Eglin cyclists ride across Iowa

Published Sept. 8, 2010
By Samuel King Jr.
Team Eglin Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Men and women from Eglin joined thousands of bicyclists for the Des Moines (Iowa) Register's 38th Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, better known by the cyclists as RAGBRAI.

RAGBRAI, the oldest and largest recognized non-competitive bicycle ride in the nation, attracts over 10,000 riders from around the world every year. The ride historically begins on the west coast of the Iowa border, where riders dip their back wheel into the Missouri River. Riders then begin a seven-day journey through several small towns across Iowa until they reach the east coast of Iowa, where they dip their front wheel into the Mississippi River.

Eglin's group of six made of personnel from Air Force Research Lab and Air Armament Center made the journey to enjoy the ride.

For one rider, this year marked her 10th time participating.

"Knowing the ride is coming up each year is motivation to train year-round," said Maj. Gerri Kail. "We ride an average of 70 miles a day for seven days. You can't just go out and do that without training."

Eglin riders have participated in the RAGBRAI event for the last 16 years. For 1st Lt. Caroline New, Air Force Research Lab, this was her second year riding.

"One of my friends rode in 2008 and really enjoyed it," she said. "When spots opened up on the Eglin team (in 2009) I jumped at the chance to ride. Then I rode again this year."
All of the Eglin riders completed the ride.

Eglin riders were: Dr. TJ Klausutis; Major Kail; Lieutenant New, Timothy Mack, Kevin and Mark Swenson.

For more information on Air Force cycling click here. www.airforcecyclingteam.com.

The Air Force cycling team is open to all active duty and Air National Guard Airmen and their family. Registration for next year's RAGBRAI will open at the end of the year at airforcecyclingteam.com. A registration fee is required.