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We met at Friendship at 0900, and conducted a bike check for all the scouts prior to departing. After a few adjustments and other minor mechanical checks, we loaded the trailers, had roll call, and were on our way with 16 Scouts and 5 adults. We arrived at A.H. Stephens State Park ( Crawfordville , GA ) around 11:15 and decided to have an early lunch prior to unloading the bikes. The SP was very nice with many Fall colors still on display, and we appeared to have it all to ourselves (not much happening in Crawfordville these days). After the scouts rode their bikes around the parking lot with much reckless energy, the adults were finally ready (the parking lot ride accounted for an extra couple of miles). We began the first leg of our ride at about 12:00 and headed east from Crawfordville on GA 49. Traffic was very light and no major hills. The plan was to bike 5 miles then retrace our route for a total of 10 miles. After about 2 miles we turned north on Sandy Cross road, a very nice GA back road with farms and rolling pastures. We reached the 5-mile point not long after, and stopped for water and candy-bar nourishment.
We then divided into two groups; those needing the 10 mile ride (12 scouts), and those needing the 25-mile ride (4 Scouts). Mr. Sturm, Mr., Dallas , and Mr. Gilland lead the 12 scouts on the 5 mile ride back to AH Stephens. Mr. Bowden and Mr. Kohler lead the other 4 scouts (Erik S., Jeff B., Eli R., and Matthew D.) on a loop that covered an additional 20 miles. With a steady pace, a couple of good downhill’s (and uphill’s as well), and regular breaks, the 25-mile group returned to the Park around 3:30. Congratulations to these guys - Remember, a 25-mile bike ride through the rolling hills of North Georgia is no cake-walk)! 10 miles on a bicycle is not too shabby either!
After Mr. Sturm provided an outstanding lecture and hands-on demonstration of a multi-speed road bike and all of its mechanical components and maintenance, we realized how hungry we were. And it was getting dark. With some confusion and chaos, the two patrols began to build fires. We continued to add wood and charcoal and finally had enough hot coals to prepare our meals. Patrol T149 had hot dogs other stuff while T537 had spaghetti. It was all good! After everyone’s hunger was satisfied, we cleaned up a bit, and then sat down by the fire for a daily recap of the good, the not-so-good, and the-best-yet-to-come. Our "thorns and roses" debriefing. By that time, Mr. Sturm's concoction of peach cobbler was looking good! Two helpings worth, and to my surprise, less than half the scouts were interested. Supper must have been filling. Then to bed for a good nights sleep! A quiet night except for the trains and a hoot owl who started up around 3:00 am.
Day two: Up early at 6:30 am Troop 149 started a fire to cook sausage links and eggs. T537 had a cold breakfast of cereal and bagels. We broke down camp except for the tents. (Wet from the heavy due) We then completing a great church service. The 25 milers took off first and the rest started 30 min latter. During the 10 mile journey we stopped 3 times to do map and compass readings to complete for 5 boys. During one stop a lady came up and invited us to church and out to dinner with her family. We explained to her we had already had our service and had many miles to travel but thanks anyway.We received a call that the 25 milers had to changed a tube and were running behind but were now back on the road.
After completing the 10 miler the boys got to tour the town on there bikes the highlight being the train depot. 11.30 am We returned to camp and packed up the tents and got out lunch. The 25 milers arrived we said grace and had lunch meat and peanut butter and jelly. We loaded the trailer and headed for home arriving back at the church at 2:10 Unloaded and said our goodbyes. In all a great trip with Lots of fun and exercise. Thanks again to all the adults and a special thanks to Mike B. who rode 25 miles each day and provided a truck to pull the trailer. We couldn't have done it with out him. Submitted by Jeff S..