JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Some flats; throw in some sprints, add some climbs while enjoying the great outdoors, and you’ve got yourself a great cycling ride.
More than 140 U.S. Air Force cycling enthusiasts -- including personnel from Joint Base San Antonio -- spent a week cycling in the 46th Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Iowa, or RAGBRAI.
This year, the tour, which started with a parade of Air Force Cycling Team members through Onawa, Iowa, followed a 468-mile path and concluded in Davenport July 28.
The event is the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world, according to the RAGBRAI website. It started in 1973 as a six-day ride across Iowa by two Des Moines Register newspaper columnists who invited a few friends along.
The AFCT members have participated in the last 24 annual rides and serve as road and bike marshals, said Andrew Patterson, 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs photographer. Serving as marshals, requires riders to be able to bike the totality of the cycling tour and have vast knowledge in bike mechanics and basic lifesaving skills.
For some of the Texas-based riders, this was the first time they made the trek for the world-famous ride.
“This is an exciting time for them; to see their reactions and expressions as we tell stories from the past and what to expect on the trip is priceless,” Patterson said.
The seven-day ride averages anywhere from 40 to 70 miles on each leg. Stops along the way included Denison, Jefferson, Ames, Newton, Sigourney and Iowa City. Community members helped keep cyclists fueled by providing food and water along the journey. Shelter was also provided; local camp sites opened their grounds to riders as well as local churches. Some riders stayed with friends they have met over the years.
There were several stretches where endurance was put to the test when each rider traveled up climbing roads. The AFCT spent time along the route assisting with numerous bike repairs and medical emergencies, which are routine for cyclists who tackle RAGBRAI.
“We have all given to this ‘bigger than us’ event and have received something even bigger in return,” Patterson said. “It is truly humbling to hear and read some of the responses from them as to what my team has done for them.”
For more information on the Air Force cycling team, visit http://www.afcycling.com/