Editor’s Note: This contributed feature was produced in cooperation with The Newtown Bee and chronicled by the Senior Patrol Leader for Newtown’s BSA Troop 70.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 70 of Newtown along with a modest support team completed a physically and mentally demanding bike packed ride over the last few days of June.

In total, seven scouts, two scoutmasters, and four parents biked over 200 miles from Cumberland, Maryland to Washington, D.C. via the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath. That historic route dates back to the 1800s and parallels the Potomac River.

The activity incorporated four days of riding and some limited sight-seeing, and three nights of camping with only what participants were able to comfortably carry on their bikes and in one support vehicle. Each bike with all of its gear weighed between 70-80 pounds.

The scouts traveled an average of 50 miles a day attaining speeds up to 25 mph on a trail that was mostly dirt, rock, roots, and gravel.

On the first day, June 25, after a six-hour car ride to Cumberland, they biked 28 miles through sweltering heat, experiencing a few minor medical issues that were easily remedied. The scouts and adults had to drink heavily treated iodine water that was brown and did not taste pleasant, but hydration was important.

It was the only water available by pump on the trail.

The first night was spent at a very remote campsite only accessible by bike. The scouts cooked meals on a single propane stove for the troop and adults. Since they were biking many miles, everyone had to eat and drink more than usual to keep their bodies healthy and strong.

Early To Rise...

Six o’clock in the morning was the wake up time for most of the trip to be able to get to the next site before dark. After eating oatmeal for a quick and hearty breakfast, it was time to hit the trail.

To start day two, the troop had to drop 90% of their weight in the support vehicle for a mile hike up a mountain with their bikes because of a detour on the route. After some great views, there was a daunting mile downhill ride to get back on the trail.

As we were on the trail, one scout, Simon Corcoran, said, “My bike fell, but I didn’t!” Towards the end of that second day’s journey of 46 miles, the troop arrived at Fort Frederick State Park in a bad thunderstorm. That night, after setting up a makeshift canopy to make dinner in the pouring rain and exploring the area, they were told that more lightning could strike again.

In order to be as safe as possible the troop had to set up their tents under a pavilion.

The morning of June 27, the troop had a late start because of more forecasted lightning and heavy rain. Fortunately, the group was actually able to leave earlier than expected when the storm drifted north and away from their intended route.

As they arrived at a meeting place overlooking a huge dam, one of the scouts, Connor Sinapi, noticed his tire was flat.

Connor, Scoutmaster Matt Corcoran, and scout Michael Lawlor tried their best to fix the problem, but after attempts to repair the tire began cutting into important daytime riding, the group had to move on. Connor mustered on, however, taking one of the spare bikes off the support vehicle while his bike was getting fixed.

After a snack, there was another five mile hilly detour and more bike trouble when [the author] Michael Poidomani’s — aka Big Mike’s — chain broke. Luckily, Scoutmaster Tony Barbagallo was able to complete a repair and everyone was able to continue their journey.

With 18 miles left on the trail, Scoutmaster Corcoran and “Big Mike” noticed their bike wheels had become damaged because of the rugged trails being traveled. Both bikes had broken spokes and bent rims.

At the campsite in Brunswick, by a stroke of luck, a man accompanied by his pet cat was able to obtain a replacement and arrived to change the wheel on Big Mike’s bike. Scoutmaster Corcoran had to make do, however, because the proper wheel size was not available for replacement.

Everything turned out well, when, by the end of the day and despite delays, the troop had logged 62 miles — five more than were expected for that leg of the trip.

Spinning Into Washington

The last day would challenge riders with a 62-mile route that seemed to pass quickly, probably because everyone was eager to get into Washington D.C.

On their way, they stopped to see the scenic Great Falls of the Potomac River. There was very little bike trouble on the final leg, and it ended up being just a nice easy ride into the nation’s Capital.

The scouts and support team arrived in D.C. very tired, yet proud of each other and themselves. After all the meals that scouts Corcoran, Brady Dunn, Thomas Simms and Tommy Milligan prepared, it was time for the adults to make dinner.

They ordered pizza, of course!

On Wednesday, June 25, Troop 70 was able to tour the Capitol building thanks to the office of Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. Afterwards, the troop also toured the rest of the Mall on their bikes, on a route that was mapped out by scouts Sinapi and Corcoran.

They visited a few museums, many monuments, and paid their respects at the many war memorials around the Mall. As the sun was setting, Corcoran’s bike wheel completely failed — ironically, at the Boy Scout Monument.

Nearby, he was able to rent a bike to make it back to where the group was staying for the night.

With extreme heat predicted, the troop packed up all their gear and drove by car to Arlington National Cemetery, where they visited the soldiers and others who gave their lives for this country.

It was very moving for them to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. To end their visit in D.C., the troop went to the International Spy Museum, where they got to see very cool spy gadgets and learned about the history of many famous spies.

In the end, the seven scouts and six parents reflected happily on the time, effort, and perseverance displayed in planning and carrying out this trip.

Troop 70 is especially grateful to Scoutmaster Corcoran for his guidance and support to help the scouts to organize and plan a safe trip. Troop 70 accomplished something many people could not.

The troop did an amazing job and never gave up even when scouts and adults got hurt, bikes broke, crazy weather threatened, and when it just seemed too hard to go on. They showed that you can do anything if you put your mind to it and never give up.

To learn more about Troop 70, visit t70.trooptrack.com/ .