Wet Wet Wet Bikers...

Yesterday 7 of our lads braved the elements and joined us on a great adventure mountain biking in Glentress.



After a week of torrential rain, we had gone to great lengths to check that the roads hadn't been washed away, that the trails were in a rideable condition, and that we had all the appropriate gear with us. The lads were well warned to have tonnes of extra clothes with them, and they also had their swimming stuff... not for swimming in the puddles as one Cub thought, but for our back-up plan if the weather was too bad and we had to abandon ship!



It was a beautiful clear day in Glasgow when we set off... and it was still dry when we reached Glentress. But that was the calm before the storm!


We spent some time learning some basic skills of mountain biking in the skills park before splitting up into groups to tackle some more challenging terrain. It wasn't long before a few of the guys had mastered taking 'air' on some of the jumps in the freeride park. And while there were a few spectacular crashes, we got away with only a few scrapes and bruises, thank goodness!

As the day went on, the weather deteriorated. But after a round of hot drinks and some lunch, they were all up for more action despite the torrents of rain! So we continued...

Some of the lads played on the freeride park and the loops, while the others tackled electric blue... a nice wee downhill section with some sweet jumps and drop offs. They loved it, and couldn't wait to get back up to the top to do it all over again, and again, and again! Thanks to Nicola, we were shuttled back to the top in the van.

A couple of the younger Cubs decided to call it quits about 2ish, and they were happy to take refuge in the van once they were dried off! But the rest of the guys could barely be persuaded to stop for the day... even as dusk settled to become a pitch black night!

Great credit is due to all the guys for continuing to show such high spirits on what became a miserably wet day. I think there are a few true mountain bikers in the making here... and I think they've seen why mountain bikers all wear shorts, whatever the weather!

There were a few Cyclist Badges earned, and these will be given out next time we have a Pack Meeting... and you've all added another 'hike away' to your tally. Some of you were given a Fitness Challenge form to complete this badge too.




A huge thank you is due to all our adult helpers... Nicola, Ali, Stuart, Rose... I really couldn't have done it without you. Thank you.


And finally, thank you to the Allander Youth Activities Charitable Trust for funding the vast majority of this trip for each of our young lads. It is really great that these 7 kids have had the opportunity to see that there is more to do on a wet Saturday than play on their computers! Keeping fit and having fun... thank you.



Remember that next week is the Sponsored Night Hike... please remind your Cubs to keep collecting sponsorship... if they need another form they can download one here. If they've not yet signed up and would like to attend then parents should send me a text so I know to expect them. Please post a permission form to me if you've not yet completed one.


There are prizes for the Cubs who raise the most sponsorship money... so keep collecting. Return the sponsor forms and money on Friday 11th December.

Panto trip

Thanks to Jacquie, one of our new leaders, we are lucky enough to be able to attend the Tron Theatre Panto as a Group this year... we are going to go on Tuesday the 15th of December. We will be at the 7.30pm performance, and Cubs should meet at the enterance of the Tron Theatre at 7pm. Cubs who will be attending paid for their place on Friday 13th Nov.


You don't need to bring anything with you, but please wear your Full Cub Uniform. Thanks.

Check out more details of the panto on the Tron's Website...

Chef's Badge Cook Off!

Four of our lads came to the Scout Hall this Monday to have a Cook Off...

They cooked a chicken tikka masala and an apple crumble from scratch. They all had a taster, and got the chance to take a portion home to show their families what they can do!

A great time was had by all... and the lads certainly learnt a few things about cooking.

There have been a few requests for the recipes... I don't have the apple crumple one yet, but here is the chicken tikka masala... it's really quite easy and is very tasty!

Each of the lads have earned themselves a Chef's Badge - well done!

Cyclocross Success...

Six of our Cubs headed up to Mugdock Country Park this Sunday to take part in the Scottish Cyclocross race. The lads were understandably nervous about taking part... will we, won't we... But after the slight hitch where we thought we'd missed the race all together... they lined up just in time for the starting pistol...

...and they were off. All of them plucked up the courage to take part. The muddy track made for a few spectacular pile-ups at the start of the race... but they were soon all under way again.

The Cubs were racing against some 'pros' in this category... but they all did really well and had a great time. We definitely have some budding bikers in our Group!

We had our own rides too, through the forest trails in the area... and yes, they certainly were muddy... so the event lived up to it's name of a "Muddy Bike Ride"!

So before our toes fell off from frostbite, we headed for the cafe... hot chocolate and warm blackcurrant were the order of the day... and the very kind lady in the cafe gave us a pile of doughnuts for the lads on the house! Thanks!

Don't lick your lips... or your fingers...

And for a finale, a quick round of "Fluffy Bunny" with satsumas... we think that KS has actually turned into a hamster... or is it a bunny!?

Everyone who attended has earned themselves another "hike away" to add to their tally.

Remember to sign up early for the Mountain Biking day-trip to Glentress on Sat 21st November... the permission form can be downloaded, printed, and returned to Spud. This activity is heavily subsidised this time to encourage everyone to take part... it costs around £35 per child to run the activity... but we are charging only £5 per child thanks to subsidy from the Allander Trust, and our Group funds.

Navigators Hike

A wee group of us went for a hike in the Campsies this weekend... in typical Scottish Hills fasion, we were blessed with beautiful blue skies one minute, and dark black clouds the next!

The lads all had fun though, and they all earned their Map Reader's Badge, as well as another Hike Away for their tally.

One of our new leaders, Luca, braved it with us! We all got a great view over the city while it was clear. Well done to all the guys who took part!

Information Technology Badge Night...

This week at Cubs, our lads will work towards their IT badge. Some kids have already brought a poster about Scouting that they've made on their computers... these lads will complete earning their badge tonight. For the others, once you bring in a poster like this, you too will earn your IT badge.

There are lots of announcements for next term, which is due to be an exciting one at Cubs! Each Cub will get a letter and some permission forms for the activities on offer next term... you can download a copy of the letter or the forms from the links on the right hand side-bar of the website...

Text a reply required this weekend please…

Is your Cub interested in a weekend of mountain biking in Glentress?

I’m thinking of organising a trip away (Sat 21st & Sun 22nd Nov), staying overnight in a bothy (a cross between camping and hostelling… dry, warm and unusual!), and taking in a full day of mountain biking in Glentress as well as some other activities. The subsidised cost would be £40 per child. I need to know whether to organise this or not… so please can you text me this weekend stating “yes”, “maybe”, or “no thanks” with your child’s name.

Cyclocross Race & Muddy Bike Ride

The permission form for this event needs to be with me by October 16th (while Cubs are still on holiday), so please post it to me as soon as possible.

Badges Challenge

Lots of the Cubs have earned their Personal Safety, IT, and Creative Challenge badges this term. For the Cubs who haven’t yet brought in a model or a poster about Scouting made on a computer… bring these in next term to complete the badges.

Next term, the focus will be the Global Challenge, Chef’s and Swimmer’s badges.

Activities Next Term

I’ve sent each Cub away with an Events Diary and a set of permission forms for the activities. Please return the forms as early as possible to secure your Cub a place… why not do it now, then it’s done! If your child doesn’t have a Glasgow Kidz Card, apply for one now… so they have it in time for the swimming (see link on our website).

New Leaders

As you know, I’ve been recruiting new Leaders and Assistants over the last few months. Our team now consists of Spud, Graham, Katie, Jacquie, Jo, Nicola, Alex, Luca, Claire, Fraser, Chris and Neil. I’m sure you’ll continue to support us all in our roles.

Updating Our Records

I’m still waiting for a few “Update of Cub Membership Details and Consents” forms. I’ve given a copy to the Cubs who this applies to. Please complete it and post it directly to me.

Cost of Activities

If you feel your Cub cannot attend any activity or event due to the cost, please discuss this with Graham or Spud. We’ll see what can be arranged!

Bikers and their BBQ...

A group of our lads did really well when they took part in the (not-so) Muddy Bike Ride on Saturday... The weather was great, but that did mean there wasn't much mud to play in!!


The guys cycled from Summerston to Pollok Park... which is over 10 miles! They discovered a route that kept them on cycle-paths almost the whole way there... with bridges crossing the Express-way, the River Clyde, and then the M8...




Once we reached Pollok Park, there was a chance to explore the mountain biking trails... there are short green, blue and red graded trails. The lads enjoyed playing on these while Chewbacca and Yoda cooked the BBQ tea.



A big thank-you goes to all the helpers (Stuart, Chewbacca, Yoda and Spud), and to the parents who helped with transporting the bikes back.

Finally, a special Well Done goes to the one lad (you know who you are!) who rode the first 5 miles without complaint, but to all intent and purposes with the brakes on! I'm glad you enjoyed it once the problem was fixed!

Parents and Cubs, please remember there is no meeting next week (25th Sept) due to the School Holiday. Cubs will be meeting as usual on Friday 2nd October. This will be the last week that Cubs are invited to bring their models and posters for the Creative Challenge badge. Any Cub who has not yet done either (or both) should bring these with them on 2nd October.

Thanks, Spud.