Maintainers promote Air Force with pedal power Published July 17, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Mark Orders-Woempner 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- The exciting life of an Airman can go anywhere. Many Airmen find themselves in places like Guam, Turkey, or Iraq.....Iowa. For two of Grissom's maintainers, their Air Force journey is taking them to "Tall Corn State" as they prepare to participate in the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa as part of an official Air Force team. Senior Master Sgt. Richard Scully, 434th Maintenance Group quality assurance technician, participated in the race last year, and is taking his colleague and riding buddy, Tech. Sgt. Mark Wilson, 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, with him. The two said they loved bike riding as kids, but stopped as they grew older. It wasn't until five years ago, when watching the Tour de France, the two maintainers decided to hit the road again. "We were working together and started talking about the Tour de France and how amazing those guys were," said Sergeant Scully. "Next thing you know, we went out and bought bikes and were riding 12 miles together." Five years later, the two find themselves as part of a 125 man team riding 497 miles over a six-day period. "This team is diverse, there are civilians, active duty, Reserve and Guard," said Sergeant Wilson. "There are people from all ages." "This year I'm really looking forward to riding with someone from Grissom," said Sergeant Scully. "Last year I was worried about finishing, but now I know I can, so this year I can enjoy more." The ride is more than a typical bicycle race or marathon for the participants, he added. "It's not really a race, it's more of a tour," said Sergeant Scully. "It's really a great event. A lot of the towns get behind it and have annual festivals for it." Not only will the Maintainers be riding along with many other Airmen, the Air Force is sending a team of support people that will help blaze the trail for the bikers. "They take all the equipment to the next town and put signs up to show us where we are going to stay," said Sergeant Scully. "They are a big support because when we get to a town we can focus on meeting the people and then kick back and relax." While both riders said having logistical support is a big help, they both said they were excited about being part of the team for many other reasons. "Being a part of a team like this provides not only logistical support, but also moral support," said Sergeant Wilson. "You're going to have rough days, but when those come, you will have guys that are encouraging you." Sergeant Scully said he is excited about being a part of the team because of one of the teams, major goals. "The Air Force's team is more of a public relations team, and our goal is to talk to people while we're riding," he said. "It's a great chance for us to just go out and be with the people. Last year they estimated that there were 20,000 people on the road." The biking community is diverse, but often people just think of the military as just the military, a faceless organization, said the sergeant. The Air Force bike team in the RAGBRAI adds as face to the military and shows them a different side." "We're just everyday people; we have families and we work, and yes, we are military, but we are just normal people," said Sergeant Wilson. "We are just typical people with a not-so-typical job." Because the team is representing the Air Force, they have to maintain a certain discipline and mindset, said Sergeant Scully. "I think you have to think of yourself as an ambassador in order to represent the Air Force properly," he said. "When you put on that cycling uniform everyday, one of the team rules is that you treat it as your military uniform." Not only does the team have to respect their uniform, they also have certain guidelines that promote the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. "We make it a point that if someone has a flat tire or an accident that we stop and make sure everyone is ok and they have the equipment necessary to get back in the race," said Sergeant Scully. "It's just the right thing to do." Participating in this event not only provides the riders with the ability to live out the core values, it also allows them to stay healthy and fit to fight. "As far as cardio, it's one of the best activities you can do," said Sergeant Scully. "After training for this event, I weigh 15 pounds less, and my cholesterol went down 30 points," said Sergeant Wilson. "It's really great exercise." Both Airmen recommend bicycle riding for anyone looking to get into shape. "I tried running on the treadmill, but I found I wasn't getting anywhere," stated Sergeant Scully. "[Bike riding] isn't as hard on the joints, and you get the added benefit of seeing the area around you."
