Representing the Air Force 418 miles across Iowa

by Staff Sgt. Amber R. Kelly-Herard
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

7/22/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.  -- The Air Mobility Command Director of Operations changes his uniform and office location to take part in the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa July 20.

Maj. Gen. Scott Hanson, riding with the Scott Air Force Base Team, will join the Air Force Cycling Team, composed of 126 riders and 14 support crew members, to represent the Air Force among 8,500 riders.

RAGBRAI began in 1973, when a few friends decided to casually ride their bikes across Iowa. Since then the non-competitive bicycle ride from west to east across Iowa, organized by The Des Moines Register, has become the oldest and largest bike touring event in the world.

"I'm fortunate to participate in such a great event that allows me to represent our nation's Air Force while reuniting with my home state of Iowa and its wonderful people," said Hanson. "Taking part in RAGBRAI will truly make this an amazing homecoming."

In its 42nd year, RAGBRAI will start in Rock Valley and end six days and 418 miles later in Guttenberg. As daunting as that sounds, it is RAGBRAI's third-shortest route and second-flattest route, with a total of 11,316 feet of climbing.

"In addition to riding, we serve as Air Force ambassadors because we look for riders with bicycle issues, and we'll stop to help them get going again," Hanson said. "We also have a large amount of Air Force gear to hand out along the way."

Riders come from all over the world, so for some bicyclist this may be their first impression of the Air Force. Additionally, there will be time for riders to interact at each stop to share the Air Force story with those communities.

"About two months ago, we really kicked our training in gear and started riding about 75 to 100 miles a week," said Maj. Jeff Quick, Scott AFB Team lead. "Nothing can really prepare you for what the experience is going to be like, but we have a great team who is anxious to get out there and help the other riders."

This is also the Air Force Cycling Team's 20th anniversary. The team will wear two different types of uniforms this year to commemorate this milestone.

Through the We Are All Recruiters program, Airmen may be granted permissive TDY status to participate in events that enhance the recruiting mission. This enables members of the Air Force Cycling Team to participate in RAGBRAI.