Webelos Pedal Away Adventure for 2024

This for the 2024 program year Cub Scout updates. This new program takes effect on June 1, 2024. See more details about the overall program updates here.

The Webelos Pedal Away Adventure is an opportunity for Scouts to learn about cycling. This adventure is part of the Webelos program in Cub Scouts. It focuses on teaching Scouts about personal fitness and bicycle safety. By working on this adventure, Scouts develop important skills that they can use in daily life.

Scouts learn how bicycles work and how to take care of them. They practice basic maintenance skills like lubricating a bike chain. These skills help Scouts keep their bikes in good shape. Learning about bike gear and how to lock a bike helps Scouts stay safe and secure their bikes when they are not riding.

Planning and going on a bike ride are key parts of this adventure. Scouts use maps to plan a route for a group ride. They learn how to ride safely with others by using the buddy system. This teaches Scouts to be responsible and look out for each other.

Overall, the Webelos Pedal Away Adventure is not just about riding a bike. It’s about building confidence, learning new skills, and having fun with friends and family. These experiences help Scouts grow and develop as individuals. They also get to enjoy the outdoors and improve their physical fitness through a fun and engaging activity.

Requirements for the Webelos Pedal Away Adventure

Pedal Away Adventure Requirements

1. Decide  on gear and supplies you should bring for a long bike ride.  Determine how to safely carry the gear. 
2. Discover how multi-gear bicycles work and the benefit multiple gears provide for a rider.
3. Practice how to lubricate a chain.
4. Pick a bicycle lock that you will use. Demonstrate how it locks and unlocks, how it secures your bicycle, and how you carry it while you are riding your bicycle. 
5. With your family, den, or pack, use a map and plan a bicycle ride that is at least 5 miles.
6. With your buddy, go on bicycle ride that is a minimum of 5-miles.

Resources for the Webelos Pedal Away Adventure

Gear and Supplies

For the first requirement of the Webelos Pedal Away Adventure, Scouts need to think about what gear and supplies they should bring on a long bike ride. This helps them prepare and stay safe while cycling. Here are some essential items to consider:

• Helmet: Always wear a helmet to protect your head in case of falls.
• Water bottle: Stay hydrated by bringing enough water for the trip.
• Snacks: Bring energy-boosting snacks like fruit or granola bars.
• Spare tire and repair kit: Be ready to fix flat tires or make small repairs.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sunburn with sunscreen.
• First aid kit: Carry basic first aid supplies in case of minor injuries.
• Map or GPS: Ensure you have a map or GPS to help with navigation.

Reminding Scouts to pack these items can make their bike ride safer and more enjoyable. This preparation teaches them to be responsible and ready for different situations.

Gears

In the Webelos Pedal Away Adventure, the second requirement helps Scouts understand how multi-gear bicycles work and why they are useful. A multi-gear bicycle has different sized gears that change how easy or hard it is to pedal.

Here’s how it works: When you ride a bike, you turn the pedals to move the bike’s chain, which is linked to the gears. These gears can be shifted to make pedaling easier or harder depending on the situation. Smaller gears make it easier to pedal uphill, while larger gears are better for going fast on flat or downhill sections.

Different sized gears change the amount of work you need to do. With smaller gears, it takes less force to turn the pedals, so you can climb hills without getting too tired. Larger gears require more force, but they help you go faster with each pedal stroke on flat ground.

Learning about gears helps Scouts become better cyclists. They can choose the right gear for different parts of their ride, making cycling more enjoyable and less tiring. This knowledge also helps them understand basic physics concepts like force and motion.

Chain Care

For the third requirement of the Webelos Pedal Away Adventure, Scouts practice how to lubricate a bike chain. Lubricating the chain is important because it helps the bike run smoothly and prevents the chain from rusting.

Here’s how to lubricate a chain:

1. Clean the chain: Before adding new lubricant, clean the chain with a rag to remove any dirt and old grease. This helps the new lubricant work better.
2. Apply lubricant: Use a bike-specific lubricant. Apply a small amount on the entire length of the chain while turning the pedals backward. This makes sure the lubricant covers all parts of the chain.
3. Wipe off excess: After applying the lubricant, turn the pedals a few times to help it spread evenly. Then, use a clean rag to wipe off any excess lubricant. Too much lubricant can attract dirt.

Teaching Scouts to lubricate a bike chain helps them maintain their bicycles and ensures a smoother ride. It’s a simple task that encourages responsibility and care for their equipment.

Locks

For the fourth requirement of the Webelos Pedal Away Adventure, Scouts learn to pick and use a bicycle lock. Using a lock is crucial to keep a bicycle secure when it’s not in use. There are several types of bicycle locks, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

• U-Lock: This lock is shaped like a ‘U’ and is very strong. It’s hard for thieves to break, but it’s heavier than other locks and can be tricky to fit around certain bike racks.
• Cable Lock: Cable locks are flexible and easy to use. They can wrap around different objects to secure the bike. However, they are less secure than U-locks because they can be cut more easily.
• Chain Lock: These locks are made of metal links and are very versatile. They are tougher than cable locks but can be heavy to carry.
• Folding Lock: Folding locks are compact and easy to transport. They unfold into a long strip to lock the bike. They offer good security and are easier to carry than U-locks and chain locks.

To demonstrate how to use a bicycle lock, Scouts should:

• Choose a sturdy, fixed object to lock the bike to.
• Pass the lock through the frame and one of the wheels, then secure it to the object.
• Make sure the lock is tightly fastened and the key is turned to lock it securely.
• To carry the lock while riding, attach it to the bike frame if it comes with a mount, or carry it in a backpack.

Teaching Scouts about different types of locks and how to use them properly helps them keep their bicycles safe from theft. This skill also builds responsibility as they take care of their belongings.

Plan a Ride

For the fifth requirement of the Webelos Pedal Away Adventure, Scouts work together with their family, den, or pack to plan a bicycle ride that covers at least 5 miles. This activity teaches Scouts how to use a map and plan a route, which are important skills for outdoor activities.

• Choose a Map: Use a local map that shows bike paths and roads. You can find these online or at local bike shops.
• Plan the Route: Look for a route that is safe for biking. It should have bike lanes or trails and avoid busy roads. The route should also be suitable for everyone in the group, considering things like hills and the distance.
• Check Distance: Make sure the route is at least 5 miles long.
• Identify Stops: Plan where you will take breaks, especially if there are younger Scouts or beginners. Look for rest areas or parks along the route.
• Review the Plan: Go over the route with everyone who will be riding. Make sure everyone understands the path and knows where the stops are.

Planning a bike ride helps Scouts learn to work as a team, use navigational skills, and think about safety. It’s also a great way for them to enjoy the outdoors and have fun with their group.

Go for a Bike Ride

For the sixth requirement of the Webelos Pedal Away Adventure, Scouts go on a bicycle ride that is at least 5 miles long with their den, pack, or family. This ride uses the buddy system, which means each Scout pairs up with another to look out for each other’s safety.

Here are some tips for a successful bike ride:

• Use the Buddy System: Make sure every Scout has a buddy. Buddies should stay close to each other during the ride and help each other if needed.
• Check Equipment: Before starting, check that all bicycles are in good working condition. Make sure tires are inflated, brakes work well, and chains are lubricated.
• Wear Safety Gear: All Scouts and accompanying adults should wear helmets. It’s also good to wear gloves and bright clothing to be more visible.
• Follow Traffic Rules: Obey all traffic signs and signals. Use bike lanes where available. If riding on roads, stay to the right side and ride in a single file.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring water bottles and take breaks to drink water, especially on hot days.
• Plan for Emergencies: Have a first aid kit ready, and make sure at least one adult knows basic first aid.

Going on a bike ride with a group teaches Scouts about teamwork, safety, and enjoying outdoor activities responsibly. It’s a fun way to practice the skills they’ve learned while planning their ride.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Webelos Pedal Away Adventure

What do Scouts learn from the Pedal Away Adventure?

Scouts learn about bike safety, basic bike maintenance, and how to plan and navigate a bike route. They also practice teamwork and physical fitness.

What should Scouts bring on their bike ride?

Scouts should bring a helmet, water, snacks, a first aid kit, sunscreen, and a map or GPS. Don’t forget a bike lock.

How do we plan a safe route for the bike ride?

Use a map to find bike paths and avoid busy roads. Look for flat areas if possible, and check the route distance to ensure it’s at least 5 miles.

Why is it important to use the buddy system on the bike ride?

The buddy system keeps everyone safe. Each Scout has a partner to help them if they get tired or have a problem.

How often should the bike chain be lubricated?

Lubricate the bike chain whenever it looks dry or after riding in wet conditions. Generally, checking it once a month is a good rule.

Pedal Power

The Webelos Pedal Away Adventure is a way for Scouts to dive into the world of cycling, emphasizing safety, fitness, and fun. This adventure is designed for Webelos Scouts to explore the basics of bicycling, including understanding how bikes work and how to maintain them. It starts with learning what gear to bring on long rides, ensuring Scouts are prepared for any biking journey.

Scouts then move on to discovering how multi-gear bicycles function and the advantages of different gears. This knowledge is practical, helping them tackle various terrains with ease. The adventure also includes hands-on practice in basic bike maintenance, such as lubricating the chain, which is essential for keeping a bike in good working condition.

Choosing and using a bicycle lock is another critical skill taught in this adventure. Scouts learn to secure their bikes properly, an important step in protecting their valuable equipment. Planning and executing a 5-mile bike ride with their den, pack, or family using a map is one of the adventure’s highlights. It not only tests their planning skills but also promotes physical fitness and the enjoyment of outdoor activities.

The Webelos Pedal Away Adventure builds cycling skills. It also fosters responsibility, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors, making it a memorable and valuable part of the Scouting experience.