When securing a guest speaker consider asking them to also cover requirements 2, 3, and 4.
Before the meeting:
- Identify a guest speaker who is an expert in cycling. A local bike shop employee or owner or a cycling club. Ask if they would be willing to come to your den meeting and talk with the Cub Scouts and adult partners about the ABC’s of bike gear.
- Check to make sure they are familiar with that term and if not explain to them you would like them to bring a bike and demonstrate how to check the air in the tires and how to take care and repair tires, how to check the brakes, and how to check the chain, crank, and cogs.
- Confirm the date, time, and location with the guest speaker.
- Set up a space for Cub Scouts and adult partners to work on the activity in the Tiger Handbook, page 47.
During the meeting:
- Gather the Cub Scouts and introduce the guest speaker.
- Have the guest speaker demonstrate the ABC’s of bike gear.
- A is for Air. Check the air pressure in the tires and check to the tires to make sure they are not worn out.
- B is for Brakes. If the bike has coaster brakes (brakes that stop the bike by peddling backward) check the brakes by placing the bike upside down and using your hand to peddle the bike forward and then spin the peddle backward to stop the wheel. If the bike has hand brakes make sure that the levers don’t hit the handlebars when squeezed. Lift one end of the bike at a time to spin the wheel and apply the brake to see if the tire stops. Check to see that the brake pads are clean, and straight, and make contact with the tire rims properly.
- C is for Crank, Chain, and Cogs. Check the crankarm and try to wiggle it, there should be no movement. The crankarm is what the peddles are attached to. The bike chain should look like metal, there should be no rust or gunk on the chain. The chain should not sag and should drive the back wheel. If the bike has gears check to make sure the chain easily moves from cog to cog. All moving parts should be properly lubricated with bike chain lubrication.
- Give Cub Scouts and adult partners the opportunity to ask questions.
- Ask for suggestions on potential bike paths to complete requirement 5.
- After the guest speaker, gather the Cub Scouts and adult partners and have them work on the activity on page 47 of the Tiger Handbook to properly label the parts of a bike.