Originally Posted by
Chuck M
I wasn't a scout, but reading the above, that's what I thought too initially. But then I thought about the heavy, balloon tired, single speed bikes sold in small town hardware stores and such that a lot of boys probably did this with.
Correct. Eagle Scout here. Was involved supporting some troops as an adult and explored becoming a cycling merit badge councilor. The requirements and distances are a big deal for a kid.
We get so deep into the hobby we forget that even 10 miles is a lot for average people, on average bikes, who don't regularly ride.
I once commented to a work colleague about taking a bike I was considering buying out for a 20 mile test ride. He laughed incredulously at the idea that "20 miles" ( a super long ride in his mind) would be a throw-away test ride to me.