WANTED: Roadies and Mud Dogs

The snow has melted and the clocks are about to spring forward, so it’s time for the cycling season to begin.

The Ramstein Area Cycling Club, a local military-oriented cycling club, is dusting off the bikes and beginnig to hit the trails and roadways. The RACC is made up of men and women with different riding styles who enjoy riding bicycles. There are roadies, weekend downhill thrill seekers and fire road cruisers all mixed together to enjoy the one thing they all have in common – bicycles.

The RACC will begin its normal group ride schedule offering both mountain bike and road rides for all levels. All rides are open to everyone and are “no drop,” which means the pace is set for the slowest rider. The average ride lasts about two hours and pace and distance is based on the riders who come out. The group has many experienced riders who have ridden the local trails and roadways for more than a decade, so riding with the RACC may open your eyes to numerous riding opportunities hidden right outside your door.

All that is required is an operational bike, a helmet and a desire to burn some calories. The group also attends numerous cycling events throughout Europe. Last year, the group rode in seven mountain bike marathons, every U.S. Army Europe Mountain Bike series race and U.S. Air Forces in Europe road series race. The RACC was also represented at almost every “auto free day.” The group also attends major cycling events like the Tour de France, Tour de Flanders and Limburgs Mooiste in Holland.

To get a quick peek at the club, visit www.theracc.com or send an e-mail to daniel.paine2@ramstein.af.mil, chris.lockwood-03@ramstein.af.mil or James.t.sharp@us.armymil. Ask a question in the open forum or see when the next ride is coming.

(Courtesy of Ramstein Area Cycling Club)