Bike ride to Pacific Junction offers scenic views

  • Published
  • By Landy C. Schwiesow
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The day began with the sun showing through the morning haze. Eventually though, it cleared leaving a beautiful blue Midwestern sky. All in all, it was a good day for a bike ride.

Fourteen riders took to the streets and highways June 27 for a 30-mile round-trip to Pacific Junction, Iowa. The event, which began at Offutt's Base Lake, was organized by Outdoor Recreation.

The outdoor adventure program encourages fitness, exploration and appreciation of the open-air environment, said LeAnn Clausen, Outdoor Recreation director for the 55th Force Support Squadron.

Prior to the start of the event, participants were briefed on the route, what to expect and how to be safe. As the riders signed in, they readied their bikes and personal protective equipment for the trek. Once they had given their bikes the once over, the bikers took off in a staggered start with each going at their own pace.

The bikers made their way around the lake to the entrance and headed North up Hancock Street to Mission Avenue. The first mile or so was flat and then, the dreaded first hill. It wasn't that bad as far as hills go, but it did make the leg and hind muscles burn. There were two more "hills" over bridges, the first traversing the "Mighty Mo" and the other on Interstate 29. The rest of the way to Pacific Junction was pretty much flat. 

On the Iowa side of the Missouri River, bikers trekked a few miles toward the Loess Hills on a stretch of two-lane highway that seemed busier than usual for a Saturday morning. As the leaders had distanced themselves from the rest of the pack, riders in the back lost track, missed their turn onto 195th Street, and found themselves out of their way quite a bit. The event organizer Ken Roberts, outdoor recreation specialist with the 55th FSS, corralled those who had gone astray and easily vectored them back on course.

Once back on track on 195th Street, the riders were treated to the scenery and shade provided by the bluffs on their left and luscious green fields as the foreground to scattered tree lines, interstate traffic on their right. The sound of wind whipping through the bikers' ears was interrupted by tweets from various kinds of birds inhabiting the area. The summer warmth brought the welcomed scents of sun-block lotion and breezy countryside mixed with the not-so-welcomed smells of occasional remnants of road-kill.

While a few riders had pressed on toward the final destination back at the base lake, others waited at the midway point in Pacific Junction for the rest of the pack and refreshments provided by Mr. Roberts.

After a brief rest, those stopping for a break regained their focus and began to head back toward Bellevue. They revisited the same stretches of scenery they had passed before, but this time with a mild headwind. All but one (yours truly) completed the 30-mile trip. Headwind and tired muscles resulted in this novice rider catching a ride back in the van after 20 miles.

After the ride was complete, most participants seemed to enjoy the outing.

"Overall, it was a good experience," said Senior Airman Camber Valdes with the 55th Contracting Squadron. "I finished it, which I didn't think I would... the route presented challenges with the hills and the wind. I liked that there were monitors to help out if we needed it. There was someone in the back that stayed there the whole time and then someone in a van. That was comforting."

Airman 1st Class Derek Urban, also with the 55th CONS appreciated that the base offered the ride. "It gave me an opportunity to get out on a Saturday morning and get some exercise with co-workers," he said.

"I thought it was pretty fun," said Kate Eaton, an Offutt lifeguard. "It wasn't exactly what I expected, but it was still fun."

"We are very excited to plan more cycling events including the possible incorporation of the Air Force Blue Streak Cycling Program," said Ms. Clausen. "We strive for a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure program and look forward to many more cycle trips." 

For more information on Outdoor Recreation events, visit the 55th FSS Web site at http://www.offutt55fss.com or call 294-2108.