SCOUTS FROM Troop 131, from left, Ryan Schaub, Andy Sleder, Henry Heitman and Erik Halvorsen share the joy of completing a 50-mile bicycle ride last week to earn their cycling merit badge. Four Boy Scouts from Suttons Bay Troop 131 completed a 50-mile bike ride last week to fulfill requirements for their cycling merit badge.

The quartet — 11-year-olds Erik Halvorsen and Henry Heitman, along with 14-year-old Ryan Schaub and 15-year-old Andy Sleder — started in Suttons Bay at the north end of the Leelanau Trail.

They rode through morning rain showers on July 25 on newly paved section in Bingham Township, south to Traverse City.

After a brief stop at the Farmers Market, they continued in the light rain, ending up at Bunker Hill Road.

The saddle-weary Scouts stopped for lunch at the Traverse City Civic Center before making the return trip to Suttons Bay.

One of the Troops’ newest members, 11-year-old Micah Thoreson completed 30 miles of the same journey before calling it a day.

ONE OF the riders shows the pride of the Boy Scouts Troop 131 on the sleeve of his shirt. The cycling merit badge requirements also included two 25-mile rides, two 15-mile rids and two 10-mile rides.

In addition, the Scouts are required to show an understanding of bicycle maintenance, principles of safe bicycle operation, and first aid for cycle related injuries and illnesses, according to Bill Heitman, Scoutmaster of Troop 131.

Troop 131 plans to make the 50-mile an annual event.

“The newly completed paving of the Leelanau Trail gives everyone a safe, scenic route to ride,” Heitman said.

SCOUTS FROM Troop 131 are shown at the start of their 50-mile bicycle ride last week. They are, from left, Micah Thoreson, Erik Halvorsen, Henry Heitman, Andy Sleder and Ryan Schaub.