RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
An opportunity to enjoy a social outing and the stimulus of competition make the Rambler 120 team challenge appealing to some Airmen. Sign-up has begun for the 3rd annual Rambler 120, set for Oct. 18 at Canyon Lake.
Officially a triathlon, the Rambler 120 is an endurance event that features teams made up of four participants for the "Xtreme" division and teams of five-to-eight people in the "relay" division. It features biking, rafting, running, plus a mystery category.
"It's a well-run event for all participants and it's a blast," said Col. Tim Hanson, Headquarters Recruiting Services, Chief of Strategic Communications and part of the co-ed Xtreme team that took first place last year.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place for all-male teams, all-female teams and co-ed entrees in the Xtreme and relay divisions.
In its first year, the event had 199 participants. Last year there were 236, said Steve Knechtel, 12th Services Division and this year's Rambler 120 project officer.
Mr. Kenechtel said the event is popular with military non-military people alike.
"Non-military team members must simply be sponsored by a military person who is also on the team," Mr. Knechtel said. "It is not limited to Randolph, either. I've sent information to nine other military installations including Fort Sam Houston. I've talked with people who were from as far away as Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, TX, and Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX, so there is interest out there."
A 22-mile bicycle ride is one grueling aspect of the Rambler 120, along with a six-mile run. A two-mile rafting soiree will also test participants and there is always the mystery event for teams to deal with.
"We had tires that were part of the first year's Rambler 120," Mr. Knechtel said. "The tire signified your buddy and nobody was allowed to leave their buddy behind. They put the tires in their boats and spent time loading, unloading and rolling them as part of the competition."
Last year's Rambler 120 featured a roping competition, when people had to rope a simulated steer's head from a set distance. This year's mystery event will be announced the day of the competition.
Though it's mantra has always been, "rain or shine," the Rambler 120, to date, has never been affected by inclement weather. The event will begin at 7 a.m. and various phases of the competition will take place both on and off the Randolph Recreation Area grounds.
"I'm not a biker, I'm more of a runner," Colonel Hanson said. "The biking is a tough, hilly course and the paddling part can be tough depending on how strong the wind is blowing. It's very competitive and everyone has a really good time. All-in-all, it's just a really fun event."
Cost to enter is $100 per team and applications are being accepted through Sept. 26 at the Rambler Fitness Center on Randolph. Those interested in competing can register online at www.servicesatrandolph.com and more information can be obtained by calling 652-6508.
Entry forms may be picked up at the fitness center or the Information, Tickets and Tours office in Bldg. 897.