Mountan Biking - Cycling Merit Badge

Earn your EAGLE REQUIRED Mountain Biking Cycling Merit Badge (Option B) at The Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve. We will be using the Pima/Dynamite Trailhead as our base.

The Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a large, permanently protected, sustainable desert habitat that includes an interconnected network of non-motorized, multi-use trails (hike/bike/horse) accessed from multiple trailhead locations.

New to mountain biking? Looking to refresh your skills, improve your technique, enhance safety awareness and increase your overall enjoyment on the trails? Then come prepared with a mountain bike with knobby tires, a bell, helmet, water, and snacks. We begin with a demonstration and presentation by experienced riders covering the basic things you need to know, equipment requirements and trail etiquette.

The instructional segment will be followed by a guided rides, where you can practice the techniques discussed. Please, no road bikes, hybrids, or folding bikes. Please check the working order of your bike before you leave home. Allow 3 hours for the initial events. Bring water for the trail. Arrive 15 minutes before sessions start.

This merit badge is for any Scout aged 12 or older who would like to earn their cycling merit badge for mountain biking (Option B). Parents/guardians are welcome to participate free of charge. Scouts and parents/guardians must be realistic about their fitness level. Please be mindful of you and your Scouts’ physical abilities before signing up for this merit badge.

This event will include a combination of outdoor/hands on classroom learning and physical mountain bike trail riding.

The cost is $12 per participant.

Sign up by Friday, September 27, 2024, for early bird pricing of $10 per youth participant.

Registration closes Friday October 25th, 2024.

Adults are welcome to participate! Please join us on these trail rides!

Participants should bring:

• Helmet
• Bike with wide knobby tires fitted with a bell (NO ELECTRIC BIKES)
• Wear athletic clothing
• Water, trail snacks
• Sunscreen
• Signed medical form parts AB&C including completion of physical examination using the Scout medical examination form with health care provider signature.
• Cycling merit badge workbook (see attachment) All sessions are required to complete the merit badge.

All dates are below, plan accordingly.

• Saturday November 2nd, 2024 – Rides 1 & 2 (2miles & 2 miles)
• Saturday November 23rd, 2024 – Ride 3 (5 miles)
• Saturday November 30th, 2024 – Ride 4 (5 miles)
• Saturday December 14th, 2024 – Ride 5 (8 miles)
• Saturday December 21st, 2024 – Ride 6 (8 miles)
• Saturday January 4th, 2025 – Ride 7 (22 miles)

IF RAINING, OR IF TRAILS ARE SATURATED, WE WILL NOT RIDE. THE SESSION FOR THAT DAY WILL BE CLASSROOM ONLY.

Prior to registering, each Scout should discuss the merit badge with their Scoutmaster and follow the standard “blue card” process. In this case the Scoutmaster should complete the “Initial Unit Leader Signature” block in Scoutbook. To connect the Scout to the merit badge counselor, Mr. Twaddell, search for “Graham Twaddell” BSA ID – 12369213 or email: gtwaddellaz@gmail.com

The location is the Pima/Dynamite Trailhead: 28777 N Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Entrances off of Dynamite Road and Pima Road.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Graham Twaddell at gtwaddellaz@gmail.com or 480-241-3232 or GCC.Program@grandcanyonbsa.org.