52: Air Force Cycling - RAGBRAI, M2M & Riding with Purpose

What do the Air Force Academy, RAGBRAI, and a 350-mile ride honoring wounded service members have in common? A passion for cycling, service, and community! Host Torie Giffin welcomes two inspiring military leaders and fellow cyclists: Lt. Col. Gail Smicklas and Retired Brigadier General Robert “Surf” Beletic. They explore cycling at the Air Force Academy, the Air Force and Space Force Cycling Teams’ incredible support of riders at RAGBRAI, and how cycling builds camaraderie, leadership, resilience, and lifelong friendships. Having shared miles with both guests at RAGBRAI, Torie brings her own experiences to this conversation about serving others, supporting fellow riders, and finding community on two wheels. View the video version of this episode here on YouTube Host: Torie Giffin – Owner of Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort Guests: Lt. Col. Gail Smicklas – Leadership professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy and Academy Cycling Club Coach. Retired Brigadier General Robert “Surf” Beletic – Former fighter pilot and founder of the annual Memorial to Memorial (M2M) Ride, a four-day, 350-mile cycling journey from the Wright Brothers National Memorial in North Carolina to the Air Force Memorial near Washington, D.C., honoring wounded service members. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort Air Force Academy Air Force Academy Cycling Team M2M Ride RAGBRAI Follow Pedal The Springs for more stories from the people, places, and events that make Colorado Springs one of America’s great cycling communities. Pedal the Springs is presented by the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, the only bicycle-themed lodging and must-stay for cyclists coming to Colorado. Check us out at bicycleresort.com for more information. Episodes are produced by Studio 809 Podcasts, and recorded in the community podcast studio at The Next Us. Find other great podcasts produced in and for the Pikes Peak Region - at studio809podcasts.com