Warren Airman prepares to “Ride the Rockies”

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lisa Meiman
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  The 90th Space Wing's chief of plans and programs is preparing for his eleventh bicycle tour in June. 

As a member of the Air Force Space Command world cycling team, Bob Kodis is gearing up with more than 2,000 other cyclists for the more than 400 mile trek through the Colorado Rockies. 

"Age has no limit when it comes to staying fit, and everyone needs to get on the physical fitness band-wagon or in my case a bicycle," said Mr. Kodis, who is 65 years old. 

In 1986, the Denver Post created the premier "Ride the Rockies" Colorado bicycle tour. More than 2,000 riders come from around the country to participate in the six-day, cross-state tour. The event was a success, and the Post has sponsored the ride every June. 

Of the more than 4,000 applications only 2,000 are chosen by a lottery. Participants represent 45 to 50 states and up to 10 foreign countries. 

"The tour is all about meeting new friends, meeting up with friends you have met on previous rides and, above all, enjoying the many beautiful sites and scenes of the Colorado Rockies," Mr. Kodis said. 

This year, 40 Air Force Space Command Airmen have been selected to ride in the tour, the largest group since the team was formed seven years ago. 

Lt. Col. Stephen Mitchell, 50th Operations Group deputy commander at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., will lead the team again. Only a few of the team members are retired Air Force members; the others come from AFSPC bases across the country. 

The team promotes the Air Force by wearing distinctive AFSPC jerseys. The team also functions as part-time recruiters. When the team arrives each day in the town for their overnight stay, they are always huge crowd pleasers as they ride into town. 

"Ride the Rockies" donates money to the Denver Post charity foundations and gives money to each of the host towns' favorite charity. 

"It's very rewarding to know that what we are doing is helping the less fortunate," Mr. Kodis said. 

For more information call Mr. Kodis at 773-2121.