Photo By Tech. Sgt. Kayleigh Phillips | Courtesy graphic showing the path that Senior Master Sgt. Don Belfils rode during the...... read more read more
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“Breathe life into your dreams and go live them today,” said Senior Master Sgt. Donald Belfils of the 141st Air Refueling Wing, Washington Air National Guard.
That’s exactly what he did. On June 27, 2021, Belfils embarked on a 3,500-mile bicycle race across America.
Belfils is the Inspector General Superintendent for the 141st ARW ANG on Fairchild AFB.
Bike Nonstop US organized the race and furnished the exact route, GPS tracking program and rules. Eighteen other riders made the trek with Belfils but only nine made it to completion; two riders are still en route to finish. The route consisted of pavement, dirt trails, gravel roads and everything in between.
The race was completely self-supported, meaning no vans followed with gear, and friends and family members weren’t allowed to help unless the opportunity was given fairly to all participants. Each rider had to pack their own necessities. Belfils only packed clothing, a tent, a simple bike repair kit, snacks, water and essential electronics like his GPS, phone and chargers. Each pound of luggage was carefully thought out, and the need to pack lean was of the utmost importance.
“Every pedal stroke I take is exactly where I want to be,” said Belfils as he recalled why he wanted to race across America. “I said why not, why shouldn’t I do it, I love to bike pack.” Belfils has been cycling since he was 3 and is an avid bike packer, which is a cyclist that uses bike packs to camp along a specific route.
In preparation of the race, Belfils rode 60 to 80 miles per day before and after work. He also bike packed with his wife, Lisa, from Mexico to Canada in 2019.
Racers began in downtown Portland on a very hot day with the temperature reaching 113 degrees. Each day consisted of something new, whether it was the terrain, weather, or exhaustion.
Near the beginning, with temperatures reaching 120 degrees on pavement, Belfils had to overcome heat stroke setting him back four days.
After recovering, he averaged around 107 miles per day where he encountered traffic filled highways and streets in the cities, washboard gravel roads in the middle of nowhere, and tranquil paved national park trails where bikers alike traveled.
To start each day off on the right pedal, Belfils’ dad would call every morning to read a devotional, scripture and to chat. To help pass the time, family and friends would call to chat but mostly he listened to leadership books and took in the passing scenery. “One of the most noteworthy parts of the trip were the people I met. They were kind, generous and helpful.” Belfils noted, “Also, the sense of American pride that was shown, I saw flags flying on houses and buildings everywhere.”
The scenic route went east up over the Rocky Mountains, through picturesque Jackson Hole and into Nebraska. Tall corn fields lined the route for miles upon miles. ”The most difficult stretch of cycling were
two days in Oregon with extreme heat,” Belfils recalled, “and two days I spent in the Midwest with large rolling hill terrain, it became very physically draining.”
Belfils tent camped seven nights of the 32 days that it took to finish. Usually, he camped on the side of the road, arriving at dusk, and leaving at dawn. For the majority of the race, Belfils’ choices in accommodations were limited and usually rudimentary. Laundry facilities were a luxury. Most nights he sudded up his clothing in the sink and let them air dry for use the next day. Food, shower, and reprieve from the heat were the only accommodation must-haves, food being the top priority.
Just like a car, Belfils had to fuel up his body each day. He had to consume 6,000 to 9,000 calories daily to keep his body going. Most nights consisted of finding food at gas stations.
Keeping up a healthy caloric intake proved to be challenging in and of itself. Imagine ordering a large pizza and bread sticks and eating all of it with a 2-liter of soda.
Belfils rode down through Missouri, then north to Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania where the route took him to the famous Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail. This section of the route quickly became Belfils’ favorite segment with its rich history and beautiful scenery. The C&O Canal Towpath was made in 1828 and operated for nearly 100 years, serving as a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River transporting coal, lumbar, and agricultural products. Belfils rode the path, mostly dirt and stone, that the horses used while towing canal freight.
The C&O Canal Towpath led him to the heart of Washington, D.C., where he Belfils crossed the finish line in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
Thirty-two days later, 11 pounds lighter, and 3,500 miles pedaled, Belfils finished 7th place, overcoming heat stroke, harrowing weather, and pure exhaustion all while remembering his mantra: “Every pedal stroke I take is exactly where I want to be.”
| Date Taken: | 08.06.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 08.10.2021 13:39 |
| Story ID: | 402585 |
| Location: | SPOKANE, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 159 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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Routine
