100 Air Force cyclists ride across Iowa Published July 21, 2006 By 1st Lt. Kristen D. Duncan 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- 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, RAGBRAI®. William “Bill” Anderson, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, is responsible for the Air Force’s installations, energy and environmental programs and logistics infrastructure. 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 will take place Monday to July 29, beginning in Sergeant Bluff and ending in Muscatine, Iowa. The Air Force Cycling Team participates in RAGBRAI® for the purpose of recruiting for the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service. One hundred Air Force cyclists will participate in the ride this year, joining more than 10,000 other cyclists from around the country, including the seven-time Tour de France champion, Lance Armstrong. Of the 100 cyclists, Col. Byron Wade, 96th Dental Squadron commander here will be riding in his sixth RAGBRAI® ride since 1997. Previously he has ridden with former Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Sheila E. Widnall, who retired in 1997. The Air Force’s senior leaders continue their support and participation in RAGBRAI® with Mr. Anderson. In previous years, leaders who joined the ride were Air Force Secretary Whit Peters and Air Force Recruiting Service commander, Brig. Gen. Robertus C.N. Remkes. The Air Force is committed to health and fitness and recognizes the need to be Fit to Fight. A large contingent of United States Air Force cyclists joined RAGBRAI® in 1995.