Airman cycles across Iowa Published Aug. 17, 2012 By By Tech. Sgt. Matt Rush By Tech. Sgt. Matt Rush KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- Airman 1st Class Marshal Bowland, of the 898th Munitions Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, participated in the "Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa" from July 22 to 28. The Ride Across Iowa is not a race, but is the oldest and longest bicycle tour in the world, which began in 1973. The weeklong event spans 468 miles. Approximately 1,500 participants from all 50 states and other nations took part in the ride. Bowland spoke about his participation. "This is the first time I have ridden in an event like this, and it was a great experience." Bowland said he helped fellow riders with flat tires and other mechanical issues. He also helped two riders who crashed their bikes in front of him, administering first aid until paramedics arrived on scene. He said getting ready for such a physically demanding event took a great deal of training. "I started to prepare two months earlier, by riding 15 miles each day during the week and 85 miles during the weekend." Participants are encouraged to stop at the towns along the designated route. Bowland said he set a personal goal as motivation. "I wanted to push myself physically, so I tried to finish each leg as fast as I could." Of the 12-hour daily operating time, Bowland said he usually rode five to six hours a day, and was among the first five people to arrive at camp. Bowland said he looks forward to positively representing the Air Force in future rides. "I wish the Air Force would do things like this more often as recruiting tools. It's a good way to get ourselves out in the communities."