West County 25 Mile Ride

The troop completed ride 5 of 7 for the Cycling Merit Badge by riding 25 miles through the picturesque vineyards and oak forests of West County.  In weather just touching the freezing point, the group started at the Scoutmasters house which conveniently sits on just about all of the West County cycling routes.   The troop then pedaled north towards the Sonoma County Airport, up through Windsor, west to Eastside road and then down to Riverfront Park.

At Riverfront, a BBQ lunch was waiting for the boys!

After recharging their batteries over lunch, the crew took to the road again, and dodging traffic, traveled south back to the Scoutmasters house.  With 25 miles in the books, the group collapsed into a heap!

Route

One more 25 mile ride and then the big 50 mile ride to go!

Participants:  Brian, Danny, Owen, Payton, Bryce, Devon

Adult Leaders:  Mr. Bell, Mr. Chidister, Mr. Polkinghorn

Lessons Learned:  Don't do a ride on a wine weekend, or a plan to finish it before noon.  Never try your new bike out first on a long ride!

Northwest Community Park Service Project

The Troop performed a service project for the Santa Rosa City Parks Department.  The dog run at Northwest Community Park was showing signs of overuse.  Heavy use from the neighborhood dogs had churned the turf into a muddy mess.  The Troop was tasked with spreading mulch over the damaged areas of the run so they would be protected from further damage.  In between runs from the dump truck, the Troop took time out to collect trash across the park.

Lessons Learned:  Spreading mulch is fun!  There are many Eagle Project possibilities at all of the local, regional, state and national parks.

Participants: Bryan, Brian, Joseph, Ben, Donte, Devon, Owen, Bryce, Matt, Joey, Adam

Leaders:  Mr. Lococo, Ms. Lococo, Mr. Polkinghorn, Mr. Brisgel, Mr. Franceschi,  Ms. Lara, Mr. Lara, Mr. Griffin