In 1997, the US Air Force Cycling Team stormed into the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) with 140 riders, including former Secretary of the US Air Force Sheila Widnall. The team was started in 1995 by recruiters in Nebraska to participate in the world-famous bike ride.
Sheila Widnall Leads by Example
Widnall, who rode an average of 3,000 miles on her bike every year, led the team by example. She encouraged her fellow riders and showed them that with determination and hard work, they could complete the challenging ride. Widnall credits bike exercise for adding some spice to her daily routine, including military briefings.
The US Air Force Cycling Team’s participation in RAGBRAI was a testament to their endurance and teamwork. The team’s presence was also acknowledged by an F-16 jet fly-by, which saluted the riders at the end of the day.
Today, the US Air Force cycle team participates in bike rides all across the country, including RAGBRAI and the M2M ride. The team’s legacy continues to inspire cyclists and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
