This past weekend, Troop 63 embarked on a grueling 22-mile cycling adventure to earn their cycling merit badge! Scouts Luke Johnson, Owen West, Sam Miller, Ethan Scott, and Max Hawkins took on the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail, a 9-mile path that follows the historic route of a 19th-century railway. To reach their goal, they extended their ride beyond the main trail to explore additional paths and rack up those miles!
This trail isn’t just a flat, easy ride though. It features some challenging hills and a gravel surface that requires focus and skill to navigate. Our scouts were up for the challenge, with most of them conquering the full 22 miles!
Unfortunately, Sam Miller had a bit of a wipeout during the first leg that slowed him down. We’re happy to report that he’s okay, just a little scraped up. It’s a good reminder that safety always comes first, and even experienced cyclists can encounter unexpected obstacles. But, showing true Scout spirit, Sam was back on the trail later that day to finish the remaining miles with his fellow scouts! Way to go, Sam!
The Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail is a beautiful ride, offering scenic views and glimpses into the area’s rich history. Along the way, the scouts encountered historic sites, interpretive waysides, and even some scenic overlooks. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of Mammoth Cave National Park while getting some exercise and working towards a merit badge!
“Ok, so it was smooth in some parts, it’s up and down combinations of both, not too much up and not too much down.” – Max Hawkins, perfectly describing the varied terrain of the trail.
Congratulations to all the scouts who participated in this challenging and rewarding adventure! We’re proud of your perseverance and dedication.
In addition to working on their cycling merit badge, Sam and Max also took some time to work on their cooking merit badge. They stopped along the trail and prepared a delicious pot of soup over a small campfire.
This was a great way for them to practice their cooking skills and learn more about how to prepare meals on the go. They were able to use the natural resources of the trail to gather ingredients, and they enjoyed a hot and satisfying meal after their long ride.
This experience was a valuable one for Sam and Max, and it helped them to earn their cooking merit badge. For Luke, this challenging ride marked the completion of his final requirement for the prestigious Eagle Scout rank! Congratulations, Luke!