OAS Cycling — Stages 1 to 9

The youth member should be able to explain that bicycle helmets, and good road/trail sense and awareness, are the most effective tools to reduce head injuries in the event of a crash or an accident while riding.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate tightening the chin strap until it's snug allowing just two finger spaces between the chin and strap. They should also be able to talk about the importance of wearing the correct size helmet and fitting it correctly, covering the forehead and not rocking backwards and forward.

The youth member should discuss their limits and the boundaries of the cycling activity with Leaders/Patrol Leaders at the start of a journey, before they depart. Make sure that they build up to longer rides by taking shorter rides, so that the youth member knows their limits and personal ability. If working within a time restriction, the youth member could set a halfway time point at which they will turn around or line up with halfway on a loop. These limits might depend on personal ability, or they might depend on the area and safety in which the youth member will be riding within. Consider:  How far are you allowed to go?  How far are you capable of going?  How far have you ridden before?  What would you do if you fall off or get hurt?  How much water are you going to bring? Is the terrain hilly?

The youth member should be able to talk about the benefits of stopping once they get lost. They should be able to explain that stopping makes it considerably easier for adults or other Scouts to be able to find them when they start searching for the lost Patrol.

The youth member should ensure that they always stay alert as to what the Leader is directing. The Leader will likely be leading from in front, so the youth member should make sure there is open communication, and both parties can hear and see each other.

The youth member should make sure their bike is cleaned and oiled/lubricated before they put it into a safe storage spot, this can be done with help from an adult. This will ensure it lasts for future use, requires less complex maintenance and repairs, and performs well over time. The youth member should always ensure there are no cracks or damage to their helmet to ensure maximum protection as they are crucial for safety. The youth member should be aware that over a longer ride, equipment might wear or rub on them, especially part of the helmet. This can be minimised by examining equipment prior to use, and taking care of equipment during and after use.

The youth member should discuss with their Patrol the basic road rules which are to:  Wear a helmet  Go with the traffic flow  Obey all traffic laws  Yield to traffic when appropriate  Be predictable  Stay alert at all times  Look before turning Watch for parked cars (doors may open)

The youth member should be able to do the ABC bike check.  A is for air: Check the air pressure, spin the wheels and make sure the tires are not worn out.  B is for brakes: Check to make sure brakes will stop the bike by spinning the back wheel and applying the brake. If the bike has hand brakes check to see that the levers don't hit the handlebars when squeezed. Lift one tire up at a time and spin it; squeeze the levers to see if the tire stops. The brake pads should be clean, straight and contact the rims properly. C is for Cranks, Chain, and Cogs: Grab the crank arms and try to wiggle side to side. There should be no movement. Spin the pedals and cranks to see if the chain drives the rear wheel. The chain should look like metal not rust or black gunk. If the bike has gears check to make sure the gear levers and derailleurs (gear-changing mechanism) work to shift the chain between gears.

An experienced youth member or adult leader will be the youth members' buddy and will teach them the key cycling rules and tips as they ride together or in a Patrol. Make sure that all members stick close together and follow their Leader, to help none of the members to get lost or injured.

The youth member should log the cycling trip in their logbook and write down who they did it with and anything interesting about the activity.

The youth member should always review their adventures and should talk about their favourite thing from a bike ride with other Scouts or Leaders.

The youth member should explain that the clothing that should be worn on a ride depends heavily on the expected weather conditions, the kind of ride that they will be doing, and the expected terrain and environment they may be riding through. Some of the clothing mentioned should include:  Enclosed shoes (shoe laces tied and tucked in if long).  Shorts or pants with a tapered or rolled ankle (so pant legs don't get caught in gears or chain).  T-shirt or long sleeve t shirt (there is a balance here between protection from falls, grazes, sticks and branches, sun/weather protection, and overheating). It is important that bright colours are worn, and at night bright, reflective colours should be worn to reduce collision and crash chance.

The youth member should loosen or tighten straps if necessary and ensure the helmet is on the correct way around and protecting the forehead. Once all straps have been adjusted the helmet should still fit next time.

The youth member should be able to describe/point/show to adult leaders or Patrol Leaders what their route and destination is, and if required draw it/mark it on a map/mapping tool.

The youth member should be able to explain why it is important to stick to paths while riding so that the local vegetation, flora and fauna is not damaged or worn out. If the youth member is riding on a dedicated cycle trail, they should stick within the marked trail. These precautions are taken both to preserve the vegetation, flora and fauna that is outside the path but also to increase the clarity and quality of the riding path/trail.

The youth member should be able to, with the help of an adult, Patrol Leader or more experienced youth member, connect the bike pump to the tyre valve and inflate to the correct pressure. The pressure will be outlined on the rim as a guideline. Tyre pressure may need to be adjusted depending on the terrain and other factors in the cycling environment. It is important to never ride the bike, or put weight on the bike, if it has flat tyres (damage will happen to the rim, tube, and tyre itself).

The youth member should ensure to pack and use:  Hat  Sun cream  Water bottle  Rain coat It may be advisable to not ride in conditions that present excess danger. Some examples are below, and it is best to discuss the riding conditions with your Patrol, Patrol Leader or adult leader before starting the ride:  Extreme heat  Heavy thunderstorms  Bushfire  Hail  Snow  Sleet  High-grade wind warning Severe weather warnings of any kind

The youth member should include the following key points:  Wear a helmet  Go with the traffic flow Obey all traffic laws  Yield to traffic when appropriate  Be predictable  Stay alert at all times  Look before turning

The youth member should participate in a skills activity which could involve:  Weaving in-between cones  Stopping at a line after travelling at speed Riding slowly along a path  Riding around obstacles  Practised leaning as they ride around corners  Riding up short, steep embankments  Riding on a path that has leaf litter/small obstructions such as sticks and rocks  Participating in skill building games such as "Bicycle Sumo' or 'Bicycle Polo'  Riding along thin 'balance" beams Riding in different body positions such as standing

The youth member should demonstrate this with their Patrol, Patrol Leader, or adult. Some good practice areas are:  Empty car park  Oval  Wide dedicated riding path  Firebreak  Empty (non-busy) road The purpose of this skill is to be able to ride in a very straight line, and also to be able to 'pick out' potential riding lines as the youth member negotiates obstacles and changing trail/road terrain.

Guidance under development.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate DRSABCD. It's best to demonstrate & develop these skills during a mock emergency activity.  Danger – Check for danger to yourself and others in the area. Remove it if possible or don't approach the patient if its not safe (i.e. fallen live power lines)  Response – Check to see if the patience is conscious and responding  Send for help – ask some to call an ambulance and/or emergency services (call 000)  Airways – Are the airways clear? Recovery position might be needed if unconscious. Ensure there are no obstructions such as vomit or food  Breathing – Is the patient breathing?  CPR – If not breathing, commence CPR at 30 beats per minute, a quarter of the depth of the chest. Less for infants Defibrillation – Public spaces have a defibrillation device which should be used if necessary. It has clear instructions how to use and is not dangerous to operate (i.e. shopping centres, swimming pools, office buildings).

The youth member should have a plan should something go wrong, and know how to contact emergency services based on their location. This might be with an EPIRB, Mobile phone or Radio. The youth member should also consider who is the best person to be contacting the emergency services. It might be the Guide or leader of the activity.

Guidance under development.

The youth member should review their activity and think about:  Was the terrain, trails, paths or roads taken appropriate for all members of the Patrol?  What did the Patrol bring along on the ride that they did not need? Can any of these items be left at home next time?

The youth member should be able to explain how the right clothing will help protect them from weather exposure, whilst not being too loose or snagging on moving bike parts such as gears. Moisture wicking fabrics, such as lycra, or sports mesh style clothing, will reduce chafing, sweating and sores in most weather conditions.

The youth member should be able to discuss what items they will bring and why such as;  Helmet – mandatory equipment  Bike lights – red flashing light on back, white light on front if riding at dark  Water – an essential item. It is very dangerous to not bring water on hot days and/or long rides.  First aid kit – to use if someone injures themselves  Tyre repair kit, spare tube, & pump – To be able to ride home if the bike gets a flat tyre or other small mechanical issue.  Mobile phone – to call for help if needed Snacks – Legs provide the riding motion, and snacks provide legs with energy. If the youth member does not have energy rich food (nuts, berries, chocolate, lollies, muesli, chips etc) then their legs will not be able to power through the journey. This is especially important if the youth member plans to ride for a longer distance.

The youth member should demonstrate this by showing a copy of an up to date weather forecast for the area of their activity. They should be able to explain what the forecast which they have brought means. This could be from Bureau of Meteorology or a local weather station: ( http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/radar/ ) This website has many resources to support planning, such as a weather map where it's possible to zoom in on a desired location. we

The youth member should discuss the importance of following the instructions of the person in charge of the activity. The fact that following their instructions will lead to increased safety, and also an increased amount of efficiency at the activity. Working as a Patrol will allow the youth member to cover more ground and ride a further distance, in a safer way, than they would otherwise.

The youth member needs to demonstrate their understanding of the Steps of DRSABCD in a mock emergency situation:  Danger – Check for danger to yourself and others in the area. Remove it if possible or don't approach the patient if its not safe (i.e. fallen live power lines)  Response – Check to see if the patience is conscious and responding  Send for help – ask some to call an ambulance and/or emergency services (call 000)  Airways – Are the airways clear? Recovery position might be needed if unconscious. Ensure there are no obstructions such as vomit or food  Breathing – Is the patient breathing?  CPR – If not breathing, commence CPR at 30 beats per minute, a quarter of the depth of the chest. Less for infants Defibrillation – Public spaces have a defibrillation device which should be used if necessary. It has clear instructions how to use and is not dangerous to operate (i.e. shopping centres, swimming pools, office buildings)

Following on from the ABC test, where A is for Air, B is for Brakes, and C is for cranks, chain and cogs: (ABCDQ test).  D refers to a drop test: Pick the bike up about 1 – 2 inches off the ground and drop it. If things fall off (torches, lights, mounted items) or unusual sounds are made, then the youth member needs to locate and fix those issues. The drop test replicates the general wear and tear of a bike ride. we  Q refers to the Quick Release: Some bikes have quick releases on the wheels or the seat post. Check to make sure they are tight and closed properly. Check: After making sure the seat and handlebars are tight and the proper height, have the youth member ride the bicycle around an open space and check that everything works well – gears are shifting, brakes are working etc

The youth member could include the following suggested items which should fit in a saddle bag under the seat:  Inner Tube – Ensure this is the correct size for the bike (if tubeless, spare tyre or foam filler)  Tyre Lever  Tube Patch kit  CO2 canister (handy but not necessary for quick inflation of tyre)  Small hand pump – hand pumps attach to side of bike, ensure it has the correct valve for the bike  Allen key set – to adjust seat post, handle bars etc. Make sure the youth member knows which allen keys can be used where, and leave behind the ones they don't need  Chain Breaker – to remove broken chain links  Spare Chain link – to replace broken chain links  Duct tape – can be used to fix many things  Small bottle of lubricant Some zip ties – these can be used to fix so many bike related problems. Potentially stored in the seat post, or duct taped to a fork

The youth member should demonstrate this, ask a more experienced youth member to teach them and allow them to assist in the process. The youth member can walk through the procedure on a functional tyre, learning how remove, replace and pump up a tube.

The youth member should make sure that the length and terrain/elevation of the ride is appropriately challenging to all members attending. There should not be anyone that is unable to complete the ride, however also, it is important that all members that are attending are pushed and challenged to complete it. The youth member should log the activity in their logbook, and should include where they did the activities, who they did it with, what the weather was like and any other interesting information about their activity.

The youth member should demonstrate the following while riding  Ride in a straight line  Be predictable  Indicate if turning  Follow the group Understand how different road/trail surfaces may impact rideability and control

The youth member should know/include a range of locations to build a full picture. These could include:  Checking road rules for cycling (internet, RMS/ Vic Roads or your state equivalent could be helpful)  The local state or territories governing body for cycling such as bicycle network SMEs, leaders or other adults could know

The youth member should discuss with their Patrol and review one of their bike journeys, and could include questions such as:  How long did it take you?  Do you feel you've had enough practise? Did you have the equipment you needed? Does anything need to be replaced?

The youth member should discuss their items and whether they still feel everything is needed, was anything missing or have they used anything that needs to be replaced.

The youth member should discuss their equipment list with their patrol and think about the following items:  Helmet & comfortable clothes  Considering bike shorts/sport shorts Clip in pedals and shoes  Platform pedals and shoes that grip well  How much water will you need?  Sun cream  In-field Repair Kit (from Stage 3)  High energy and protein snacks  Trail map/GPS  First Aid Kit

The youth member should be able to plan safe transportation of their cycling equipment depending on where the activity will be and who will be going. Bike racks can be fitted to cars either via the tow ball or on roof racks. Bikes can also go on trains to locations. Multiple bikes might need to go into a trailer.

The youth member should demonstrate in their activity plan that they have considered appropriate food and water and how to carry them on the cycling trip. 700ml bottles fit in bottle holders attached to bike frames, and water bladders in a pack are easy to stay hydrated. Plan snacks such as muesli bars or sandwiches for breaks while riding.

The youth member should already be able to know where to get the latest weather forecast (Stage 3) and should be able to plan their activity accordingly.  Hot – Plenty of water, sun cream, moisture wicking clothing  Wind – windproof upper layer (i.e. wind jacket or thin raincoat Rain – waterproof upper layer rain coat  Storms – Consider not going, prepare for rain.

The youth member should demonstrate being able to adjust their bike to ensure it is comfortable and then maintain an appropriate riding posture. The youth member could speak to a Stage 6 Scout and they could assist the youth member with developing these skills.

The youth member should identify the following bike parts to a Scout who is working on a higher Stage:  Chain  Gears  Seat post  Headset internals  Cables (brakes)  Axles  Cranks

The youth member should be able to identify the hazards associated with cycling on a road. The youth member should also be able to explain how to minimise these risks, including methods such as:  Following road rules  Wearing a helmet Going with the traffic flow  Obey all traffic laws  Yield to traffic when appropriate  Be predictable  Stay alert at all times  Look before turning  Watch for parked cars (doors might open)

The youth member should plan their route and break it down into a table displaying:  Date  Distance  Elevation  Starting and finishing points  Resupply points  Points of interest  Things to note (i.e. a sight, a risk like a highway crossing, a possible exit etc)

The youth member should be aware of the general and most common signs and symptoms. This could be learnt through research and applied during a mock emergency.

The youth member should demonstrate:  Relaxed Arms - One of the best things a cyclist can do to improve their posture is avoiding locked elbows. Arms should be in a relaxed with a slight bend at the elbow. Make sure that the youth member moves their hands around into new positions every so often. This is incredibly important if the ride is very long, as it prevents stiff, non-responsive hand movements  Neck position - It is important to not leave the head in the same tense position the whole time  The bend in the youth members' back - Cyclists should have an even and smooth arch in the back when sitting on the bike.  Hip and Torso Rotation - Ideally, they are pedalling with their legs and glutes. Sometimes cyclists use torso muscles as well, and this is when improper posture sets in.  Standing up- Standing up gives a large power bonus at the expenditure of lots of energy and increased wind resistance. If using a suspension fork, they should not stand up when going uphill. It is almost always advisable to stand up while going we downhill. The youth member should learn where the best balancing feet positions are.

The youth member should demonstrate the following while riding Ride in a straight line  Be predictable  Indicate if turning  Follow the group If at night, they should have their light aimed at the ground not other peoples faces and they should wear reflective and bright clothing when appropriate.

The youth member should demonstrate communication methods such as whistle, pointing, shouting, and extended arm to indicate turning.

The youth member should ensuring gear changes aren't performed while the bike is under pressure (hard pedalling uphill, instead drop down gears in anticipation of the hill).

The youth member should rinse the dirt from the chain and disks, then re-lubricate. Wipe the bike down with a damp cloth to remove all dirt and dust.

The youth member needs to do 5 cycling activities including one full day trip at this Stage. A day is counted as 6 hours. They should include where they did the activities, who they did them with, what the weather conditions were like and any other interesting information about the activity.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate repairing a puncture without assistance. The youth member's Stage 7 peer should monitor their progress and support them in learning the process, and making sure the Stage 4 Scout can complete the change without help.

The youth member should demonstrate routine bike maintenance such as checking;  Tyre Pressure: In general, the tyre pressure should be around the number indicated on the tyre, but the youth member should understand and know what effect changing the tyre pressure will have.  Front chain rings and rear cassette: Scrub the surfaces with a brush and degreaser while turning the pedals.  Brakes: Make sure that the front and back brakes are working well, and stopping smoothly. If needed, silicon spray can be used to clean and lubricate the brake cables.  Seatpost: Ensure the seatpost is at an appropriate height and is stiff.

The youth member should be able to identify either through writing a report or having a discussion, what techniques can be improved? They might want to consider bunny hops, strength in hill climbing, confidence downhill ability, balance and general control, or revolutions of pedals per minute.

The youth member can wipe down the bicycle after use, spraying components with water and then drying them, and relubricating appropriate areas.

The youth member should be able to plan safe transportation of their cycling equipment depending on where the activity will be and who will be going. Bike racks can be fitted to cars either via the tow ball or on roof racks. Bikes can also go on trains to locations. Multiple bikes might need to go into a trailer.

The youth member will need plan to bring food and water that is appropriate for the length of ride, without being too heavy. They will need to bring a puncture repair kit/in-field maintenance kit. This repair and maintenance kit should be customised depending on the bike and rider requirements. The youth member will also need to consider:  sun cream  lip balm  sunglasses  gloves  appropriate weather protection  advanced technical clothing for mountain biking.

The youth member should already be able to know where to get the latest weather forecast (Stage 3) and they should be able to plan their activity accordingly. Weather and mitigation could include:  Heat – Plenty of water, sun cream, moisture wicking clothing  Wind – Windproof upper layer (i.e. wind jacket or thin raincoat) Rain – Waterproof upper layer rain coat  Storms – Consider not going, prepare for rain

The youth member should demonstrate in their activity plan that they have considered appropriate food and water and how to carry them on a cycling trip. 700ml bottles fit in bottle holders attached to bike frames, and water bladders in a pack are easy to stay hydrated. Plan snacks such as muesli bars or sandwiches for breaks while riding.

The youth member should identify the following bike parts to a Scout who is working on a higher Stage:  Chain  Gears  Seat post  Headset internals  Cables (brakes)  Axles  Cranks

The youth member should demonstrate being able to adjust their bike to ensure it is comfortable and they can maintain an appropriate riding posture. The youth member could speak to a Stage 6 scout and they could assist with how to adjust a bike.

The youth member should be able to identify the risks associated with mountain biking that are unique to the adventurous activity. It might be useful to discuss these risks with a Scout working on Stage 6 or higher. If the youth member is undertaking a long expedition by mountain bike, then many of the hazards will be similar to extended bushwalks and hikes.

The youth member should plan their route and break it down into a table displaying date, distance, elevation, starting and finishing points, resupply points, points of interest, and things to note (i.e. a sight, a risk like a highway crossing, a possible exit etc).

The youth member should be aware of the general and most common signs and symptoms. This could be learnt through research and applied during a mock emergency.

The youth member should demonstrate: * Relaxed Arms - One of the best things a cyclist can do to improve their posture is avoiding locked elbows. Arms should be in a relaxed with a slight bend at the elbow. Make sure that the youth member moves their hands around into new positions every so often. This is incredibly important if the ride is very long, as it prevents stiff, non- responsive hand movements * Neck position - It is important to not leave the head in the same tense position the whole time * The bend in the youth members' back - Cyclists should have an even and smooth arch in the back when sitting on the bike. * Hip and Torso Rotation - Ideally, they are pedalling with their legs and glutes. Sometimes cyclists use torso muscles as well, and this is when improper posture sets in. * Standing up- Standing up gives a large power bonus at the expenditure of lots of energy and increased wind resistance. If using a suspension fork, they should not stand up when going uphill. It is almost always advisable to stand up while going downhill. The youth member should learn where the best balancing feet positions are.

The youth member should demonstrate picking a safe line and successfully riding a trail. Speed is the biggest measure of control, too fast or slow will make this challenging.

The youth member should demonstrate communication methods such as whistle, pointing, shouting, and extended arm to indicate turning.

The youth member needs to participate and log in 3 mountain bike activities at this Stage. They should include in their log where they did the activities, who they did them with, what the weather conditions were like and any other interesting information about the activity.

The youth member should spend time searching for trails in their local area that they may not know about. There are many trail websites that have maps with trails overlayed on them.

The youth member should demonstrate the following while riding Ride in a straight line  Be predictable  Indicate if turning  Follow the group If at night, they should have their light aimed at the ground not other peoples faces and they should wear reflective and bright clothing when appropriate.

The youth member should demonstrate gear changes which aren't changed while the bike is under pressure (hard pedalling uphill, instead drop down gears in anticipation of the hill).

The youth member should rinse dirt from the chain and disks, then re-lubricate. Wipe the bike and helmet down with a damp cloth to remove all dirt and dust.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate repairing a puncture without assistance. The youth member's Stage 7 peer should monitor their progress and support them in learning the process, and making sure the Stage 4 Scout can complete the change without help.

The youth member should demonstrate routine bike maintenance such as checking;  Tyre Pressure: In general, the tyre pressure should be around the number indicated on the tyre, but the youth member should understand and know what effect changing the tyre pressure will have.  Front chain rings and rear cassette: Scrub the surfaces with a brush and degreaser while turning the pedals.  Brakes: Make sure that the front and back brakes are working well, and stopping smoothly. If needed, silicon spray can be used to clean and lubricate the brake cables.  Seatpost: Ensure the seatpost is at an appropriate height and is stiff.

The youth member should be able to identify either through writing a report or having a discussion, what techniques can be improved? They might want to consider bunny hops, strength in hill climbing, confidence downhill ability, balance and general control, or revolutions of pedals per minute.

The youth member can wipe down the bicycle after use, spraying components with water and then drying them, and relubricating appropriate areas.

The youth member should consider the following when choosing a bike. Bikes have different sizes. The stand over height, seat post height, geometry from the seat to the handlebars, and the clearance height of the bottom bracket to the ground are all things that that should be considered when choosing a bike. A local bike store will be very willing to talk to the Scout about how to find an appropriate bike fit.

The local Shire, Library or Council may have information regarding local wildlife and vegetation, local cycling paths through parks and community spaces, and where local Cycling services are located.

The youth member should understand the premise of 'pack light, travel far' and know what equipment they should bring on an overnight trip. Also, youth members should know how to pack this equipment onto the bike in various ways and how that might affect their travelling speed. There are many online resources on YouTube and other websites that discuss packing options, but essentially it comes down to three options: A bike trailer, panniers, or frame bags and other bike packing bags.

The youth member should seek advice from a Stage 7 Scout regarding the most common kinds of personal and protective clothing such as helmets, clip-in shoes, gloves, jersey and bibs (shorts), as well as lightweight weather protection.

The youth member should know that there are many specialist tools that they might become familiar with at this stage. The youth member should (maybe with assistance) be able to disassemble, clean, and reassemble their rear derailleur. Other complex operations should be able to be completed, such as replacing brake/gear cables, and spokes in a wheelset.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate applying lubricating oils to bike parts in maintenance checks before riding a bike.

The youth member should be able to explain that tyre pressure may need to be varied depending on the surface of the trails/path that they are riding on. The youth member could get assistance from a Stage 8 Scout to gain an understanding about what the change in tyre pressure is actually doing to the wheel, and what the positives and negatives of these air pressure changes are, as well as how different terrain can dictate ideal tyre pressure.

The youth member should research and discuss the different ways to tether their feet to the pedals and the benefits associated with this.

The youth member should find a Stage 7 Scout and discuss how to adjust their bike and equipment for comfort over a long distance riding.

The youth member should complete a first aid course through an accredited provider. The first aid course should cover similar content to Provide first aid (HLTAID003) or the current workplace first aid qualification. They could do a higher first aid unit such as Provide advanced first aid or Provide first aid in a remote location. * Members under the age of 14 may be able to participate in Provide First Aid courses, but may not necessarily receive the formal Units of Competency.

The youth member should demonstrate the recommended braking techniques based on their bike braking system. Different braking techniques may be needed depending on the style of brake (drum, disc, V brake). Different weather conditions may also affect the appropriate braking requirements.

The youth member should learn different body positioning techniques from multiple sources such as cycling clinics, Subject Matter Experts, experienced Scouts, YouTube and other cycling websites.

The youth member could get a Stage 7 Scout to provide guidance. They can do this in a workshop or if the youth member has more experience, they could do this out in the field.

The youth member could get a Stage 7 Scout to provide guidance. They can do this in a workshop or if the youth member has more experience, they could do this out in the field.

The youth member should demonstrate taking a leading position of responsibility with the Patrol which they are doing the ride with.

The youth member needs to complete 5 days of cycling at this Stage. A day is counted as 6 hours. They should include where they did the activities, who they did them with, what the weather conditions were like and any other interesting information about the activity.

The youth member should participate in an overnight cycling trip, this is not meant to be a night cycle but a two day cycle with camping overnight. It is important to note that this overnight cycling trip may be supported at this Stage. This means that adult leaders or other youth members might meet them at an end location each day and bring some of the camping/sleeping gear.

The youth member should demonstrate cadence and understand that this is an incredibly important skill over long distance riding, especially group riding. Having an appropriate cadence reduces the strain on joints and leg muscles, and improves cycling efficiency.

Guidance under development.

Guidance under development.

The youth member's presentation should be regarding an interesting, fun, challenging or unique aspect(s) about one of the rides that they have undertaken. Because of the nature of the adventurous activity, it is recommended that a presentation is very visual, exciting and inspiring, rather than a dreary or boring PowerPoint/speech.

Guidance under development.

The youth member should consider the following when choosing a bike. Bikes have different sizes. The stand over height, seat post height, geometry from the seat to the handlebars, and the clearance height of the bottom bracket to the ground are all things that that should be considered when choosing a bike. A local bike store will be very willing to talk to the Scout about how to find an appropriate bike fit.

The youth member needs to understand and plan their food and water requirements based on the type of activity they are doing, especially as mountain biking involves typically very large elevation changes through semi remote bush. It is therefore critical to be 100% certain of where and the Patrol/the youth member will be resupplied with water and food, or bring enough to last throughout the day (and additional safety water).

The local Shire, Library or Council may have information regarding local wildlife and vegetation, local cycling paths through parks and community spaces, and where local Cycling services are located.

The youth member should demonstrate an understanding about the importance of spending time so that they are able to clean and clear mud/muck out of their bike, on their own. Dirt, muck and mud can build up in hot spots on the bike, such as the bottom bracket and rear derailleur.

The youth member should know that there are many specialist tools that they might become familiar with at this stage. They should (maybe with assistance) be able to disassemble, clean, and reassemble their rear derailleur. Other complex operations should be able to be completed, such as replacing brake/gear cables, and spokes in a wheelset.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate applying lubricating oils to bike parts in maintenance checks before riding a bike. A good way to learn this skill is through helping others.

The youth member should be able to explain that tyre pressure may need to be varied depending on the surface of the trails/path that they are riding on. The youth member could get assistance from a Stage 8 Scout to gain an understanding about what the change in tyre pressure is actually doing to the wheel, and what the positives and minuses of these air pressure changes are, as well as how different terrain can dictate ideal tyre pressure.

The youth member should research and discuss the different ways to tether their feet to the pedals and the benefits associated with this.

The youth member should assist in planning a mountain bike trip and will need to consider risk factors and complete a risk assessment. They should also consider the ability of their Patrol members and what the terrain, conditions will be.

The youth member should complete a first aid course through an accredited provider. The first aid course should cover similar content to Provide first aid (HLTAID003) or the current workplace first aid qualification. They could do a higher first aid unit such as Provide advanced first aid or Provide first aid in a remote location. * Members under the age of 14 may be able to participate in Provide First Aid courses, but may not necessarily receive the formal Units of Competency.

The youth member should demonstrate gear changes at appropriate times of the ride, when there is little or no pressure. This means that when going up a hill, or accelerating quickly with force, the gears should not be changed. Excess changing under force will wear the gears and chain, and reduce the life expectancy of the bike.

The youth member should demonstrate cadence and understand that this is an incredibly important skill over long distance riding, especially group riding. Having an appropriate cadence reduces the strain on joints and leg muscles, and improves cycling efficiency.

The youth member should demonstrate efficient cornering techniques involve body position and foot positioning. Discuss this with a Scout working on Stage 7 or a Subject Matter Expert, and then spend time in an appropriate environment learning the skills by doing them!

The youth member needs to complete 5 days of mountain biking at this Stage. A day is counted as 6 hours. They should include where they did the activities, who they did them with, what the weather conditions were like and any other interesting information about the activity.

The youth member could get a Stage 7 Scout to provide guidance. They can do this in a workshop or if the youth member has more experience, they could do this out in the field.

The youth member could get a Stage 7 Scout to provide guidance. They can do this in a workshop or if the youth member has more experience, they could do this out in the field.

The youth member should plan their day and research the many websites that have maps showing local trails. They can also go to their local shire and source information from them.

The youth member should learn different body positioning techniques from multiple sources such as cycling clinics, Subject Matter Experts, experienced youth members, YouTube and other cycling websites.

Guidance under development.

Guidance under development.

The youth member's presentation should be regarding an interesting, fun, challenging or unique aspect(s) about one of the rides that they have undertaken. Because of the nature of the adventurous activity, it is recommended that a presentation is very visual, exciting and inspiring, rather than a dreary or boring PowerPoint/speech.

Guidance under development.

The youth member should following a "more is better' philosophy when it comes to food and water to preserve member safety. Food should be high in calorie concentration and energy, and water should be brought along by all members. After participating in multiple long distance rides the youth member should develop an understanding of how their body consumes water when cycling. When leading a cycling activity it is essential that the activity leader talks with each member and ensures that they both have an understanding of the member food and water needs. Water should be drunk following the 'cameling up" theory in order to reduce dehydration, and it is essential that the activity leader knows the location of re supply points.

The youth member should be able to discuss and share the concept of "pack light, travel far" and how to distribute weight effectively and aerodynamically over the bicycle (or bicycle trailer) of each member. Organisational policies and procedures and preparations that are followed include, but are not limited to, risk management, route legality, planned/unplanned camping location legality, physical and mental training for members.

The youth member should plan the activity and take into consideration that road restrictions may impact the route that they take, and will not likely be visible on Google Earth or Google Maps. Road restrictions which can be found on websites such as the Bureau of Meteorology, Shire Websites, and local community environmental websites.

The youth member should assess all methods of carrying gear. The three primary ways are using a bicycle trailer (method that prioritises carrying capacity), using pannier racks (method that prioritises ease of use), or using bikepacking bags (method that prioritises weight saving and riding efficiency). All of these methods have positives and negatives. Hopefully by this Stage of the Cycling stream the youth member has an understanding of which carrying method will suit their gear, riding style, the route which they are taking, and the needs of their Patrol members.

The youth member should be leading the ABC or ABCDQ tests for the whole Patrol. They should be able to identify and fix (in the field) any simple deficiency noticed during the ABC or ABCDQ testing.

Guidance under development.

The youth member should demonstrate weight transfer techniques which come from body positioning on the bike, where pedals are lined up, and also the lean of the youth member on the bike. They should be in total control of where their centre of gravity lies at all times, and how this might affect the handling of the bicycle, especially around corners.

The youth member should understand how to adjust a bike for appropriate posture and assist a Scout working on Stage 4 in adjusting their bike according to their needs. Areas of fit include (but not limited to):  the top tube height  the seatpost height  distance from seat to handlebars  distance from seat to pedals  width of handlebars  overall geometry of frame.

The youth member should assist a Stage 4 Scout and focus on the skills to control body positioning on the bike, how to pack gear into a bike trailer, panniers, or bikepacking bags, how to 'read lines' into advanced cycling routes, and correct cadence when pedalling.

The youth member should go beyond the previous group riding goals and take a prominent role in leading a group in safely riding. Directing a group or a bunch to ride safely involves lots of awareness and planning, and delegating smaller specific tasks, such as maintaining the rear position in the group, to other youth or adult members.

The youth member's role as assistant leader will be responsible for supporting the leader in all aspects of activity coordination. The youth member may be responsible for the sourcing of weather reports, gear lists and weights, and confirming overnight camping/accommodation locations for the activity leader, as well as leadership support during the activity itself.

The youth member can achieve this I-statement on a road bicycle, hybrid or a mountain bike, as long as they can fulfil all the points in this competency. There are many YouTube videos, as well as local mountain bike/hybrid/road cycling clinics and clubs all over Australia, that can support the youth member with the development of these skills.

Guidance under development.

Guidance under development.

The youth member needs to complete 10 days of cycling by this Stage. A day is counted as 6 hours. They should include where they did the activities, who they did them with, what the weather conditions were like and any other interesting information about the activity.

The youth member needs to understand and demonstrate their knowledge by ensuring that off-road bicycles (and all bicycles) are stored in a relatively dry, stable environment after being cleaned. 60% of appropriate storage comes from ensuring that the bicycle is cleaned, oiled, and lubricated appropriately, with tyres inflated, prior to storage. The other 40% comes from making sure that the area that the environment for bike storage is relatively dry (so that no water, muck or fluid accelerates the rust process in the bike) and that the environmental conditions are not likely to change suddenly (sudden dry spells could be detrimental to the rubber/silicon/plastic components on a bike, and sudden wet spells could cause a build-up of rust and damaging chemicals inside the frame or components).

The youth member should consider the skills and knowledge they have developed through the 6 Stages of the Cycling stream that they have completed so far, and how visible these skills are in other Scouts and the group.

The youth member should discuss with experts and other Scouts ways in which the Cycling events they have done so far could be improved. As a Stage 6 Cyclist, they should have a high understanding of what may need to be done to improve the cycling activities that their Group, Unit or Patrol has undertaken. The youth member can consider questions such as;  How can the ride be more accessible for members that struggled?  How can the ride be more challenging?  What did you bring along that could have been left at home?  If an overnight ride, were you at one stage of the activity wearing every single item of clothing that you brought along, and if not, does that mean you brought excess clothing and wasted carrying weight?  How can you make the ride more enjoyable for members?  How can the adult leaders support you more?

The youth member should consider what the word 'comfortable' means to them.  Does comfortable mean a more smooth and easy ride?  Does comfortable mean building trust and resilience with the Group, Unit or Patrol that the you are riding with?  Does comfortable mean sacrificing energy and carrying more during the day so that being at camp will be more relaxed and comfortable?

The youth member should consider a few key different kinds of bicycles that can be used on a mountain biking activity. In general, most (not all) bikes can be used for most (not all) activities, regardless of features, depending on the rider's skill, stamina and comfort level. At a most basic level, there are 4 key components that split bicycles into being purposed for different activities. These 4 components are:  frame geometry  the wheelset  the gearset  the suspension. The youth member should consider these 4 components in their rationale.

The youth member should consider what equipment they require and demonstrate safely attaching the items to the bike. Often when mountain biking, the Scout will want to bring along snacks, water, maintenance tools, a first aid kit and weather protection. Carrying these items on the Scout's back can be fine, however it makes their centre of gravity higher, decreasing handling ability, and also puts strain on the body. Strapping gear to a bike frame eliminates these problems, and lowers the centre of gravity, in some cases actually improving handling. It is important that gear is strapped on tightly, in places that it will not impact on the range of motion of the legs of the rider nor the turning circle of the handlebars, nor the gear changes and braking abilities. Also, some frame materials can be damaged easily by scratching (especially fancy paint work) and others such as carbon fibre are designed for vertical forces and not horizontal, so can actually buckle if for example, a water bottle is strapped tightly to a carbon fibre fork.

The youth member should demonstrate securing a bike on either a roof rack, inside a trailer, or on a bike rack behind a car.

The youth member should carry out pre-ride checks which are similar to as what has been happening in previous Stages, however the youth member should be able to adapt and fix more unusual problems using traditional and unorthodox methods and repairs. Items such as lubricant, duct tape, zip ties, spare cables and spare bolts should be able to be used with skill and precision. A Scout at this Stage should rarely have a 'mechanical' that immobilizes them for any extended time.

The youth member should consider all risk assessments and other components of planning such as contingency plans, catering, and child protection. If needed, Adult support should be given, however the youth member should be able to consider almost all factors on their own at this Stage and plan around them to mitigate any issues.

The youth member should plan their activity and take into consideration that road restrictions may impact the route that they take and will not likely be visible on Google Earth or Google Maps when planning the route. It is important especially when mountain biking (because they may not be riding on a well known or mapped trail) that they have alerted other people as to where they are riding and an expected time duration. Riding on mountain bike routes will likely take the youth member through National Parks and other extreme weather prone areas, so they will need to take extra care to be aware of snow, bushfire, thunderstorm and flash flooding events. The possibility of these events occurring does not mean they should not ride, as these events are often impossible to predict, however as a Stage 6 Cyclist it is important to make the decision based on the best possible information and their own/the groups personal abilities and preparedness. Road restrictions can be found on websites such as State/Territory Government traffic report websites, Shire Websites, and local community environmental websites.

The youth member should consider the types of obstacles that they might face while mountain biking which are very varied and more complex in nature (in general) than the sorts of obstacles that may be encountered when riding on road or fixed/artificial surfaces. One of the most important aspects of overcoming obstacles while mountain biking is being able to choose a "line' through the many rocks, boulders, sticks, trees and mud that may be approaching the bike. The best way to learn how to do this is to find a short mountain bike course in a local area and practice riding it again, and again, and again. Over time, the Scout will realise that they have a preference in approaching this course"s individual obstacles a certain way each time. The way that they approach these obstacles, and negotiate them at speed, is picking a line. Take the way which they have picked each of the lines over these obstacles, and bring that skill out into other courses that the youth member rides. we

The youth member should be in total control of where their centre of gravity lies at all times, and how this might affect the handling of the bicycle, especially around corners. In this Stage, the youth member should be building on adjusting their weight and pedal position from Stage 5, demonstrating recommended weight transfer techniques effectively when cornering. Weight Transfer techniques come from body positioning on the bike, where pedals are lined up, and also how they lean on the bike.

The youth member should go beyond the previous group riding goals as they take a more prominent role in leading a group in safely riding. obstacles and trail Directing a group or a bunch to ride safely involves lots of awareness and planning, and delegating smaller specific tasks.

The youth member should focus on the ability to control their body positioning on the bike, how to adapt to different centres of gravity that the bike may have due to a bike trailer, panniers, or bikepacking bags, how to 'read lines' into advanced cycling routes, and correct cadence when pedalling.

The youth member should be a good mentor to the Stage 4 Scout. It is important that the youth member walks them through common pitfalls & challenges that they encountered when completing that Stage, and also strategies as to how to be a better and more competent rider. Some specific skills will be able to be taught by the Stage 6 rider, and they might also be able to recommend Subject Matter Experts for the Stage 4 Scout to engage with to further develop their skills.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate and assist a Stage 4 Scout with how to adjust their bike appropriately.

The assistant leader will be responsible for supporting the leader in all aspects of activity coordination. The assistant leader may be responsible for the sourcing of weather reports, gear lists and weights, and confirming overnight camping/accommodation locations for the activity leader, as well as leadership support during the activity itself.

In many situations, a classic repair kit with puncture welds and some bolt/nut adjustment will be more than enough to solve the problem that the Group, Unit or Patrol is facing. There are often however, especially with Mountain Biking, more unusual and challenging problems that arise, and the chances of these problems occurring rises as the youth member becomes more advanced and undertakes more challenging expeditions. It is essential that the youth member is able to provide solutions for their own bike, as well as other group members' bikes, when complex problems arise. For example, a Stage 6 Scout should know how to repair all kinds of brakes in the field, using various brake pad re setting techniques that do not require a workshop. Another example is knowing how to use makeshift materials to repair a tyre sidewall tear.

The youth member should be able to fix challenging mechanical problems which for Mountain Biking include, but are not limited to:  Converting a bike to single speed after a rear derailleur failure Replacing the clip on shoe cleats and bolts  Understanding how to recognise the cause of flats based on the type of puncture  Deal with issues that might occur with tubeless tyres  How to adjust a suspension fork air pressure/spring tension  How to use a torque wrench to properly adjust clamps, nuts and bolts.

These skills should be demonstrated through the youth member's competent and confident rising ability.

The youth member needs to complete 10 mountain biking activities by this Stage. An activity can be between 3 & 6 hours worth of riding in a day period. They should include where they did the activities, who they did them with, what the weather conditions were like and any other interesting information about the activity.

The youth member needs to understand and demonstrate their knowledge by ensuring that off-road bicycles (and all bicycles) are stored in a relatively dry, stable environment after being cleaned. 60% of appropriate storage comes from ensuring that the bicycle is cleaned, oiled, and lubricated appropriately, with tyres inflated, prior to storage. The other 40% comes from making sure that the area that the environment for bike storage is relatively dry (so that no water, muck or fluid accelerates the rust process in the bike) and that the environmental conditions are not likely to change suddenly (sudden dry spells could be detrimental to the rubber/silicon/plastic components on a bike, and sudden wet spells could cause a build-up of rust and damaging chemicals inside the frame or components).

The youth member should consider the skills and knowledge they have developed through the 6 Stages of the Cycling stream that they have completed so far, and how visible these skills are in other Scouts and the group.

The youth member should discuss with experts and other Scouts ways in which the mountain biking activities they have done so far could be improved. As a Stage 6 mountain biker, they should have a high understanding of what may need to be done to improve the mountain biking activities that their Group, Unit or Patrol has undertaken. The youth member can consider questions such as;  How can the ride be more accessible for members that struggled?  How can the ride be more challenging?  What did you bring along that could have been left at home?  If an overnight ride, were you at one stage of the activity wearing every single item of clothing that you brought along, and if not, does that mean you brought excess clothing and wasted carrying weight?  How can you make the ride more enjoyable for members?  How can the adult leaders support you more?

The youth member is required to have completed Stage 5 in Bushwalking, Bushcraft (Survival Skills Stream) and Camping.

The youth member should be familiar with some of the many tools that are available to research, plan and creating a route plan for a specific Group skill level, whatever that level may be. Some examples include: Google Earth  Strava  Open Street Maps  Bikepacking.com  State Government Trails Website  Firebreak/forest logging road databases Never forget to consult with physical maps of the riding area. Topographical lines and elevation change profiles are very important when considering the Group, Unit or Patrols ability to complete a ride.

The youth member should use all the knowledge, skills, and abilities that they have developed over their time in completing the Outdoor Adventure Skills up to Stage 6 Cycling. They should be competent in planning a Cycling Journey. This Journey should be multiple days and cover a range of terrain and/or topography. The youth member should discuss and examine all aspects of risk management, with subject matter experts or adult leaders providing support if necessary.

The youth member should be a good mentor to Scouts working on Stage 5 or below. They can discuss and assist the Stage 5 Scout with understanding the benefits for most common kinds of personal and protective clothing in Cycle Touring in order to select the appropriate items for their cycle journeys. The most common kinds of personal and protective clothing are helmets, clip-in shoes, gloves, jersey and bibs (shorts), as well as lightweight weather protection.

The youth member should be able to determine whether their risk management plan requires a support vehicle(s), and what the role of the support vehicle(s) should be. In some situations, such as a cycle touring activity in a rural or backcountry area, a support vehicle(s) may be required. In some cases, the vehicle(s) might have a role of dropping food, supplies or equipment at an end camping location each day. In some other cases, the vehicle(s) may have to be a tail/front guidance vehicle to reduce the risk of crashing or collision with other vehicles.

The youth member should mentor Scouts Stage 5 or below in adjusting their bikes and equipment. Areas of fit include (but not limited to):  The top tube height The seatpost height  Distance from seat to handlebars  Distance from seat to pedals  Width of handlebars  Overall geometry of frame

The youth member should have experience in demonstrating posture in previous Stages. On a bike set up for Cycle Touring (such as having thinner tyres, drop bars, and bags/panniers/trailer) remaining stable and in control can be a challenge at times. It is important to keep alert at all times and ensure that the youth member can see on what is surrounding them and also what is on the ground. Gravel, sticks, gum nuts and other small items can cause a loss of control if the Scout is not careful. Maintaining posture control and manoeuvring body weight and centre of gravity are all important.

The youth member should be able to support other less experienced Scouts with completing:  tyre tube replacement  tubeless fluid replacement tightening the chain  resetting cable based brake pads  short term hydraulic brake fixes  repairing a torn sidewall  clearing/cleaning and then regreasing the front/rear cogs.

The youth member should have a detailed log and lots of photos. Photos/video are a great way of capturing the memories that are grown on Cycling activities/tours. The log should contain all essential information as well as some reflective comments.

The youth member could include technical skills such as cornering, weight distribution and some bike repair and maintenance skills, or they could include general cycle touring skills, such as group riding, lightweight pack list creation, and mapping.

The youth member should lead a multi-day cycling expedition which is a challenge to all members in the Patrol. The expedition may be supported by a vehicle, depending on the risk management plan and the purpose of the cycling expedition. It is suggested by Subject Matter Experts that at this Stage, a multi-day expedition should cover at least 50km per day, with 500m of elevation change, however, the distance to be covered should be scaled depending on the weight being carried & the ability of the expedition members. If the expedition members are carrying only the essential day items, then they should be covering a much greater distance than if they were carrying all their equipment such as shelter and sleeping gear.

Guidance under development.

The youth member should demonstrate cleaning their bicycle. Mud and dirt will likely accumulate in the front and back gearsets, under the down tube, on the forks, in the chain, under the seat post, and under the bottom bracket. When using water at high pressure, it is important to not let the water get inside the bottom bracket or other sealed areas such as forks, or suspension-based components.

Guidance under development.

The youth member is required to have completed Stage 5 in Bushwalking, Bushcraft (Survival Skills Stream) and Camping.

The youth member should be familiar with some of the many tools that are available to research, plan and creating a route plan for a specific Group skill level, whatever that level may be. Some examples include:  Google Earth  Strava  Open Street Maps  Bikepacking.com  State Government Trails Website  Firebreak/forest logging road databases Never forget to consult with physical maps of the riding area. Topographical lines and elevation change profiles are very important when considering the Group, Unit or Patrols ability to complete a ride.

The youth member should be competent in planning a mountain biking weekend, using all the knowledge, skills, and abilities that they have developed over their time in completing the Outdoor Adventure Skills up to Stage 6 Mountain Biking. The weekend should cover a range of terrain and/or topography, and a varied range of trail grades and difficulties. The youth member should discuss and examine all aspects of risk management, with Scouts at Stage 9 Mountain Biking, Subject Matter Experts or adult leaders providing support if necessary.

The youth member should determine suitable personal protective equipment based on the activity location, and duration. This could include:  Helmet (potentially full face)  Shin pads  Knee pads  Arm pads  Enclosed shoes  Gloves  Long sleeves  Either clip-in or platform pedals  Lightweight weather protection Different levels of padding and protection is required depending on the style of mountain biking undertaken over the weekend. More advanced downhill/enduro trails will require more padding than some entry level or cross-country trails. Weather protection clothing may need to be worn during a ride, or it may be more comfortable and practical to have the weather protection clothing at a base point of activity and return there to be protected from the weather after the activities from the day have happened.

The youth member should research and determine how to adjust bike components such as front forks to suit their planned mountain bike activity. Front forks and other suspension components are normally either designed around a spring or compressed air. A metal spring can be tensioned, using a screw/bolt/nut within the suspension component. Compressed air-based suspension components can be decreased in pressure through a valve easily on the fly and need to have more air pumped into them to increase the pressure. In some cases, a bike pump can do this, while in others a mechanical air compressor might be needed to generate enough pressure.

The youth member should mentor Scouts in Stage 5 or below, and the skills that should be taught will depend on what sort of mountain biking that the Stage 5 youth members are interested in doing. In general, the skills to be developed should be around advanced braking and downhill skills, line negotiation at speed, and how to recover from crashes or lines that are leading to a potential crash.

The youth member should have experience in demonstrating posture in previous Outdoor Adventure Skill Stages. On a bike setup for advanced mountain biking, the bike will have a natural ability to roll seamlessly over most small obstacles. Remember that conserving momentum, knowing when to pedal and how to lean are essential skills if doing a whole day (or more) mountain biking. It is important to keep alert at all times and ensure that the youth member can see what is surrounding them and also what is on the ground. Gravel, sticks, roots, gum nuts and other small items can cause the rider to lose control if they are not careful. Maintaining posture control and manoeuvring body weight and centre of gravity are key to riding over intermediate mixed surfaces.

The youth member should be able to deal with repairs when out riding. Some problems that are quite common in relation to mountain biking that will need to be addressed in field are:  locked up rear cog  broken cleat or platform pedal  detached rear derailleur  broken brakes  pinch flats and other flats  tubeless tyre issues we An in-field repair kit, which the youth member would have initially assembled in Stage 3, should be customised to the specific bike being ridden, and the youth member should know exactly how to use each component of the multi tool and repair kit.

The youth member should demonstrate trail etiquette and navigating their planned route in an off-road intermediate environment. In the planning of the activity, the youth member needs to consider occupational health and safety, permits or permissions for access and environmental regulations. The youth member should be able to overcome difficult situations which may include encountering traffic, fording rivers, headwinds, negotiating bumps and potholes and hazardous trail conditions and any emergency situations the activity might encounter.

The youth member should have a detailed log and lots of photos. Photos/video are a great way of capturing the memories that are grown on Cycling activities/tours. The log should contain all essential information as well as some reflective comments.

The youth member should be able to effectively manage an intermediate trail which is likely to be a single trail with moderate gradients, with variable surface and obstacles. Mountain Bike trails have grades, ranging from:  White (very easy)  Green (easy)  Blue (intermediate)  Black (Difficult)  Double Black (Extreme)

The youth member should have led a mountain biking activity at up to an Intermediate Level. This will require ensuring that the group understands the requirements of what an Intermediate Level means. The youth member should lead the Patrol to negotiate rocky and loose tread trails, obstacles, and moderate gradients and steep trails.

The youth member should mentor Scouts Stage 5 or below in adjusting their bikes and equipment. Areas of fit include (but not limited to): The top tube height  The seatpost height  Distance from seat to handlebars  Distance from seat to pedals  Width of handlebars  Overall geometry of frame

The youth member should be able to support other less experienced Scouts with completing:  tyre tube replacement tubeless fluid replacement  tightening the chain  resetting cable based brake pads  short term hydraulic brake fixes  repairing a torn sidewall  clearing/cleaning and then regreasing the front/rear cogs.

The youth member could include technical skills such as cornering, weight distribution and some bike repair and maintenance skills, or they could include general cycle touring skills, such as group riding, lightweight pack list creation, and mapping.

The youth member should demonstrate cleaning a mountain bike. Mud and dirt will likely accumulate in the front and back gearsets, under the down tube, on the forks, in the chain, under the seat post, and under the bottom bracket. When using water at high pressure, it is important to not let the water get inside the bottom bracket or other sealed areas such as forks, or suspension-based components. The kind of lubricant to be used depends heavily on the environment that the youth member expects to be riding in. There are three key types: wet lubricant, dry lubricant and mixed lubricant.  Wet lubricant is designed to be used in situations where there is lots of mud, rain, and dampness.  Dry lubricant is designed for gravel riding, dry environments, or riding in areas where there is lots of sand and dust.  Mixed lubricant is designed for use where the riding environment is not entirely known, or where there may be a change in environments halfway through the ride. It is important to match the right lubricant to the right riding environment.

Guidance under development.

The youth member should consider:  Monthly weather averages for the area that the expedition will occur in  Detailed information and notes on the different re-supply facilities that are on the proposed route  Alternate routes in case of bushfire  Road closure or other similar diversion creating event  Ensuring that the expedition members all have appropriate first aid training.

The youth member needs to consider that the longer the distance of the bike tour, the more impactful a small change in the frame geometry and components will be. At this Stage, it is suggested that the youth member experiments with aero-bars mounted on the handle bars, and to examine other styles of handle bar apart from the classic flat or drop bar. Furthermore, the youth member is encouraged to really think about the method of gear portage they are following, and how they can optimise their 'classic' gear list to be most fitting and specialised to their riding environment. Think about:  How can they reduce the weight of an item they are carrying without losing its functionality? (for example, the plastic foil juice/wine casks can be drained and filled with water to act as a very lightweight and durable water bottle).  How can they store items on their bike or trailer so the aerodynamic profile is narrow and lower to the ground? (It is a good idea to affix a repair kit or water bottle to the underside of the down tube, instead of carrying it in a backpack or bag on the bike. This storage spot places a heavy item low on the bike, increasing its handling abilities, and is storing a durable item in an otherwise wasted space).

The youth member should have a mature understanding of what sorts of problems can arise in a group and how these risks can be mitigated almost entirely, through their experience gained up to Stage 8. Non routine problems are very difficult to plan into risk management situations.  For example, the youth member should know how to:  Lead the group through challenging and unexpected weather circumstances  Redistribute a members equipment safely across the other members bikes and bags in case of an equipment failure  Deal with an emergency scenario without dismantling the confidence or positive mindset of the group.

The youth member must have completed the Wilderness First Aid skill set. This can be through a course with an accredited provider or by other means, such as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through SAIT or other providers. For the purposes of the OAS, a Wilderness First Aid course consists of SIS training package's Wilderness First Aid skillset (SISSS00126), or its replacement:  HLTAID003 Provide first aid  SISOFLD004 Provide first aid in remote locations  SISXEMR002 Coordinate emergency responses.

The youth member should know how and when to use hand signals, whistles and or body language to communicate riding direction and plans.

The youth member should be a good mentor to Scouts Stage 6 or below. It is important that they are able to assist the Stage 6 Scout in understanding that tyre pressure may need to be varied depending on the surface of the trails/path that they are riding on, what the change in tyre pressure is actually doing to the wheel, and what the positives and negatives of these air pressure changes are, as well as how different terrain can dictate the ideal tyre pressure.

The youth member should be competent in risk mitigation in all situations, for all patrol members, on all rides. At Stage 8, the rides will be covering a much greater distance than before, and so it is important that the youth member considers opening and closing times for shops and petrol stations that might be used for resupply etc.

The youth member should lead an extended multi-night trip which should be completely unsupported, while carrying all equipment and food between resupply points. The expedition should cover a mixture of topography and terrain and be appropriately challenging for all members. For Stage 8, the youth member should be covering at least 200km over a minimum of 2 nights.

The youth member should have a very clear understanding as to the positives and negatives of different kinds of touring set ups (ranging from bikepacking bags, to panniers, to a bike trailer, and any combination of those), and should be able to educate and discuss these with other Scouts.

Guidance under development.

The youth member should be able to examine a bicycle for defects, this includes looking for faults and cracks in welds between metal- based frame pieces, being able to identify issues with carbon fibre components, and also being able to identify rust or weather damaged bike components. It is important that they know where their local bike shops are, and how regularly the bike should be taken to be serviced and checked by professionals. In general, it is suggested that a bike should be professionally serviced once every year, however if the youth member notices any of the faults mentioned above, or hears any unnatural shakes or rattles, then they should take it to get serviced as soon as possible.

Guidance under development.

Guidance under development.

The youth member should plan to have a suitable communication method for their activity. They may need to consider methods that are non-verbal, such as hand signals.

The youth member should develop a plan taking into consideration that there are many ways that trail maintenance can actually be damaging to the trail experience, and to the flora and fauna that may surround the trail. They will therefore need to consider legislation and organisational policies such as occupational health and safety, permits or permissions for access and environmental regulations. It is incredibly important to discuss with local bike shops, and/or local shires, and other appropriate subject matter experts, so that the plan that is created by the youth member for trail creation or trail maintenance is a good, realistic, and positive one. A good place to start is to create a list of what trail features the youth member wants the trail to have, or what features they need to repair in a local mountain bike trail. These might be items such as:  the shape of the trail  what sort of elevation changes are expected  the purpose for the trail (enduro, XC, downhill, general touring, family friendly etc)  how accessible it will be  how the environment, flora and fauna surrounding the trail will be protected  local features/large rocks that need to be included Take this list to some local Subject Matter Experts, or some other mountain bike community members that can be reasonably expected to share the use of the trail. Discuss the merits of the plan with them. Lots of local bike shops or mountain biking clubs run "build a trail' community events. It is essential that the trail does not go on private property (unless permission is granted) or any National Park/ property. A good suggestion of places to build mountain bike trails is in 'Crown land' (public land owned by the Government that is not in use), or in other areas of land where the youth member has the landowners/local Government"s permission.

The youth member should consider:  Monthly weather averages for the area that the activity will occur in  Detailed information and notes on the different re-supply facilities that are on the proposed route  Alternate routes in case of bushfire  Road closure or other similar diversion creating event  Ensuring that the expedition members all have appropriate first aid training.

It is important to be able to perfect the posture, brake and gear shifter positions on the handlebar, understand the benefits and challenges that different seat positions and angles can have, whether or not the Scout should be using a 'dropper post', the differences between different kinds of frame, handlebar, fork and wheelset materials, and also how to change different bike deficiencies based on potential hot spots or soreness from the Stage 6 youth member.

Non-routine problems and/or repairs include:  needing to break the chain  where unique and specialist equipment can be stored on the bike in places that minimize interference (such as storing spare  spokes inside the seat post) adjusting wheel wobble  adjusting gear/cog shifting tension  working with hydraulic brakes

The youth member must have completed the Wilderness First Aid skill set. This can be through a course with an accredited provider or by other means, such as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through SAIT or other providers. For the purposes of the OAS, a Wilderness First Aid course consists of SIS training package's Wilderness First Aid skillset (SISSS00126), or its replacement:  HLTAID003 Provide first aid  SISOFLD004 Provide first aid in remote locations  SISXEMR002 Coordinate emergency responses.

The youth member should be demonstrating the use of hand signals, bright and reflective colours and clothes, trail markers and warning signs, whistles, knowing local trail rules and also how to express body language while riding.

The youth member should be a good mentor for a Stage 6 or below Scout, and assist them in understanding information about specialty tyre choice such as "standard' mountain bike tyres (1.95 – 2.5 inches), 'plus' tyres (2.8 – 3.25 inches), or 'fat tyres' (3.5 – 5 inches), combined with a wheelset rim size. Wheelsets come in 3 different sizes, in general. These are: 26inch  27.5inch/650b  29inch/700c Standard tyres have the positives of having shorter sidewalls, that are less likely to flex and cause 'pinch-flats" under hard cornering, are lightweight, and have much lower rolling resistance than other sizes. Plus tyres are not too much heavier than standard tyres, are able to handle more squirrely and unpredictable terrain with greater ease, and have a medium level of bounce. Fat tyres are massive and are able to be ridden comfortably through sandy conditions and desert terrain, are best to be used in water and ve mud heavy terrain and are incredibly stable. Clearly, the wider the tyre is, the heftier and less responsive it is to sudden direction changes, but the greater number of terrain types it can handle.

The youth member should be competent in risk mitigation in all situations, for all patrol members, on all rides. At Stage 8, the rides will be covering a greater distance than before and more difficult terrain, and so it is important that the youth member considers opening and closing times for shops and petrol stations that might be used for resupply etc.

The youth member should be able to effectively manage a difficult trail (Black Diamond Level). This is likely to be a challenging single trail with steep gradients, variable surfaces and lots of leaf litter and trail obstacles, and the width of the trail at times may be narrower than the handlebars. There will be steep ascents and descents, with unavoidable obstacles that require commitment such as logs, roots, rocks and drop offs.

The youth member should demonstrate smooth pedalling to ensure that the bike and rider are not 'surging' or changing pace within the group. Having a high cadence (when appropriate) allows the rider to adjust their speed slowly and smoothly. Keep alert at all times and wear bright clothing. Practice, practice, practice! There is no better way to understand how to ride in a Group, and how to have appropriate cadence than to be out there riding.

The youth member should work from the plan they developed above. Once all the preparations and permission requirements are in place, then it is time to build. Assemble a Project Patrol. Make sure that the materials that the team have are as sustainably & locally sourced and as natural as possible, to reduce impact on the local flora and fauna surrounding the trail. Make sure that the trail is smooth and 'flowing' in its layout, so that it feels natural to ride on without any sudden jerky movements. Ensure that any large obstacles are firmly in place, so that if a rider tries to ride over a boulder or log it will not roll away, shift, wobble or break and injure them. It is also important that there are trail markers placed throughout the trail, indicating the difficulty of the trail and which direction to follow. Finally, there needs to be weather proofing/continued riding proofing done to the trail, to make sure that it will last a long time. The first step in doing this is to compact all the ground on the trail, and any side walls, as best as possible. Make sure that when rain, wind, storm and hail come, it will not destroy the trail but flow over it in appropriate points without damaging the trail surface much. This can be achieved primarily through the way that the trial is laid out through the area, especially regarding the trails placement on hills or gullies. The most important and essential stage in ensuring that the trail built will last, and is quality, is to ride it, and ride it over and over. Get everyone in the building team to ride over all parts of the trail as soon as possible, to compact the ground further, build up positive riding lines and approaches, and also to test which parts of the trail do not work.

The youth member should discuss with the Stage 6 Scouts what skills they need assistance with and then determine an activity plan accordingly. The youth member should log these activities in their logbook indicating which skills were included in the sessions.

The youth member should be able to demonstrate cornering at high speeds using body weight manoeuvres, climbing steep ascents in an energy efficient manner, changing line using bunny hop and other advanced methods.

Guidance under development.

The youth member should be able to examine a mountain bike for defects, noting that mountain bikes have different common stress points when compared to a road bike or a hybrid bike. Primarily, this is due to the increased weight of a mountain bike, and how this weight is spread over a very different frame geometry to road bikes. Furthermore, mountain bikes are ridden in a much more 'stop-and-start' motion compared to other bikes and are also ridden through much rougher and damaging terrain. The most important areas for defects and failures to not occur in are the points from which the rider controls the speed and direction of the bike. These include the handlebars, the brakes, the seat and the pedals. These components can be damaged in an incident, and the rider may be aware of failure, or they can slowly degrade over time, in which case the rider will need to examine these components prior to riding. Common critical failure points include:  the seat/seatpost connection  the bottom bracket  the pedal/crank arm  the head tube (top of the forks)  the fork legs  the handlebar/stem connection  the brake levers

Guidance under development.

Guidance under development.

The youth member should keep their CPR and first aid course current, by updating CPR annually and redoing their first aid course every three years.

The youth member should plan these long-distance road rides using websites such as Google Earth, ridewithGPS.com, OpenStreetMap, or other trails/cycling websites. At this Stage a long-distance road ride should cover at least 200km with 1200 meters of elevation. If this ride goes over multiple days, then it should cover 250km and 1000m of elevation change per day and be unsupported as much as possible.

The youth member should ensure that all group members understand the distance and elevation that they will be riding, as well as the expected weather conditions, before they become involved with the long-distance route. Use appropriate risk management strategies and tools to determine and mitigate any risks. Consider the general risks that can occur while cycling, as well and route specific risks that may be more likely to happen due to the area(s) that the youth member will be cycling through.

The youth member should support the Stage 7 Scout through the risk identifying and mitigation of this activity, the general planning, and navigating the common pitfalls that occur when planning a trip. The youth member will act as a mentor to the Stage 7 Scout, and support them with building their trip planning skills.

The youth member should spend time determining which tube repair patch bonds most effectively with their tubes, and what sort of glue works best with their tubes and patches. Make sure that they have a compact high-volume pump that they can comfortably use to inflate two tyres one after the other, without getting a sore arm or wrist. As a general guide, a good repair kit has the following:  Patch kit (with enough good quality patches for at least 2 tubes)  Spare tube  Tyre levers (2)  Compact, high volume pump  Multitool that is matched to the nuts and bolts that are on the bike being ridden  Chain tool and spare chain links  Spoke tool  Spare spokes (inside seat tube)  Duct tape  Cable/zip ties  Lubricant

The youth member should be able to use all items in their personalised in-field repair kit with good skill and judgement by this Stage. They should be able to repair and/or provide stop-gap solutions to any reasonable in-field mechanical problem imposed on their bike and/or other bikes in the group.

The youth member should be able to teach other Scouts important skills such as:  chain breaking and repair  disassembling and tweaking different gear cassettes  rewiring the brakes and gears  lubricating different parts of the bike  proper judgement of when parts need to be repaired/replaced

The youth member should undertake one of the long distance rides they researched above. This ride should cover around 250km and 1000m of elevation change per day and be unsupported as much as possible. Important to note that this distance is the suggestion for road surface. If the road ride takes place on any mixed terrain or involves some gravel or poorly graded/surfaced roads then this distance should be adjusted to suit.

It is suggested that the youth member tries to ensure that these multi-day rides cover a range of distances and challenges so that different aspects of long-distance road cycling is experienced. Make sure to do a reflection on these rides, in the form of a journal or diary, a photo collection, or video, or something else entirely.

The youth member should be able to teach other Scouts cycle touring skills. Make sure the youth member finds out what the Stage 5, 6 & 7 Scout's current level of skills and knowledge are, and build on that skill. The youth member should ask for feedback from the Scouts on the sessions which will help the youth member improve their teaching skills.

The youth member should examine different leadership styles, and the situations in which opportunities for different leadership styles arose. Potentially they could discuss their leadership performance with other group members after the cycling activities.

The presentation should inspire and motivate, with the youth member talking about their accomplishment, their adventures, and their achievements. They could talk about the many kilometres they have covered in the saddle, the perfect cadence which they can now keep, the amazing personal fitness that they have built, and the accomplishments they have reached through this Outdoor Adventure Skill. What are the youth member's next goals?

The youth member should keep their CPR and first aid course current, by updating CPR annually and redoing their first aid course every three years.

The youth member should plan these mountain bike rides using websites such as Google Earth, ridewithGPS.com, OpenStreetMap, or other trails/cycling websites. At this Stage, the youth member should be able to easily undertake difficult (black diamond) routes, but they need to take into consideration the skills of the members of their Patrol.

The youth member should use the research in the above statement to plan and lead these activities whilst working on Stage 9. They should log these in their logbook and note their involvement, who was in the group, the terrain, weather conditions and a review of the activities.

The youth member should develop their plan taking into consideration that a long-distance mountain bike ride is probably best with minimal and lightweight gear, reducing aerodynamic drag and stress on the bike components. Mountain bikes are not dedicated touring bikes and are meant to be ridden by an averagely weighted human not a human and heavy touring gear, so adjustments and careful planning will be required. Over long distance many external factors are important to consider such as weather averages, re-supply points, how remote the trail is and how help can be summoned, and also what gear needs to be brought along to adequately repair bike components that may break

The youth member should be able to teach other Scouts important skills such as:  chain breaking and repair disassembling and tweaking different gear cassettes  rewiring the brakes and gears  lubricating different parts of the bike  proper judgement of when parts need to be repaired/replaced

The youth member should determine which of these disciplines they are most suited and comfortable with, and should accumulate at least 10 days across these disciplines at this Stage and log them in their logbook. The youth member is encouraged to branch out and develop skills and interests in multiple mountain biking disciplines.  Cross Country (XC) mountain biking is the most popular kind of mountain biking and involves primarily testing the rider's endurance and technical handling. Normally, an XC rider will ride a hardtail mountain bike with front suspension forks.  Enduro mountain biking is more adventurous than XC riding, and involves larger drops and jumps, and lots of fast steep climbs and descents. Normally, an Enduro rider will ride a dual suspension bike or a hardtail, with larger width tyres and front suspension forks that have more travel than standard mountain bikes, and will likely be wearing a full-face helmet, knee/arm pads, and a chest protector.  Downhill mountain biking is the most extreme of these three disciplines, and involves high speeds, extremely rough single track, large drops and jumps, and lots of trail obstacles. Normally, a Downhill rider will ride a dual suspension mountain bike with very large amounts of travel in the front and rear shocks, minimal gears, and a quite heavy frame. The rider will wear lots of protective gear due to the nature of the activity.

The youth member should be able to teach other Scouts mountain biking skills. Make sure the youth member finds out what the Stage 5, 6 & 7 Scout's current level of skills and knowledge are, and build on that skill. The youth member should ask for feedback from the Scouts on the sessions which will help the youth member improve their teaching skills.

This is about building on the skills developed in construction, maintenance and revamping of mountain bike trails discussed in a previous Stage. This requirement involves the youth member taking a very active, leading role in the development/maintenance or repair of the trail, rather than working as a team member.

The youth member should evaluate these items as two different kinds of activities, such as the leadership role played in the creation/maintenance of a mountain bike trail, as well as the leadership of the Group on a long-distance mountain bike ride.

The presentation should inspire and motivate, with the youth member talking about their accomplishment, their adventures, and their achievements. They could talk about the many kilometres that they have covered in the saddle, the perfect cadence which they can now keep, the amazing personal fitness that they have built, and the accomplishments they have reached through this Outdoor Adventure Skill. What are the youth member's next goals?