Cyclists represent Whiteman during RAGBRAI

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  • By Cyclists represent Whiteman during RAGBRAI
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  In late July, 15 cyclists from Whiteman joined other riders from across the Air Force for the oldest and largest recognized non-competitive bicycle ride in the nation.

The Registers Annual Bicycle Ride across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, draws tens of thousands riders annually from across the world, and serves as an avenue for Airmen to interact with citizens.

Including the Whiteman riders, nearly 100 Airmen represented the Air Force Cycling Team (AFCT) at this year's ride. The team's purpose is to promote the Air Force in the most positive way possible.

"The AFCT has been a part of the race for nearly 20 years and has a huge presence," said Capt. Christopher Conant, a 393rd Bomb Squadron B-2 Spirit pilot who organized Whiteman's participation in the event. "All the people in the small towns along the way are so supportive of us.

"They would tell us how great we are and thank us for what we do," he added. "It was awesome to be able to represent the Air Force like that."

Throughout the seven-day ride, members of the Air Force team stopped dozens of times to help any rider who needed assistance, whether it was a broken chain or a bad tire.

"Stopping so often was hard at first because of my competitive nature, but it was another great way to interact with people," said Todd Stewart, 509th Operations Support Squadron wildlife biologist. "They were so nice and open, and it felt good to be able to share our knowledge with them."

The Air Force Cycling Team is open to all active-duty Airmen, as well as reservists and guardsmen, and their families. Air Force civilians and retired Airmen are also welcome to join. For more information, visit afcycling.com.

"Representing the Air Force was a privilege and an honor," said Stewart. "I would do it again in a heartbeat."