Air Force cyclists join annual bike ride across Iowa

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Several riders representing the Air Force are taking part in the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, July 23 to 29.

The annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state, in its 33rd year, has been attracting Air Force cyclists since 1995. What began as a small group in support of recruiting in Iowa has grown to more than 100 riders and support crew over the last 11 years.

The ride also gained the support of Air Force leadership, including participation by former Air Force secretaries Dr. Sheila Widnall and Whit Peters. Riding in the 2006 RAGBRAI will be William "Bill" Anderson, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics.

The Air Force Cycling Team participates in RAGBRAI in support of Air Force Recruiting Service. One hundred Air Force cyclists will participate in the ride this year, joining more than 12,000 others cyclists from around the country, including the seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.

The ride begins at Sergeant Bluff and ends in Muscatine, Iowa.