Keesler bicyclists participate in trek across Iowa Published July 31, 2008 By Randolph Air Force Base Public Affairs and 81st Medical Group Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- Five Keesler cyclists were among more than 20,000 other enthusiast to participate in a seven-day bike ride across the state of Iowa. The seven-day trek, called the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, began July 19. Sponsored by the Des Moines Register, it began 35 years ago with about 300 participants and has blossomed into an annual Midwestern celebration and pilgrimage of 15,000 to 25,000 cyclists. Keesler's representatives on the 2008 Air Force Cycling Team were Matt O'Donnell, 332nd Training Squadron; Eric Greeson, 81st Medical Operations Squadron; David Hunt, 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron; Naomi Henigin, 81st Force Support Squadron; and Erik Vacarelli, 81st Inpatient Operations Squadron. The Keesler contingent joined more than 140 cyclists from bases across the U.S. to comprise an Air Force team which had as its primary focus recruiting potential Airmen. Riders cover about 70 miles each day. People along the route sell food, cold drinks and other items. The cyclists all camp in the same town nightly. Live entertainment, food and drink are available. Each team has support people who are along for the trip. In addition to the 15,000-25,000 riders, there are hundreds of support people. RAGBRAI began in 1973 when a pair of employees at the Register, Iowa's largest newspaper, decided to ride bikes cross-state to a circulation/ sales meeting. They printed a "call to other riders" and attracted modest numbers for that casual first jaunt. All of Iowa's 99 counties have at one time or another had RAGBRAI riders pass through and the route changes every year.