McConnell places in Library Fitness Cycle Throwdown

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  McConnell Air Force Base placed first for most pages read while cycling with 2,288 pages and second for most miles, 1,170.89 miles, in this year's Library Fitness Cycle Throwdown, which ran April 12 to 16 and included 19 bases across the Air Force.

The contest, held in conjunction with National Library week, had three different events: most miles, most pages read while riding a stationary bicycle and most hours listening to audio books while riding a stationary bicycle. Libraries coordinated the use of bicycles with fitness centers in an effort to promote both mental and physical wellness.

Seventy-one Airmen and family members from 14 squadrons rode 1,170.89 miles, read 2,288 pages while riding and listened to 1,561 minutes of audio books while riding. Members rode the two stationary bikes in the library between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., each day.

"I am very thrilled with the outcome," said Darla Cooper, 22nd Force Support Squadron library director. "I am very happy with the overall results, as far as the team as a whole participating. We had many different squadrons represented."

McConnell improved in all categories of the contest from the 2009 results. Last year, Team McConnell members rode 901.65 miles, read 1,563 pages while riding and listed to 784.25 minutes of audio books while riding.

Along with McConnell placing in the contest, the library will recognized Team McConnell members with awards in local categories:

Most miles:
Airman 1st Class Rojelio Villegas, 22nd Force Support Squadron, rode 85.48 miles.

Most pages read while riding:
Allison Horn, wife of Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Horn, 22nd Air Refueling Wing command chief, read 139 pages.

Most minutes listened to while reading:
Staff Sgt. Jacob Bell, 22nd FSS, listened to 185 minutes.

Most time on bike:
Airman 1st Class Almyr Zamudio, 22nd FSS, rode for four hours.

Best team effort:
22nd FSS received best team effort with 480.36 miles.

"I want to thank everyone for their time and energy they put toward the program and supporting the library," said Ms. Cooper. "I felt that it was a great event. I think a lot of people had fun with it."

The awards are scheduled to be presented during the Air Force Library Conference held in Washington, D.C., June 22 to 25.