Cycling for a purpose

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
6/17/2011 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  It's 4:45 a.m., there's no chirping outside the window, the birds aren't even awake yet. A 2nd Medical Group Laboratory Technician slips out of bed quietly as his wife and four children sleep. His work doesn't start until 7:30 a.m. but he utilizes his time to relax and prepare to get there.

By 6:30 a.m. and the sun's rays are peeking over the horizon. Staff Sgt. Terrance Raybon stretches, grabs his gear and heads to work--but his two-wheeled transportation won't provide a reved engine and a quick ride to work. It isn't a motorcycle, his ride is a bicycle.

The sun has risen and Sergeant Raybon begins cycling to work on Range road. Cars begin to pass him and the humidity increases. Sweat drips off his brow, but he presses on knowing that his sacrifice is valuable to his family. With each push of his pedal he perspires more in the sweltering Louisiana summer heat as he makes his 10-mile trek to work each morning.

Such a morning might sound crazy to some, but to Sergeant Raybon, it's worth it.

"We only have one car and I have no desire to take a loan out or get another car because we're working on the "get out of debt" plan," Sergeant Raybon says on how he began cycling.

His wife, Valerie Raybon, agrees.

"When we had a car payment it was $279 a month. We budget $280 a month in gas and our insurance is about $100. If we had a second car, it would cost us $659 a month. His bike cost maybe $20-$30 a month, but only if he blows out a tire or two. The cost is very minimal."

Not only is his hobby saving his family hundreds of dollars a month, it has also provided another benefit, keeping him physically fit for his career.

"I'm definitely more fit," said Sergeant Raybon. "I've lost about two inches off of my waist and have a lot more energy. I've cut down my Fitness Assessment run time by at least a minute since I began cycling."

The drive from housing on the East side where the Raybon's reside, to the clinic where Sergeant Raybon works, takes approximately 20 minutes. When he cycles, he can make it in about 30 minutes so Sergeant Raybon chooses to cycle more than 20 miles every day and it only takes a few extra minutes.

A hobby that started out as a mode to lighten a financial burden has now turned into an enjoyable activity for Sergeant Raybon.

"I think what he's doing is great! He loves biking and is happy to ride to and from work every day," said Mrs. Raybon. "It also helps him get in his exercise without taking away time from the family. I am very grateful for the sacrifice he makes. I want to stay home with the kids and if we had a second car, I wouldn't be able to do so. He is very selfless and always puts us first. I know our children are very influenced by his example. He makes a lot of sacrifices for us and they see that."

"As time goes on cycling has just become pure enjoyment. I just get out there and ride. I have a good time," Sgt. Raybon says.