JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Despite forecasts of rain and wind, more than 150 members of Joint Base San Antonio came together Oct. 13 to compete in the annual Rambler 120 at the JBSA Recreation Area at Canyon Lake, Texas.
The Rambler 120, which began in 2006, is composed of a 6-mile run, 22-mile bike ride and 2-mile raft race as well as a mystery event, which was sorting out marbles by color this year.
“The primary purpose of Rambler 120 is to promote teamwork, competition, and fun,” said Shelta Reese, 502d Force Support Squadron marketing and special community events director.
Participants were able to compete individually or as teams. There were two kinds of teams: four-person "Xtreme" teams and four- to eight-person relay teams. There were all-male, all-female and coed categories along with a category for individual competitors.
“It was a little intimidating … and the weather forecast was a downer, but it wasn’t too bad,” said retired Navy Lt. Col. Clark Hickingbottom. “I think it was good as it could possibly be.”
Both he and his spouse, Charlotte Hickingbottom, praised how the event organizers ensured the safety of participants, including having a plan in the case of lighting and for biking on the roads.
“I am terrified of riding on the road, so riding with other cars is really scary, but actually ended up being ok because of the great officials and the people around me kept me feeling good,” she said
For Capt. William Hawkins, Air Force Personal Center engineering assignments officer, the best part of the biking portion, however, he and Clark shared feeling in regards to the boating.
“The hardest part was definitely the rowing, and fighting the wind and waves,” he elaborated.
Overall, upon the event’s conclusion the participants shared the same sentiments.
“It was a great event,” Hawkins said. “You can tell that a lot of people put a lot of hard work into it.”
“It was great and a lot of fun,” added Capt. Gabriel Denny, AFPC finance assignments officer and Hawkins’s teammate in the Rambler 120. “I will be out here next year. It was a good time.”