Webelos Pedal Away Adventure

Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 6
Typical Time to Complete: 2-4 weeks
Typical Number of Meetings: 1-2 meetings, plus planning and ride
Parent Involvement: High, help with ride planning and supervision
Preparation Needed: Plan route, check bikes, gather safety gear, arrange ride
Activity Level: Moderate to high
Indoor or Outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
Special Requirements: Plan a 5-mile ride, complete a 5-mile ride with buddy
Supplies Snapshot: Bikes, helmets, water, repair kit, map, bike lock

The Webelos Pedal Away Adventure helps Scouts learn how to ride and care for their bikes. They learn what gear to bring, how bike gears work, and how to take care of a chain. They also learn how to lock and protect their bike.

Scouts plan a bike ride using a map and then complete a ride with a buddy. They practice safe riding skills and learn to look out for each other.

This adventure gives Scouts a chance to build confidence and stay active. It helps them develop skills they can use every time they ride.

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.

Printable requirements for the Webelos Pedal Away Adventure

Check off sheet to keep track of your den's progress for the Webelos Pedal Away Adventure

Webelos Adventures Check Off Sheet

Webelos Pedal Away Requirement 1: Gear and Supplies

Decide  on gear and supplies you should bring for a long bike ride.

Easy option: Have Scouts make a simple list of items they would bring on a bike ride and share with the group.

• 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.

Scouts decide what to bring on a longer bike ride. This helps them stay safe and prepared.

Have them make a simple list and talk through why each item is needed.

Here are some other options for fulfilling Webelos Pedal Away Adventure requirement 1:

• All We Need
• I Went on a Bike Ride and Took

Webelos Pedal Away Requirement 2: Gears

Discover how multi-gear bicycles work and how they benefit a rider.

Easy option: Use one multi-gear bike to explain how shifting gears makes pedaling easier or harder. See Gear Guidance.

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.

Webelos Pedal Away Requirement 3: Chain Care

Practice how to lubricate a chain.

Easy option: Demonstrate how to apply chain lubricant while Scouts watch and ask questions. See Chain Maintenance.

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.

Webelos Pedal Away Requirement 4: Locks

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.

Easy option: Practice locking and unlocking a bike using one type of lock.

Scouts choose a bike lock and learn how to use it. They practice locking, unlocking, and carrying it.

Keep it simple by focusing on one type of lock.

Other options:

• Lock It Up

Webelos Pedal Away Requirement 5: Plan a Ride

With your family, den, or pack, use a map and plan a bicycle ride that is at least 5 miles.

Easy option: Use a simple paper map to plan a short 5-mile route together as a group.

Scouts use a map to plan a bike ride of at least 5 miles. They choose a safe route and identify stops.

Work together as a group to plan the route.

Other options:

• Webelos Map The Ride

Webelos Pedal Away Requirement 6: Go for a Bike Ride

With your den, pack, or family and using the buddy system, go on a bicycle ride that is a minimum of 5 miles.

Easy option: Complete a 5-mile group ride on a safe trail using the buddy system. See Bike Ride.

Scouts go on a bike ride of at least 5 miles using the buddy system.

Focus on safety, staying together, and following the plan.

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.

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.