Assistant secretary to join bike ride across Iowa

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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.