Barksdale cyclists go the distance

Published July 30, 2010
By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DUBUQUE, Iowa -- Members of the Barksdale Air Force Base Cycling Team pedaled across the state of Iowa during the Registers Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa July 25-31.

The RAGBRAI is a seven-day Iowan tradition that began more than 35 years ago when two staff members of the Des Moines Register rode their bicycles across their home state. Starting on Iowa's western edge, the RAGBRAI's route changes each year through plains and rolling hills. During that time the Air Force Cycling Team has participated in 16 RAGBRAIs.

The AFCT's participation is due in part to the current operations tempo which requires all Airmen be fit to fight. The RAGBRAI ranges an average of 70 to 90 miles each day with some day's total feet of climb exceeding 5,000 feet. This year the total mileage was more than 440 miles and more than 14,000 feet of climb.

"Being fit to fight is so important out here," said two-year RAGBRAI participant Senior Airman Kristen Horton, 2d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "Not only is the ride physically demanding but we need to be the picturesque military member because while we are out here we represent the military to the people of Iowa."

While fit to fight is a driving factor in the team's RAGBRAI participation, the primary mission of the AFCT's presence in Iowa is Air Force recruiting as part of the "We Are All Recruiters" program.

"Our mission here is really important," said Senior Master Sgt. Alex Wilkins, 917th Maintenance Operations Squadron flight chief and four-time RAGBRAI veteran. "A lot of people don't understand what we do in the Air Force, they see planes and many of them think that we're all pilots. People who aren't exposed to the military don't know there are hundreds of jobs that go into making those planes fly."

Each day, every cyclist fills their jersey with mini footballs and pencils adorned with the Air Force logo to hand out to children along the route. Their mission is to talk to as many people as they can along the way and tell them about the Air Force and the opportunities it offers. Whether it's a fellow rider along the way or a friendly native Iowan who served them a cold drink, the Air Force is always the chosen topic of discussion.

"Every day, our goal is to be seen by the public and to get the Air Force name out there," said Airman Horton. "We are highly encouraged to stop and help people on the side of the road with flat tires and broken chains - it's important for the nation to know they can count on us if they need help - for a few people, seeing Airmen helping out at RAGBRAI is what encourages them to become part of the Air Force."

While the team is out pounding the pavement each day and telling the people of Iowa about the Air Force, their support crew works behind the scenes to make the journey across the state as seamless as possible.

The job of the support crew is to drive the vehicles and trailers from one overnight town to the next. Once they arrive in the next location, the crew busily begins setting up tents, buying groceries, ensuring coolers are stocked with cold drinks, and finding the scoop on where the cheapest showers can be found.

Airman Horton says the Barksdale team would be unable to carry out their mission if it wasn't for their support crew.

"Support is everything to us, this whole event couldn't happen without them," she said. "To me, the support crew's role is more important than that of the riders, we wouldn't get anywhere without our personal stuff, our recruiting 'swag' and all of our in-camp food. They really are our right hand."

Through wind, rain, cold and flat tires the AFCT rolled through the countryside of Iowa spreading the word about the Air Force, many of the team will attest that the experience of RAGBRAI is worth any drawbacks. Whether it's the enthusiastic cyclists riding in costume, the hometown hospitality of the locals or simply RAGBRAI's famous pies and pork chops, the Barksdale team veterans continue to return year after year.

"I love being out here at RAGBRAI because the ride is always different and challenging -- the hills are great because they really separate the men apart from the crowd," said Sergeant Wilkins. "Everyone who comes out year after year always brings a really great attitude and team spirit, which makes the experience that much better."

For more information about RAGBRAI visit www.ragbrai.org.