Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Valentine | (From left) Col. Mike Shenk, command inspector general, United States Forces-Iraq,...... read more read more
BAGHDAD – The sun's reflection sparkled off the surface of Lost Lake. Herons basked in the early Sunday morning heat May 30 as three bicycle riders glided by them. The few vehicles on the road gave the riders leeway for safe passage.
Members of the Victory Base Complex Bicycling Club regularly meet every Sunday and ride around Victory Base Complex, usually finishing at a popular coffee shop on Camp Liberty.
This particular day, however, the club gathered at Lost Lake for a 50-mile ride to shadow a "Ride 2 Recovery" bicycle tour beginning on the same day in Arlington, Va.
"The Ride 2 Recovery program is for wounded service members and is supported by organizations like the United Service Organization and the Wounded Warrior Program," said Col. Mike Shenk, a Carlisle, Pa., native and command inspector general assigned to United States Forces-Iraq.
The program helps injured veterans overcome obstacles and depression. Studies have demonstrated the relationship between exercise and state of mind. Exercise, such as bicycling, promotes relaxation and improves quality of sleep, which helps the body recover and reduces stress.
An avid cyclist, Shenk has been racing bikes since he was 8 years old. He said he is addicted to anything with two wheels.
"It's the ability to pedal yourself around with the wind in your face. It's freedom," he said. "The thing about riding is, almost everyone has ridden a bike. It takes you back to when you were a kid."
Shenk believes that riding in a group has many benefits. He believes that cycling causes less stress on the body than running, and helps him maintain a fitness level that increases his scores on physical fitness tests. This drive is maintained and fostered by riding in a group, he said.
"You don't want to be the guy who falls out. It is harder to stay motivated by yourself and it is safer to ride with a group. This is why we wear bright clothing," said Shenk, showing off his highly visible bicycle jersey.
Another club member and Pembine, Wis., native, Sgt. Major Thomas Pollack, the training, plans and operations sergeant major for 1st Armored Division, believes events like this are important.
"Always remember the Soldiers," he said. "Everything is about the Soldiers."
Although the club members rode in support of the program, they also rode for themselves and each other. Physical exercise and camaraderie are two things all the club members say drives them to ride.
"I am addicted to it. Every day, I tell myself to take a rest, but I usually ride," said Navy Capt. Al Given, chief of biometrics and a Haymarket, Va., native assigned to USF-I. "But if I do rest, I wish I went riding. I am a terrible runner so I go with my strengths."
Given has been with the club since October 2009 and will be traveling back home soon, leaving the club one member short.
"I have a few weeks left with these guys to train them, mentor them, and make them better," he said with a laugh.
He added he has a bike for sale, but the buyer must join the club to receive the bike, and with it, will earn a free membership into the club. The club has no membership fees.
Pollack said he never rode with a group until he joined the club. He had to learn hand signals and group riding techniques. In the short time he has been with the club, he said he has learned much. Riding in a group has motivated him and the Sunday get-togethers drive him to exercise even more than he already does.
"If I didn't show up Sunday, I would have a stupid e-mail from the group, making fun of me," he said, laughing. "It's a lot of fun; we help each other out."
Pollack likened riding to a dog.
"We call it the dog analogy," he said. "Every time I go outside and every time I eat, I am happy – just like a dog."
| Date Taken: | 05.30.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.30.2010 15:16 |
| Story ID: | 50550 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 530 |
| Downloads: | 443 |
This work, Iraq bicycle club rides 50 miles for wounded service members, by SFC Phillip Valentine, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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