Bicyclists put pedal to the metal

Bike to work day

Nine-year-old Katherine Lawrence and Eldon Goates, Front Rangers mountain bike coach, check the tire pressure of a beach cruiser during the Bike to Work day Amazing Base Race and scavenger hunt here June 10. Ms. Lawrence is a member of Front Rangers, a USA Cycling sanctioned youth cycling club that assisted race participants. About 300 competitive youth cyclists are between here and Denver, said Ed Browne, Air Force Space Command safety office and Front Rangers club president. (U.S. Air Force photo by Thea Skinner)

Bike to work day

Bicyclists converse outside the Peterson Sports and Fitness Center after the scavenger hunt portion of the Bike to Work day Amazing Base Race June 10. About 30 bicyclists met at the Peterson Chapel in the early morning for a southwestern breakfast and the Amazing Base Race scavenger hunt that ended at the center. The Health and Wellness Center’s Bike Borrow program kicked-off the same day. Eight bikes are available through the Bike Borrow program at the HAWC for one day use. (U.S. Air Force photo by Thea Skinner)

Bike to work day

Tech. Sgt. Catherine Gsell, 21st Dental Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of training at the Area Dental Lab, rides into the sports and fitness center parking lot during the Bike to Work scavenger hunt June 10. Two 21st DS bicyclists borrowed community bikes from the Health and Wellness Center’s Bike Borrow program that kicked-off the same day. Eight bikes are available through the Bike Borrow program at the HAWC for one day use. (U.S. Air Force photo by Thea Skinner)

Published June 16, 2009
By Thea Skinner
21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Bicyclists were in high gear during the regional Bike to Work day Amazing Base Rally and scavenger hunt at the Peterson Air Force Base Chapel June 10.

About 30 cyclists met at the chapel in the early morning for a southwestern breakfast and the Amazing Base Race, organized by the Peterson Health and Wellness Center.

Following breakfast, riders set out on a scavenger hunt which took them to a variety of points on base. The Front Rangers, a USA Cycling sanctioned youth cycling club, were present to assist participants in maintaining bikes and bicycle safety.

Since Peterson roadways do not include bicycle lanes, cyclists may have to "hold the driving lane" to prevent vehicles from riding on both sides of the bicycle, said Ed Browne, Front Rangers club president.

The riders came from various squadrons across base, including the 21st Dental Squadron, which participated in teams of two to four riders.

"It was awesome. We would do it again," said Tech. Sgt. Catherine Gsell, 21st DS noncommissioned officer in charge of training at the Area Dental Lab. Sergeant Gsell won an MP3 player as the raffle prize at the end of the scavenger hunt.

Sergeant Gsell and Senior Airman Stacy Ren, 21st DS dental lab technician, drove their vehicles to Peterson and then cycled during the scavenger hunt.

Two other 21st DS cyclists borrowed community bikes from the Health and Wellness Center's Bike Borrow program that kicked-off the same day.

"It's a great way to go to a meeting, go to the commissary and conserve while getting a daily dose of Vitamin D," said Terri Fisher, 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron health education program manager.

Eight bikes, three cruisers and four mountain bikes, are available through the Bike Borrow program at the HAWC for one day use. For more information contact the HAWC at 556-4292.