Arrow of Light Cycling Adventure

Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 7
Typical Time to Complete: 1 meeting plus a 10-mile bike ride
Parent Involvement: Moderate to high, especially for the ride
Preparation Needed: Moderate, route planning and bike supplies
Activity Level: Moderate to very high
Indoor or Outdoor: Mostly outdoor
Special Requirements: Bicycle, buddy system, minimum 10-mile ride
Supplies Snapshot: Bike, helmet, lock, map, water, repair kit, chain lubricant, first aid supplies

The Arrow of Light Cycling Adventure helps Scouts build the skills they need for longer bike rides. They learn what gear to bring, how bicycle gears work, and how to take care of a bike. Scouts also practice using a bike lock and repairing a flat tire.

Scouts then put their planning skills to work. With their patrol, pack, or family, they use a map to plan a bicycle route of at least 10 miles. They consider the route, distance, safety, and supplies they will need along the way.

The adventure finishes with a bike ride of at least 10 miles using the buddy system. Along the way, Scouts practice cycling safely, working together, and handling challenges that can come up on a longer ride. It is a practical way to build confidence while enjoying time outdoors.

Printable requirements for the Arrow of Light Cycling Adventure

Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Arrow of Light Cycling Adventure

Printable checkoff sheet for the Arrow of Light Rank (for den or individual use)

Requirement 2: Learn How Bike Gears Help

Discover how multi-gear bicycles work and their benefit.

Use a multi-gear bicycle so Scouts can see what happens when they shift. Let them compare easier gears for hills with harder gears that work well when riding faster on level ground.

Easy Option: Put a bike in a safe place where the rear wheel can turn freely. Have Scouts shift through the gears while slowly turning the pedals and watch how the chain moves.

More resources:

• AOL Gear Guidance: Cub Scouts learn about multi-gear bikes.

Requirement 3: Lubricate a Bike Chain

Show how to lubricate a chain.

This is a good hands-on maintenance skill. Show Scouts how to wipe dirt from the chain, apply bicycle chain lubricant carefully, and remove extra lubricant so it does not collect more dirt.

Easy Option: Use one bicycle for the whole group. Let each Scout take part in one step of cleaning, lubricating, or wiping the chain, while making sure each Scout demonstrates the skill. See AOL Chain Maintenance.

Requirement 4: Practice Using Bike Locks

Review different bicycle locks. Demonstrate the operation of locks and, how to secure your bicycle with a lock.

Bring several common types of locks if possible so Scouts can compare how they work. Focus on securing the bicycle frame to a solid object rather than simply putting a lock through a wheel.

Easy Option: Set up one bike and two or three different locks. Have Scouts take turns opening each lock and securing the bike to a rack or other sturdy object. See AOL Lock It Up.

Requirement 5: Repair a Flat Tire

Repair a flat tire.

A flat tire can seem complicated until Scouts work through it once. Demonstrate how to remove the tube, find the leak, patch or replace the tube, and put the tire back together.

Easy Option: Use a loose bicycle wheel instead of a whole bike. Give Scouts a tube with a small prepared hole so they can practice finding and repairing the leak without removing a wheel from a bicycle. See AOL Fix Your Flat.

Requirement 6: Plan the 10-Mile Ride

With your patrol, pack, or family, use a map and plan a bicycle ride that is at least 10 miles.

Choose a route that fits the abilities of your group and gives Scouts a chance to help with real decisions. Have them use a map to check the distance, identify turns and stopping points, and notice possible hazards such as busy roads or steep hills.

Easy Option: Start with a known bike trail or paved greenway. Give Scouts a map and have them help choose a turnaround point or loop that brings the total distance to at least 10 miles. See AOL Map the Ride.

Requirement 7: Complete the 10-Mile Ride

With your patrol, pack, or family and using the buddy system, go on a bicycle ride that is a minimum of 10 miles.

Keep the focus on completing the ride safely as a group rather than riding fast. Check bikes before starting, use the buddy system, plan breaks, and make sure adults are prepared for minor repairs or a rider who needs help.

Easy Option: Ride an out-and-back route on a paved bike trail. Travel about five miles, take a planned break, and ride the same route back for a simple 10-mile trip that is easy to follow. See AOL Bike Ride.

The Arrow of Light Cycling Adventure is an challenge for AOL Scouts. It teaches them about cycling, safety, and teamwork. Through this adventure, Scouts gain important skills that are useful for biking and in life.

First, Scouts learn how to prepare for a long bike ride. They choose the right gear and supplies, like helmets, water, and repair kits. Knowing what to bring helps them stay safe and comfortable during the ride.

Next, Scouts explore how multi-gear bicycles work. Understanding gears helps them ride more efficiently, especially on different terrains. They also learn how to care for their bikes. This includes lubricating the chain and repairing flat tires. These skills keep their bikes in good condition and ready for more adventures.

Planning and teamwork are big parts of this adventure. Scouts work together to plan a route for a 10-mile bike ride. They use maps and discuss the route to make sure it’s safe and fun. Then, using the buddy system, they go on the ride they planned. This teaches them about navigation and looking out for each other.

The Arrow of Light Cycling Adventure is about preparing, learning new skills, and working as a team. Scouts finish this adventure with a better understanding of cycling and the confidence to tackle new challenges.