Martha's Vineyard received its name from European explorer Bartholomew Gosnold. The island is named for Gosnold's daughter, Martha, and the numerous wild grapevines that he noticed during his visit there in 1602. Almost four centuries later, Troop 89 will explore this same island four miles off the Massachusetts mainland during its 1999 Bike Trip. In fact, this year will mark the fifth or sixth time the troop has held its annual Bike Trip on Martha's Vineyard since the Bike Trip debuted in 1983.

The challenge of this and every Bike Trip is transporting the bicycles and gear to the campsite, especially when the campsite is on an island. Troop 89 accomplishes this by renting a large truck, loading bikes and gear onto the truck, and shipping the truck to the island by ferry. LIKE LAST YEAR, THE LOADING OF THE TRUCK WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SCOUTHOUSE BETWEEN 6:30 PM AND 7:00 PM ON FRIDAY NIGHT, 14 MAY 1999. SCOUTS MUST BRING ALL PERSONAL GEAR ON FRIDAY NIGHT. IN ADDITION, PATROLS WILL NEED TO DELIVER ALL FOOD, INCLUDING ALL PERISHABLE FOOD PACKED IN ICE, AT THIS TIME. THERE WILL BE NO ACCESS TO THE TRUCK SATURDAY MORNING UNTIL IT ARRIVES ON THE ISLAND. Scouts should unload their equipment where instructed in front of the Scouthouse. After unloading, parents should move their cars to a nearby parking lot to provide room for other arrivals. Scouts will be instructed where to move their bikes and gear before leaving.

ALL SCOUTS AND ADULTS SHOULD BE AT THE SCOUTHOUSE AT 6:30 AM SATURDAY MORNING, 15 MAY 1999; WE NEED TO LEAVE BEFORE 7:00 AM. BECAUSE THE FERRY WILL LEAVE WITH OR WITHOUT US, WE MUST LEAVE ON TIME; SCOUTS WHO DO NOT ARRIVE AT THE SCOUTHOUSE ON TIME RISK BEING LEFT BEHIND. Scouts should carry a light jacket with them as the ferry ride may prove to be a cold one. Scouts should also be sure to eat breakfast before leaving home; this meal will not be provided.

We expect to arrive back at the Scouthouse at around 6:00 PM on Sunday, 16 May 1999. PARENTS SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE SCOUTHOUSE AT 6:30 PM ON SUNDAY. The troop equipment policy requires that all Scouts check-in their tent and patrol equipment at the Scouthouse. Each piece of equipment will be inspected, and, if not clean, the patrol members will properly clean such at that time. Tents will be unpacked, inventoried, checked, and, if wet, will be hung to dry in the attic, or, if dry, will be properly checked-in and stored appropriately. In addition, patrols and tent occupants will be responsible for repair or replacement costs of missing or damaged equipment. After each patrol’s equipment and tents have been checked-in and approved, the patrol members will be dismissed. Scouts will then need to load their bikes and equipment into their parents’ cars. The check-in process should take about an hour, so most Scouts should be ready to head home by 7:00 PM.

This is a Bike Trip and, naturally, ALL SCOUTS SHOULD BE SURE THAT THEIR BICYCLES ARE IN GOOD, WORKING ORDER. Bicycles should be of the multiple gear/speed variety as their are some challenging hills on this island. All trails are paved, so cross country and off-road bikes both work well. Each rider should have some provision for carrying water, such as a bike-mounted water bottle, which is thoroughly cleaned out before leaving Medfield. A knapsack, "fanny" pack, or bike mounted bag will also be necessary to hold lunches, jackets, etc. Most important is the BIKE HELMET - NO SCOUT WILL BE PERMITTED TO RIDE WITHOUT ONE!

The weather on Martha's Vineyard in May is generally mild, but may be on the cool side, especially near the water. Wind and rain can make things even colder. Nights are still likely to be chilly, but should not be "Polar Bear" cold. The key to keeping warm during the day is to realize that you will naturally warm up while riding your bike, but will cool down quickly when you stop. Also, keep in mind that we ride, rain or shine, so be prepared. Basically, shorts and a T-shirt are recommended for riding. Bring a light, weatherproof windbreaker that you can pack away on your bike while riding and wear if it should get cold or wet. Of course, heavy, warmer clothing is recommended at the campsite - especially after dark. Because tick season is starting on Martha's Vineyard, Lyme Disease can be a concern; Scouts should have insect or tick repellent with DEET available and should use it appropriately. Finally, please try to pack as compact as possible as there is limited room on the truck. A personal equipment checklist for this trip is as follows:

___ bicycle helmet
___ bicycle (multi-speed cross country or multi-speed off-road/mountain)
___ canteen or water bottle (preferably bike mounted)
___ lightweight knapsack, "fanny" pack, or bike mounted bag
___ sleeping bag (winter, or summer with one (1) blanket)
___ pillow
___ ground cloth or pad
___ flashlight with extra batteries
___ duffel bag or back pack
___ plastic trash bags
___ hiking boots or equivalent
___ sneakers
___ socks (3-4 pairs)
___ long pants (1-2)
___ long sleeve shirt (1-2)
___ T-shirt (2-3)
___ sweatshirt or sweater (1-2)
___ light-weight jacket (carry this with you for the ferry ride)
___ poncho, light raincoat, or other weatherproof jacket
___ underwear (1 or 2)
___ pajama or other sleepwear (sweat suit)
___ towel
___ brush/comb
___ toothbrush and tooth paste
___ personal basic first aid kit (small)
___ insect (tick) repellent with DEET
___ Scout Handbook
___ shampoo (optional-shower facilities may be available)
___ Troop hat / Norwich hat (optional)
___ compass (optional)
___ jackknife (optional - usage requires Totin' Chip card)
___ $10.00 spending money (optional)

Have a great time on the Martha's Vineyard Bike Trip!