Troop 71 Spends Fourth of July Bicycling From Pittsburgh to DC

While most Bethelies were asleep at 4 a.m. Friday, members of the town’s Boy Scout Troop 71 were awake to start a 10 day cycling trip from Pittsburgh, Pa. to Washington D.C. 

According to trip coordinator Sherry Gaffney, at total of 12 boys scouts varying from ages 13-17 are traveling together with seven adults, including Troop Master Todd Mishalka.

“One part of the group is actually cycling from Pittsburgh, Pa. to Washington, D.C. and the other group is doing tours at national parks along the route that the cyclists are doing,” Gaffney explained.

Mishalka introduced the troop to cycling years ago, it being a passion of his. Every other year, the troop alternates going cycling and hiking.

“It’s an awesome group of kids and they get along well,” Michalka said. “The older ones really mentor the younger ones. They’re really excited to go.”

The cyclists are riding anywhere from 40-60 miles a day, carrying their gear, tents and food for when they stop to camp along the way. Along the total 350 mile trip, they’ll ride across the Great Allegany Passage, the Mason Dixon Line, connecting in Cumberland, MD and to the C&O Canal.

“The boys were also a big part of planning trip. Along the way, they’re also white water rafting and rock climbing,’ Gaffney said. “It’ll be a great adventure."

The younger troop members that aren’t cycling will learn about the Civil War, stopping at historical places such as the Antietam National Battlefield and Harpers Ferry.

“Connecticut units were at Antietam, so we try to bring it home and talk about the men that fought that didn’t live too far away from here (Bethel). It makes it more interesting and certainly more fun,” Gaffney said, “The scout master’s belief is to let them see it themselves, not just sit in a classroom, but to really get out there and here the stories.“