Chief conquers Rocky Mountains

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  A retired chief master sergeant from the 90th Misslie Wing Plans and Programs office recently participated in a 435-mile bicycle marathon. 

This year marks the 12th time Chief Bob Kodis has ridden as part of Ride the Rockies. 

"It was only 92 miles for some days," the chief said with a laugh. "And that was the easy part. It was the 30 mile-per-hour winds coming at us straight on during parts of the event that made the ride difficult. I'd say, me and my team averaged about four to nine miles per hour when the winds picked up." 

Chief Kodis belonged to the Air Force Space Command bicycle team, which was composed of 28 Airmen, active-duty and civilian, from different bases of the command. The space command team, as a whole, finished the entire marathon near the 700th place out of 2,000 , Chief Kodis said. 

It's not a race, he said with a shake of his head. The marathon is designed as a test of willpower, resolve and stamina. 

"It's one thing to like cycling by yourself," he said. "But where else can you come together with this many people all knowing and loving the skill?" 

Apart from the fellowship with kindred cyclists, Mr. Kodis said the scenery made the trip all worthwhile. 

"This is the ride to go on," he said. "To anyone who loves cycling, this isn't a Herculean effort. Train for it, and it'll be an experience of a lifetime." 

The registration for next year's Ride the Rockies opens in Feb. 2009. Only 2,000 members are selected to ride in the marathon and the competition takes place June 14 through the 20. 

For more information call (303) 954-6700.