Cycling Merit Badge

Cycling Merit Badge - Mountain Bike Option

Scouts and Families,

Richard Young, an Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) with Troop 475 in Ft. Pierce. Along with fellow ASM Jeff Hoke, will be offering the Mountain Biking Option of the Cycling Merit Badge to Gulf Stream Council Scouts.

This badge is limited to 15 Scouts who meet the following criteria:

  • Rank Requirement: Must be Second Class or above
  • Skill Level: Basic riding skills and physical readiness to complete an intensive course.

This merit badge course will include a total of 52 miles of riding, making it a challenging and rewarding experience. Richard is an advanced rider with nearly 1,000 miles of biking experience, he is passionate about sharing this sport and ensuring each Scout gains valuable skills they can use for a lifetime.

Important Information

  • Start Date: Sessions begin in January and will take place on weekend days.
  • Group Size: We aim for 10 Scouts but may accept groups of 8-9.

To prepare, Scouts should review the merit badge requirements in advance.

Required Equipment

  1. Mountain-style bike with front suspension (minimum)
  2. Safety-approved helmet
  3. Riding gloves
  4. Water bottle (secured on bike or carried)
  5. Sunscreen
  6. Sunglasses or clear safety glasses

Recommended Equipment

  1. Backpack for extra hydration (e.g., electrolyte drink)
  2. Knee and elbow pads

Safety Notice

Mountain biking is a thrilling but inherently risky sport. To ensure everyone’s safety, all bikes will be inspected. Bikes deemed unsafe or in poor condition must be repaired or replaced before the Scout can participate.

Richard's contact information:-
Text/Phone: 772-370-9961
Email: Whisky1234@att.net

Once the group is established, he will share the full schedule, but we have posted the proposed dates below. These are not pick and choose, you must attend ALL of them to earn this part of the Cycling Merit Badge. We are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable, and skill-building experience.

Proposed Dates

Saturday, January 25th, 2025

  • Bicycle Orientation @ Treasure Coast Cycle Werks @ 9 am- PSL
  • 2-2 mile ride at McCarty Ranch Preserve- PSL

Sunday, January 26th, 2025

  • 2- 5mile rides at McCarty Rance Preserve- PSL

Saturday, February 8th, 2025

  • 8-mile ride at  Halpatiokee Regional Park- Stuart 

Sunday, February 9th, 2025

  • 8-mile ride at Jonathan Dickinson State Park-Hobe Sound

Saturday, February 22nd, 2025

  • 22-mile ride at McCarty Ranch Preserve- PSL

Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to seeing your Scouts on the trails!

Richard Young
ASM, Troop 475