Victory Base Camp bike club races to boost morale - 'Rung what you brung' bike club stuck to motto

Photo By Spc. Karin Leach | Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Obergfell, Dallas, Texas, staff officer, Defense Contract Management Agency, and Lt. Col. Bob Cornes, San Antonio, Texas, operations officer, Task force 44 Medical Command, compete for 1st place in the 8.5 mile Men's Sport race around Lost Lake, June 21, Camp Victory, Baghdad.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

06.21.2009

Story by Pvt. Karin Leach 

Multi-National Corps Iraq Public Affairs

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq - Twenty-one service members peddled off with speed from the large white and blue start banner attempting to win the 8.5 mile Men's Sport race around Lost Lake, Camp Victory, June 21.

Music from the Multi-National Corps - Iraq band rang through the air whilst Victory Base Complex Cycling Club cheered for competing participants.

"During the race, I thought about what a unique opportunity it was to enjoy the simple pleasures of riding a bike despite the stresses of a combat environment," Air Force Capt. Daniel Lunsford, Hampton, Va., information management officer, MNC-I said.

"I was amazed to see so many Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians who took the time to come out and enjoy a great morning ride together. Even being able to consider having an event like this in a war zone is a direct testament to the stability that the American and Iraqi security forces have been able to establish in this region."

The race was divided into four categories of competition: Men's Sport, Women's Sport, Men's Recreational and Women's Recreational.

Lt. Col. Bob Cornes took a tumble during the race, but drove on to finish 2nd in Men's Sport.

"Doing this race was a blast," Cornes, San Antonio, Texas, operations officer, Task Force 44 Medical Command said. "I took a full flip during the race. I went into the gravel and I hit a pipe too hard. It catapulted me right off. I was thinking, 'Jeez, I hope I can get up and keep going.'"

Many cyclists, like Lunsford, enjoy cycling so much that they had their bikes shipped over; while others bought their bikes used off of local personnel.

"I enjoy cycling because it gives me the opportunity to relax and release some of the pressures of everyday life," Lunsford said. "It also brings back memories of home, even though I am thousands of miles away. Hopping on the bike gives me the motivation to get outside, exercise, and tour many different parts of VBC. Riding with the base team provides an opportunity to make great friends and get plugged in to a community of like-minded individuals."

Many members of the VBC cycling club are involved in clubs back at home. Four different clubs and shops sent gear to assist the club here with any needs. Team Revolutions from El Dorado Hills, Calif., donated race shirts for a majority of the 129 contestants.

The club meets every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday riding about 20 to 30 miles each day. Sometimes the group gathers on Sunday's for longer rides beginning around 3 am and riding 100 miles.

"Cycling is 20 percent physical fitness and 80 percent about friendship," Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Obergfell, Dallas, Texas, 1st place winner of the Men's Sport Race said. The staff officer in Defense Contract Management Agency added, "The most important thing about today is that we had fun and built camaraderie. We are all here to help each other get into better shape and to have fun."

• Date Taken: 06.21.2009
• Date Posted: 06.24.2009 10:38
• Story ID: 35562
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ