The troop gathered for a bike hike at Station Road Bridge on a beautiful August day. The trip began with a short brief on the route, some basic map reading skills and bike riding etiquette. The group then headed off to our first stop at Red Lock where we looked at an old Erie Canal Lock. While there we used a compass to orient our map and determined our location from the map. We then biked to Boston Store and gave someone else a chance to use the map and locate our position. At this point we decided to go all the way to Beaver Marsh and pass by Penninsula. We made one stop along the way to refill water bottles. Beaver Marsh was a scenic spot and there were many people besides us that stopped to view the area.

At this point the group began heading back for lunch at the Winking Lizard. This is when things began to go wrong. Part of the group was going faster and not everyone could keep up. Our troop became split into several smaller groups. Most made the turn off for lunch, but four scouts passed it by. Three adults went to find the missing group and the rest of the troop stayed to have lunch. By the time one of the adults caught up to the missing group they were nearer the cars than the Winking Lizard. At this point they decided to end their trip rather than return to Peninsula for lunch. The rest of the group finished lunch uneasily until receiving a phone call from one of the adults letting them know how things turned out. All the scouts and adults took home a few lessons from this trip. The main one being to stay together and not turn a hike into a race. Joining in on the Bike Hike were: Danny, David, Douglas, John, Jon, Kevin, Matt B., Matt O., Theo, Mr. and Mrs. Krymowski, Mr. Makowski, Mr. McMahon, Mr. Owen, Mr. Tilk, and Mrs. Verhovnik.

Bike Hike Photo Album

Date and Time of Departure: Saturday, August 30th, 10:00am - Station Road Bridge Parking Lot.

Purpose: Spend the day outdoors and get some exercise with a bike trip on the Erie Canal Towpath. Review map and compass skills. Begin working on Cycling merit badge and/or earn 2nd Class requirement 1b (10 mile bike hike using map and compass).

Location: Erie Canal Towpath between Station Road Bridge and Peninsula, OH.

Directions: Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation

1. Route 82 East to Riverview Rd
2. Riverview Rd South (right) to Chippewa Creek Dr
3. Chippewa Creek Dr East (left) to Station Road Bridge Parking Lot

Bike Route: Depart Station Road Bridge parking lot and head South on Erie Canal Towpath. Make stops as necessary for breaks or to work on advancement. Continue on Towpath until Peninsula, OH. We will have lunch (around noon) at the Winking Lizard. After lunch bike North back to Station Road Bridge parking lot.

Cost: Bring money to purchase a lunch at the Winking Lizard in Peninsula, OH.

Estimated Time of Return: Saturday, August 30th, 3:00pm - Station Road Bridge Parking Lot.

Items to Bring: Water for the trip down and back. No Helmet, No Go! Be prepared, you are going on a long distance bike trip. Bring any items needed for safety and comfort. Talk to your Patrol Leaders if you have questions.