See why he rides ‘Out-of-box thinking’ Published July 25, 2007 By Perry Jenifer 81stTraining Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- As gas prices soared earlier this year, so did the pain Airman Michael Tyra felt at the pump. Unlike those who only complained, he took action. In May, Airman Tyra pulled out the mountain bike he'd ridden infrequently in the three years he's owned it and pedaled off ... from the Pinehaven housing area to his job in the 333rd Training Squadron on the opposite side of the base, on commander's support staff distribution runs, to Blake Fitness Center for workouts, to appointments and squadron functions. He estimates he's riding at least 40 miles a week. "It was the price of gas that got me started," admitted the native of Springboro, Ohio, a farming community south of Dayton. "We now put gas in our two vehicles maybe once a month instead of every week to 10 days, so that's a big savings." Other benefits followed Since then, Airman Tyra and Ana, his wife of three years, have discovered other benefits to riding over driving. Ana frequently rides with him to the fitness center, where he lifts weights and she uses the cardio machines. "We're more physically fit from riding," said Airman Tyra, 23, who joined the Air Force one year ago. "It goes right along with our workouts." Airman Tyra believes choosing pedal power over horsepower also promotes a cleaner, healthier environment. "Environmental issues are part of the motivation," said the one-time motorcross racer. "We want to keep this world nice for our kids. Ana and I don't have any children yet, but we'd like to start a family soon." Target of pranks at first Initially, Airman Tyra's switch from four wheels to two made him the target of pranks by coworkers in the 333rd TRS, such as the time some of them let air out of the tires on his bike. "Some people laughed and cracked jokes, too, at first," he said. "When people saw I was serious, the pranks and jokes stopped. Now, most people think this is a smart thing to do." Airman Tyra said he can't take credit for motivating others in his squadron to park their vehicles and take up bikes. "I don't know of anyone who actually has, but I know of several who've started thinking about it," he explained. "Thinking about it is how I got started." Tech. Sgt. Mike Tipton, noncommissioned officer in charge of the 333rd TRS commander's support staff, may be Airman Tyra's biggest booster. "He's saving money, keeping himself in good shape and helping to keep down emissions," said the sergeant. "In this day and age, we could all take something away from this kind of out-of-the-box thinking."