Cycling Campout, Oct 16-18
It's time to put your cycling skills to the test! Who is ready for a long ride in the hills of eastern Alabama?
I hope you will join me for the Cycling Campout on October 16-18, 2026 at the Piedmont Sports Complex as we take on the Chief Ladiga Trail. The trail is built on old railroad routes that connected eastern Alabama with Atlanta. The path is paved and should only have gradual inclines. For the history buffs, the trail was named after a Muscogee chief who used to live around the nearby town of Jacksonville.
The primary goal of this campout will be to perform a 50 mile ride along the trail. Worried that you won't be able to make that distance and prefer to do a shorter route or just spend the weekend camping? I encourage you to sign up anyway and list your preferences. IF we have enough adult support we may be able to accomodate shorter distances and/or a no ride option.
Please sign up by October 9th at this link:
COST: $35 per camper (tentatively, if we don't need the trailer)
LOCATION: Piedmont Sports Complex, 5960 Old Piedmont Gadsden Hwy, Piedmont, AL 36272
***SHORTER RIDE PARTICIPANTS***
Everyone is welcome at this campout, even if you don't want to do the 50 mile ride. If we have enough interest we will plan shorter rides!
***50 MILE RIDE PARTICIPANTS***
This is a significant distance on a bicycle and will likely take us a majority of the day to complete. You must provide proof that you can complete this distance to the camp master prior to being given the green light to attempt it. You can't just hop on your bike and expect to go this far...practice, practice, practice!
***CYCLING MERIT BADGE PARTICIPANTS***
You MUST complete all of your 10, 15, and 25 mile practice rides and have your paperwork turned into your merit badge counselor (Mr. Owen) PRIOR to the campout. If you do not, this 50 mile ride will not count! A Scout should always Be Prepared.
***ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED***
This campout will require a lot of logistics in order to be a success. We will need folks willing to possibly pull the trailer, participate in the 50 mile ride, and run a supply and gear vehicle along the trail route during the ride. If we want to support shorter ride options and/or a no-ride option, we will need volunteers willing to support those activities. Any adult camping overnight with the troop must be a registered member (Scouter Reserve, ASM, SM, or committee member). Other adults are welcome to join us during the day for the riding portion, but you must make alternate lodging accommodations (likely in Jacksonville, Anniston, or Gadsden).
The Cycling Campout sounds like a great mix of outdoor adventure, teamwork, and physical challenge. I especially like that the organizers welcome shorter rides and camping-only participants, making the experience accessible to more Scouts. Planning ahead and practicing before a 50-mile ride is excellent advice. This Outdoor Activity Guide