Air Line Bike Packing Trip

Sentinel Carbon model from Transition Bikes

Saturday, November 2 -
Sunday, November 3, 2024
James L. Goodwin State Forest
Hampton, Connecticut

Event Description

We will bike a portion of the Air Line Trail to the Goodwin Pines Youth Campsite in James L. Goodwin State Forest. The Air Line Trail is very flat, and we plan to cover at least 10 miles (to meet a Cycling merit badge requirement), so this is an easy ride. Gear and food will be handled just like on a backpacking trip. Each Scout must ride a human-powered bicycle; adult leaders may use a bicycle or e-bike.

This trip is open to Scouts BSA members and Webelos/AOL Scouts with their patrol.

Registration

Permission Slip - Each participating Scout must submit this to the Scoutmaster by October 22.
Event registration fee - pay by October 22 (includes food for youth only):
Youth - $15 (online payment)
Adult - $0 (online registration)
Annual Health and Medical Record - Each participant must have submitted this record within the previous year and no later than October 22. This trip requires only Parts A and B, including copy of insurance card (both sides). A medical exam is not required.
Adults - In accordance with a BSA rule that became effective September 1, 2023, "All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position as listed or as an adult program participant."

Packing

Use our Backwoods Camping List to ensure you pack the needed items and see our Personal Camping Gear page for descriptions of most of the items needed and for how to use the checklist. Ideally, you will pack your stuff in saddlebags or something else attached to a bike rack. You may be able to ride wearing a backpack, but if this is your plan, you should test this out on your own in advance. Specific items to bring:

Water bottles (2)
Full uniform (as for just about any event) - wear this.
Food - Each patrol should plan to provide 1 breakfasts, 1 lunch (on the trail) and 1 dinner. Participants bring your own drinks and food for snacks.

Travel

We will meet at the Epworth United Methodist Church parking lot at 8:00 AM Saturday where we will pack personal gear and bicycles into the vehicles and depart by 8:15 AM. Only the participating adults will drive to the trailhead which is about a 40 minute drive.
Travel the trailhead is about a 40 minute drive.
Scouts should be picked up at the church at approximately 12:00 PM on Sunday (+/- 1 hr). We will call family members as our timing becomes more clear.

Page updated 10/1/24
J. Froimson