Cycling gets you ready for a 10-mile ride. You'll learn how gears work, care for your bike, and even fix a flat tire. Then you'll ride with your buddy and enjoy the trip.
Why it's worth it
Ten miles is a big ride, and getting there means knowing your bike, not just riding it. You'll learn how gears help on hills, how to lock up your bike, and how to fix a flat tire yourself, the skill that saves the most rides. With that, you're ready for longer family rides and troop bike trips.
Start this week
- Do a quick ABC check with your adult: Air in the tires, Brakes working, Chain clean and oiled.
- Make sure your helmet fits: snug, level on your head, and the straps make a V under each ear.
- Ask your adult for an old tube and practice taking a tire off and on.
Stay safe
- Wear a helmet every ride, ride with a buddy and an adult, follow traffic laws, and use lights or bright clothing.
Requirements · 7
Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).
- Requirement 1
Decide what gear and supplies to bring on a long bike ride and how to carry them safely
Tip: Make a list: helmet, water, snack, pump, and a small repair kit. Decide how to carry it.
For example: For 10 miles, pack a helmet, two water bottles, snacks, a pump, tire levers, a spare tube or patch kit, sunscreen, and a light jacket. A seat bag or small backpack holds the repair kit.
- Requirement 2
Find out how multi-gear bikes work and how they help a rider
Tip: Try shifting on a hill and notice how low gears make climbing easier.
- Requirement 3
Show how to oil a bike chain
Tip: With an adult, clean the chain, add a drop of oil to each link, and wipe off the extra.
- Requirement 4
Compare different bike locks; show how locks work and how to secure your bike with one
Tip: Compare a U-lock, a cable lock, and a chain lock. Then practice locking your bike through the frame and wheel.
- Requirement 5
Fix a flat tire
Tip: Use tire levers to take off the tire, patch or replace the tube, and pump it back up.
For example: Flip the bike, open the brake if needed, and remove the wheel. Use tire levers to pop off one side of the tire, pull out the tube, and find the hole. Check the tire for the thorn or glass, patch or replace the tube, and pump to the pressure printed on the tire.
- Requirement 6
Use a map to plan a bike ride of at least 10 miles with your patrol, pack, or family
Tip: With an adult, use a map or app to plan a safe 10-mile route on bike paths or quiet roads.
For example: Plan a 10-mile loop on a bike path or quiet roads. Mark a rest stop every 3 or 4 miles, find bathrooms and water, and choose a route with few busy crossings.
- Requirement 7
With your patrol, pack, or family, ride at least 10 miles using the buddy system
Tip: Wear your helmet, ride with a buddy and an adult, and take breaks for water.
For example: Ride with a buddy and an adult, use hand signals, ride single file on roads, and stop together at rest points. Keep an eye on your buddy and wait at turns.
Places to visit
Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.
A bike shop or community bike co-op
Mechanics can show you how to fix a flat fast and adjust your gears and brakes.
How: Have your adult ask about free repair classes or a short demo for your patrol on a quiet weekday.
Talk about it together
- How did fixing a flat change how you feel about long rides?
- What was the hardest part of the 10 miles, and how did you push through?
- How did you and your buddy look out for each other?
- Where would you like to ride next, and how far?
Helpful reads
- Cub Scouts: a guide for families, How Cub Scout ranks and adventures work from kindergarten through fifth grade, what an adult partner does, and how to keep it fun at meetings and at home., Families · Leaders · 4 min read
- From Arrow of Light to a troop, What changes when you join a Scouts BSA troop, how to visit and choose one, good questions to ask, and how to make your first year a great one., Youth · Families · 4 min read
For leaders & parents
- Hold a bike check and flat-fix practice at a meeting before the long ride.
- Choose a bike trail away from traffic and bring a first-aid kit.
People & places that can help
- Local bike shop — Help with flats, gears, and fit.
- League of American Bicyclists (opens in a new tab) — Bike safety tips for families.
- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (opens in a new tab) — Find long, car-free bike trails for your 10-mile ride.
- Biking in National Parks (opens in a new tab) — Bike trails and safety tips in national parks.
Pairs well with
Counts toward
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Into this? Explore more
Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.