Air Force cycling team wraps up RAGBRAI

A two-column formation of Team Air Force rolls into Muscatine, Iowa, on July 29, led by William Anderson, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, and Tech. Sgt. Richard Rue, the team's executive ride director. Members of the team, along with 10,000 other cyclists, dipped their front tire into the Mississippi River, completing the final leg of the more than 450-mile Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Kristen Duncan)

Assistant secretary to join bike ride across Iowa

Published Jan. 9, 2007

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- An Air Force official charged with finding alternative fuel sources for the Air Force will demonstrate his commitment to the cause by riding in the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI. The cyclist is William "Bill" Anderson, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics.

RAGBRAI, is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state. Heading into its 33rd year, RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world. The ride takes place July 23 to 29, beginning in Sergeant Bluff and ending in Muscatine, Iowa.

A high-interest item important to the military that could affect local communities is the Air Force's commitment to fulfill the president's vision to wean this country off its addiction to oil. The Air Force expanding energy conservation opportunities in both facilities and vehicle fleets, while also extending energy conservation efforts to aviation operations. Expanding the use of alternative fuels such as ethanol has made the Air Force the nation's largest purchaser of renewable energy.

More than 100 Air Force cyclists will participate in the ride this year, joining more than 12,000 others cyclists from around the country, including seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.