proof of an examination by a physician should be required by the adult leader.

3. Helmets and Clothing All cyclists must wear a properly sized and fitted helmet approved by either the Snell

Memorial Foundation or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. Layer your clothing for warmth on cool days so you can avoid chilling or overheating. Cover up for sun protection on clear days.

4. Buddy-UpWhen the program activity is a bicycle expedition or trek, the buddy system must be

used. When there is program activity emphasizing individual performance skills, one buddy observes while the other takes his turn. In competitive activity where the buddy concept cannot be practically applied, all activity must be directly observed by the adult supervisor. (Youth members should be taught that biking with a buddy is best. When biking alone, apart from Scouting activities, youth members should be encouraged to tell someone their route, schedule, and destination before departing.)

5. Keep RightRide with the traffic flow, as far to the right as possible. Avoid curbs, storm drains, soft

or loose gravel on shoulders, and other hazards.

6. Be SmartObey all traffic laws, signs, signals, and street markings. Watch for changes in road

conditions. Ride only one to a bike. Do not ride after dark. No stunts—trick riding is only for professionals who use special equipment. Yield to motor vehicles even if you think you have the right-of-way. Never hitch a ride on another vehicle. Keep your head and ears open and do not wear headphones while riding.

7. Turns and IntersectionsLook left, right, back, and ahead before turning. Stop and search all directions when

entering a street from a driveway, parking area, sidewalk, or an alley. Signal all turns using universal hand signals. Walk your bike through or across busy intersections.

8. Right BikeRide only a bike that fits you. Select a bike that permits you to put both feet on the

ground while sitting on the seat. The handgrips should be no higher than your shoulder or lower than your seat.

9. AccessoriesEvery bike needs a horn or bell and reflectors (front, back, and sides). Items should be

carried only in baskets, saddlebags, or on a rear carrier rack. If you must ride in traffic, a bike- or helmet-mounted mirror is recommended. For long trips, a bike-mounted container for drinking water is recommended.

10. MaintenanceKeep your bike clean and well-maintained—especially the brakes and drive chain. 11. Race RightOpen street racing is dangerous. Race only with supervision on marked courses that

have been set up to exclude other vehicle or pedestrian traffic, to eliminate fall hazards and minimize collision risks, and to define clearly "start" and "finish" points.

12. PlanningPlan both the route and timing of bike trips to avoid heavy traffic and hazardous

conditions. Biking is unsafe on wet pavement and on windy days. Plan for at least hourly rest stops and a maximum of approximately six hours on the bike per day.

13. DisciplineAll participants should know, understand, and follow the rules and procedures for safe

biking, and all participants should conscientiously and carefully follow all directions from the adult supervisor.

Cycling p. 2 Merit Badge Workbook Scout’s Name: ________________________ 2. Clean and adjust a bicycle. Prepare it for inspection using a bicycle safety checklist. Be sure the bicycle meets local laws. Bicycle Safety Checklist Frame - Clean and not bent out of shape. No cracks at Frame Joints . Front Fork - Clean and not bent out of shape. No cracks at Fork Joints . Headset Bearing - Well lubricated; turns freely with no binding. No perceptible play in the assembly. Bottom-Bracket Bearing - Turns freely with not more than barely perceptible play in the bearing. Crank Arms - Clean and not bent out of shape. Tightened securely on the Crankset Axle . Chainrings - Clean, not worn, and not bent out of shape. Chainring Bolts tightened securely to hold Chainrings to

Crankarms. Pedals - Bearings well lubricated; turn freely with no play in the bearing. Pedals tightly screwed into Crankarm.

Toe Clips functional. Fenders - Clean; tightly attached without rattling or rubbing against the Tires . Wheels - Run true and round. Wheel nuts tight. Closed and tight quick-releases . Centered in form or frame

members. Wheel Bearings in hubs - Well lubricated and properly adjusted to move freely with no more than barely

perceptible play. Spokes - None broken or bent. Tightened to a uniform tension. Tires - Good Tread . Valves 0 completely airtight. Properly inflated to recommended pressure. Rims - Clean of all oil and grime. Free of dents or kinks. Chain - Proper tension, allowing 1/2 inch of play. No stiff links. Clean, lubricated, and wiped of excess lubrication. Gearing - Clean and oiled. Three-speed gears adjusted to eliminate all slipping. Front 42a and Rear 4b

derailleurs adjusted for proper shifting with Shifters 4c. Brakes Coaster - Even braking. Operate within a 20-degree back-pedaling motion. Hand - Even braking. All nuts tight. Front and rear brakes work without binding. Minimum of 3/16 inch of rubber

on Brake Pads . Brake pads aligned with rims and contact rims with a minimum of movement of Hand Controls . No squeal when brakes are used. Cables - No frayed ends. No broken strands. All taut. Handlebars - Tightened securely. Grips not worn; fit snugly, adjusted to comfort of rider, ends plugged, & in line

with wheel. Saddle - Height, tilt, and fore/aft position adjusted to rider. All adjustments securely tightened. Seatpost not

extended beyond maximum mark on post. Lights - Front light visible for 500 feet. Generator or battery in good operating condition. Rear Red Reflectors/Lights - Visible for 300 feet. Lights/Blinkers functional with generator or batteries. Bell or Horn - In good operating condition. All accessories well tightened and securely fastened. No broken

frames or fasteners. Bike Registration - If required by local law, must be displayed on frame. 

What to bring on the cycling trip  For the Ride to and from camp How to dress: wear lightweight layers 

t‐shirt, scout shirt, light sweater, jacket thermal pants, scout activity pants socks, lightweight sneakers or cycling shoes 

Day Pack Snacks (6 energy bars or trailmix) Water (bladder or water bot) Gloves & hat Sunglasses Patch kit Spare tube Bike tools Personal First aid kit 

Your bicycle tuned and ready to ride.  For the overnight 

Sleeping bag Tent Sleeping clothes Only (pjs, spare socks)  Food for lunch, dinner, & breakfast (by patrol)  

 How to fix a flat • Fixing a flat • Check if the flat is due to the valve • Remove wheel from bike • Using a tire tool, remove the tire from the wheel • Check tire for any sharp object and remove • Locate the hole in the tube and patch • Carefully put the tube and tire back onto the wheel 

 Safety Check list 

Frame ‐ Clean and not bent out of shape. No cracks at Frame Joints . 

Front Fork ‐ Clean and not bent out of shape. No cracks at Fork Joints . 

Headset Bearing ‐ Well lubricated; turns freely with no binding. No perceptible play in the assembly. 

Bottom‐Bracket Bearing ‐ Turns freely with not more than barely perceptible play in the bearing. 

Crank Arms ‐ Clean and not bent out of shape. Tightened securely on the Crankset Axle . 

Chainrings ‐ Clean, not worn, and not bent out of shape. Chainring Bolts tightened securely to hold Chainrings to Crankarms. 

Pedals ‐ Bearings well lubricated; turn freely with no play in the bearing. Pedals tightly screwed into Crankarm. Toe Clips 

functional. Fenders ‐ Clean; tightly attached without rattling 

or rubbing against the Tires . Wheels ‐ Run true and round. Wheel nuts tight. 

Closed and tight quick‐releases . Centered in form or frame members. 

Wheel Bearings in hubs ‐ Well lubricated and properly adjusted to move freely with no more than barely perceptible play. 

Spokes ‐ None broken or bent. Tightened to a uniform tension. 

Tires ‐ Good Tread . Valves 0 completely airtight. Properly inflated to recommended pressure. 

Rims ‐ Clean of all oil and grime. Free of dents or kinks. 

Chain ‐ Proper tension, allowing 1/2 inch of play. No stiff links. Clean, lubricated, and wiped of excess lubrication. 

Gearing ‐ Clean and oiled. Three‐speed gears adjusted to eliminate all slipping. Front 42a and Rear 4b derailleurs adjusted for proper shifting with Shifters 4c. 

Brakes Coaster ‐ Even braking. Operate within a 20‐

degree back‐pedaling motion. Hand ‐ Even braking. All nuts tight. Front and 

rear brakes work without binding. Minimum of 3/16 inch of rubber on Brake Pads . Brake pads aligned with rims and contact rims with a minimum of movement of Hand Controls . No squeal when brakes are used. 

Cables ‐ No frayed ends. No broken strands. All taut. 

Handlebars ‐ Tightened securely. Grips not worn; fit snugly, adjusted to comfort of rider, ends plugged, & in line with wheel. 

Saddle ‐ Height, tilt, and fore/aft position adjusted to rider. All adjustments securely tightened. Seatpost not extended beyond maximum mark on post. 

Lights ‐ Front light visible for 500 feet. Generator or battery in good operating condition. 

Rear Red Reflectors/Lights ‐ Visible for 300 feet. Lights/Blinkers functional with generator or batteries. 

Bell or Horn ‐ In good operating condition. All accessories well tightened and securely fastened. No broken frames or fasteners. 

Bike Registration ‐ If required by local law, must be displayed on frame.