RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Athletes who won gold medals for prowess in running, biking and paddling in last year's Rambler 120 Team Challenge are training again, because this year's Rambler 120 is scheduled for October 17 at 7 a.m. at Canyon Lake Recreation Park.
Steve Knechtel, 12th Force Support Squadron chief of Randolph community programs, said his goal this year is to have 50 teams signed up for the one-day triathlon. This event is designed to challenge male, female and coed four-person Xtreme teams and eight-person relay teams to three physically demanding, sporting activities.
First comes a 22-mile bike race on a course through the hill country roads to the north of Canyon Lake. This year, Mr. Knechtel explained there are no restrictions on the type of bike used in the race. Next comes a six-mile run across Canyon Lake Dam and third, there's a two-mile raft race from Jacobs Creek Park back to Randolph's Canyon Lake Recreation Park.
Finally- just for fun - a Rambler 120 tradition adds a fourth "mystery event" that is thrown into the mix as an added hurdle to keep racers on their toes.
Mr. Knechtel added if potential participants are looking for a team to join up with, he already has a pool interested athletes needing teammates.
Tech. Sgt. Carlo Franco, 37th Training Wing, Lackland AFB, said he and his seven teammates on last year's gold-winning "Best Overall Relay Team" - an all-male group called "Monkey Power" -- attributed their win to the way team members pushed each other to their limits.
Monkey Power, entering this year with a roster of eight affected by Permanent Change of Station moves, trained for last year's event by biking together as a team. They trained for the six-mile run individually.
"We found that running and rowing were our strengths as a team, so we concentrated on the bike, which paid off," he said.
Sergeant Franco said for this year's Rambler 120 competition, several of his team members are new, so they're rowing together to build teamwork. He suggested from experience that new Rambler 120 teams should practice the course before the race.
"That helps you get an idea of what to expect," he added."Make sure your equipment has been checked and is working properly. Plus, fuel is important, so make sure you eat and hydrate well before and during the event."
Maj. Stephen Frank, Air Force Personnel Center EA-6 Assignments officer of the best overall Xtreme team - the "Flesh Peddlers"--cited teamwork, a good attitude, and pre-race training as the reasons why his team won the gold, finishing with a time of 2:19:47.
My team took their individual training regimens seriously, he said, and didn't wait until the last minute to train."We focused on making sure we were ready for the run and the bike months out."
"Most of the members on our team had competed in several individual triathlons, bike races and running races in the summer," Major Frank said. "We never got together until race day."
The major, who competes in several individual triathlons and rides his bike often as he trains individually for this year's race, had some advice for race newbies.
"Have a plan for all your 'what if's'-- from a flat tire to a busted oar, what are you going to do when things don't go exactly right? Be ready for anything and everything at the most inopportune time and have fun - it's a great race!"
For interested race competitors, entry forms may be picked up at the Rambler Fitness Center, ITT and online at www.randolphfss.com (under Upcoming Events). The entry fee is $100 per team and awards are presented to the top three teams in each division.
Participants can turn in their entry form at ITT, where teams may pay with cash, credit cards or a check made out to ITT. Additionally, Mr. Knechtel will accept completed entry forms and either cash or checks. They may also be mailed to him at the 12th FSS/FSCP, 415 B St. East, Randolph AFB, TX 78150.
For more information, contact Mr. Knechtel at 652-6508 or through e-mail at stephen.knechtel@randolph.af.mil.