Air Force Cyclists Ride RAGBRAI | Des Moines News

In 1997, 140 U.S. Air Force cyclists—including Secretary of the Air Force Sheila Widnall, a 3,000-mile-a-year rider—rolled into RAGBRAI, turning a bike ride into a bold military statement. Widnall used cycling to stay sharp during grueling briefings and even dodged the Iowa food temptation. The Air Force Cycling Team, born in 1995 with just 28 riders, grew into a nationwide force, now tackling epic rides like the 434-mile RAGBRAI and the 335-mile M2M from North Carolina to D.C. Even F-16 jets gave them a fly-by salute. It’s more than fitness—it’s tradition, camaraderie, and public engagement on two wheels. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ed0dc738c7fbe111