West Milford. Scouts from Troop 159 begin their journey to earn an Eagle-required merit badge

Last Saturday April 17 the scouts of Our Lady Queen of Peace Troop 159 began working on the Eagle required merit badge.

More than a dozen boys and girls started with a bicycle safety check. The scouts then practiced changing a flat tire tube and replacing the tire and tube onto their tire rim.

After all bikes were checked and deemed road worthy, the scouts started off on their first of many road treks: 2-10 mile, 2-15 mile, and 2-25 mile rides and plan and execute 1-50 mile trek is required for a road bike.

A scout can opt to earn the badge on a mountain bike by taking 2-2 mile, 2-5 mile, and 2-8 mile treks followed by laying out a final 22 mile trip.

Scouts also learn about all the appropriate clothing and gear needed to make these strenuous treks. The above photos show the scouts doing their safety checks, learning about the rules of the road and finally their first shake down ride.

“If you see the Troop 159 scouts out on the road please give them plenty of space and drive carefully,” Scout leader Nicholas Salleroli asked. “Some of the scouts are experienced riders but we do have some novices and everyone would appreciate courtesy, patience and understanding.”