Air Force Cycling Team completes RAGBRAI, garners high praise on social media

  • Published
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Several members of Team McConnell participated in the 42nd "Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa" (RAGBRAI), July 20-26.  The Total Force team from McConnell was part of the Air Force Cycling Team that completed the more than 400 mile ride across the state.  Part of the team's mission in participating in the event is to represent the Air Force and to provide assistance to other riders in need along the course.  This year the team made a major impression among their fellow riders and the people they met across the state.  Below is a sampling of comments gleaned from the Air Force Cycling Team Facebook page:  

"On day 3 of RAGBRAI my 77 year old father accidentally clipped my sister's wheel in front of him. He crashed and hit his head. Instantly an Air Force team member was on the scene, taking charge, directing a bystander to call 911, assessing my father and providing emergency care. The airman and his teenage son remained with my family until my father was stable. Our story ends well--my father recovered fully and even rode the next day. We are forever grateful to the Air Force Cycling Team." "Your RAGBRAI cycling team was an awesome representation of how the men and women of the military represent our country in their daily lives. We witnessed many times where Team Air Force assisted persons in need, whether it was a flat tire or an injured cyclist, they were always there to help. You should be proud of these individuals and let them know their kind actions did not go un-noticed. Thanks again to all of our military men and women keeping us safe."     "Seemed like every time a cyclist was broke down on the side of the road during the week of RAGBRAI, someone from the AF team was there to help. Way to represent the Air Force to the highest standard! Look forward to seeing the team again next year in Iowa!"  

"I personally want to thank the men and women of Team Air Force for their commitment to the safety and security of our country. 

I also commend the team for their commitment to the safety of RAGBRAI riders. My wife and I were amazed that at almost every turn of the road, when someone had a mechanical there were at least two Team USAF members there providing assistance. Then on day five we were the fortunate recipients of the professionalism and dedication to riders. We blew out the sidewall of our tire, beyond temporary repair.  We were resigned to using SAG vehicle to take into next town 3 miles away.  However, after waiting 2.5 hours we took up the offer of a young Team USAF rider, Kirby, and his father.  Kirby was kind enough to ride into the next town, purchase replacement tire and ride back, sprint actually, and then the duo assisted in replacing a tire and getting us back on the road.  During our wait we had no less than 10-15 Team USAF ask to assist.  We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to Team USAF.  They were superb ambassadors of goodwill.  I wish I could recall the father's name but only recall his son's name.  My wife and I are proud to have met the two and proud of the men and women of Team USAF.  We will take pride in supporting Team USAF in any way we can."

"Thank you all for your kindness and compassion in Iowa. We watched time and again as you helped riders along the roadside. One of our riders fell after hitting one of those cracks in the road and one of your teammates was the first on the scene to help. You all make us proud to be a part of the military brotherhood! From a member of Team Livestrong and many others of Ragbrai THANK YOU!"

"Huge thanks to the AFCT! We had a rider crash, just outside of Marble Rock on Thursday. We came on the scene a few minutes after it happened. I don't know all the details, but did overhear one of your teammates talking with the paramedics and officials about helping her out before they arrived. She is doing fine after a short eval at the hospital, and actually rode again on Saturday . I heard from several people over the week, on how AFCT had helped them and others out. Thank you for your Service both on RAGBRAI and in the real world. You make both worlds much better places!"

"I just completed my first ever RAGBRAI. I can not say enough how wonderful the Air Force team was. Every day I saw members of the team helping others out on the side of the road, both with injuries and mechanical issues. When my teammate had an accident, we knew immedicately we could stop the Air Force cyclist for help - but we realized they were stopping before we said anything to them. It was a blessing for many to have them out there helping everyone on a long bike trip across Iowa. Thank you for slowing down your ride to help others out! Thank you for your service!"

To learn more about the Air Force Cycling Team, visit the team website at http://www.afcycling.com/