Team Sheppard member rides past the competition, completes Tour de Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Biking the 2,400 miles of the Tour de France is a difficult accomplishment that takes even the greatest bikers in the world around three weeks to complete.

But through a program offered by the 82nd Services Division, Team Sheppard members with access to the fitness centers may get a taste of what it's like to bike across country.

In fact, Michael Pierce, a retired senior master sergeant, now working as a course supervisor with the 82nd Medical Operations Squadron, completed the "Tour de Sheppard" recently. Mr. Pierce has worked toward this goal since August and received a shirt from the 82nd SVS for doing it.

The Tour de Sheppard is a 1,200-mile biking marathon completed either on stationary bike at the fitness centers or at home on a participant's own real bicycle.

It is half the length of the original tour and is a self-paced exercise program which participants may start at any time, said Billy Irions, sports specialist with the 82nd SVS.

Mr. Pierce said he enjoyed running to keep fit, but an injured knee and two knee surgeries prevent him from doing so.

"I used to run a lot," he said. "My running days are over now, though."

He said he split his time between stationary bikes at the Pitsenbarger and riding a real bike, doing only 550 miles of it at the gym.

"Sitting in here on a stationary bike is boring," Mr. Pierce said.

Mr. Irions said he developed the program in May 2006 after seeing a biking program was needed amongst the other numerous programs held at Sheppard.

"It will give all Sheppard personnel a great cardio workout with a goal to shoot to," he said. "It will also help with the Air Force fitness test as it builds cardio stamina."

Mr. Pierce may have been the first to finish the Tour de Sheppard, but the program is still going strong, in fact there are two individuals at 800 miles and closing in on the final goal. Currently there are 40 people attempting to join him at the 1,200 mile mark.

The Pitsenbarger Fitness Center is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on the weekend from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Levitow is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Call the Pitsenbarger at 676-0491 for more information on the Tour de Sheppard.