Troop 65 from Chicago makes its way toward Staunton on Wednesday, August 1.

STAUNTON - The city of Staunton rolled out the welcome mat for some weary visitors from Chicago on their way to St. Louis last week.

Boy Scout Troop 65 of Chicago has been riding their bicycles from Chicago to St. Louis, stopping at local towns along the way to rest up. Five of the scouts and four of the scout leaders rode their bikes from the Windy City, with another scout leader pulling their trailer along behind them.

The scouts were greeted by the Staunton Fire and Police departments Wednesday, who escorted the troop to Duda Gardens.

After resting up for a bit, the troop was taken to the Staunton Country Club, where they enjoyed some relaxing swimming and barbecuing. Local scouts from the troop in Staunton spent the day with the boys as they enjoyed the town's hospitality.

The troop then headed over to John and Ruth Caldieraro's house for barbecue and to set up their tents to rest up for the next leg of their journey.

The troop sets out on this bike tour every three to four years, riding from Chicago to the arch in St. Louis. The scouts prepare for this long journey by riding four nights a week in the weeks before.

Troop 65 was very impressed with the city of Staunton. They were pleased with the warm welcome they received from residents and fellow scouts. They said that Staunton was one of the few towns they had visited so far to actually prepare a big welcome for them.

The scouts set out the next morning at around 5 a.m., with residents wishing them well on the rest of their journey. See photos on page 3.