Published: October 14, 2009 10:26 pm      

Troop 9 cycles along the Longleaf Trace

from staff reports



Boy Scouts of America Troop 9, sponsored by Highland Baptist Church, recently biked 50 miles on the Longleaf Trace.

The trail is an abandoned railroad converted to a paved biking trail that runs from the University of Southern Mississippi's campus in Hattiesburg to Prentiss.

A total of 14 Scouts earned their 50 Miler Award as they biked through the towns of Sumrall, Bassfield, Carson, Prentiss, and several other small communities.

To earn Scouting's 50 miler award, Scouts must hike, canoe, bike, or ride horseback 50 miles while on a Scout outing. They also must do a service project while on the trip.

While on the Longleaf Trace, Troop 9 Scouts cleaned up one of the trail's check point areas by mowing, raking, weed-eating, and picking up trash.

"It has been some time since our Troop has attempted a 50 miler and the Scouts really did a great job pushing themselves to achieve it," said Mike Purvis, Scoutmaster.

Scout Ian Perry said: "At mile 25 I was really tired and all I could think of was I was only half done. Part of me wanted to quit but when I finished I felt really good even though I was exhausted. I realized I had accomplished a lot."

Steve Corey, Scoutmaster, said this was the second trip of the year for the Scouts, and that they enjoyed it.

"These biking campouts can apply toward camping or cycling merit badges, Scouting's distance awards or to a Scout's second class rank advancement," Corey said.