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Rock Drummer Pedals His Way to Fitness

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. David Foster
Washington, D.C. --  When thinking of The United States Air Force Band, the first thing that might pop into your head is the spectacular musical artistry that's demonstrated on a daily basis. From the lone piper on a parade field to the majestic Concert Band performing on the Capitol Steps, this organization has some of the finest musicians on the planet. But, what isn't so well known is the squadron's dedication to fitness. Here at the Band there are a large number of elite athletes. To be in the Band, one must possess a high level of musicianship. But, to be an Airman the Air Force expects a high level of fitness as well, and the Band is no exception. The Band has its share of sprinters, marathoners, ultramarathoners, weightlifters, swimmers, mountain bikers and road cyclists. One cyclist in particular deserves the spotlight today, and that's Technical Sgt. Robert Smith.

Technical Sgt. Smith is the powerhouse drummer for the high energy rock/pop band, Max Impact. He has been in the military for 19 years and has performed with nearly all the ensembles within the squadron. Smith also is the operations manager for Max impact, and works feverishly to make sure the band gets to where it needs to be. What few people know is that Smith, just north of middle age, is also an up-and-coming road cyclist. While he's ridden off and on for years, he's recently been dominating the local cycling scene.

It's been a steady progression to greatness for Technical Sgt. Smith. Two years ago he participated in the Indian Head Century - a 100 mile race - completing it six hours. The next year he "upped the ante" by completing two more centuries and joining the Oxon Hill Cycling Club. But, this year Sgt. Smith has surprised everyone including himself with the strides he's made. Over the winter, while snow was on the ground, he lived on his stationary bike training on virtual road courses. Sgt. Smith set a goal to ride 12,000 miles this year, and he's already ridden 6,300 miles toward that goal - an average of 47 miles a day! In addition, he has completed two more centuries - the first enduring 10,000 ft. of elevation climbing the tallest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In January, Max Impact traveled to Arizona to perform for the ESPN Fan Week and at the Super Bowl. Sgt. Smith brought along his bike and discovered that the city was very bike friendly. Riding each day, he discovered he could reach the gig site, perform and then return to hotel, logging in even more mileage.

On June 14th this year the Air Force Association held their annual bike event, the Cycling Classic, and Sgt. Smith decided to participate. "I've been training all year and I decided to enter the Classic about a month before it happened. The course is a nine mile loop starting in Crystal City, goes pass the Pentagon, up to the Air Force Memorial and back to Crystal City." This is a timed event and he wanted to get in as many laps as he could. Sgt. Smith was very scientific in his approach, calculating the number of calories he'd need and what his average miles-per-hour would have to be. "This event was my first crack at a closed road course, just bikes, no cars or pedestrians to contend with. I was nervous at the start because there were so many cyclists, 1,435. The air horn blew and you could hear all the bikers clicking in their pedals. Within 100 yards I was able to pass the slower riders and get into my groove." He was able to complete seven laps! "The main challenge was the seven climbs up to the Air Force memorial. The first three were a piece of cake. However after 32 miles the last four climbs became more challenging as the heat and humidity increased." Out of the 1,435 riders Smith was 33rd and was the Air Force's 4th. In his age group of 249 he was 5th.

Sgt. Smith is pleased with his accomplishments and is setting more cycling goals for himself. Next, he wants to start training with a race club to hone his speed and endurance skills. "Just like performing with better musicians helps you improve, so it is with riding with elite riders." Smith's long term goal is to one day ride across the country averaging a 100 miles a day.

When considering The U.S. Air Force Band, don't just appreciate their incredible musicianship; also think about what it takes to be an American Airman. The Air Force third core value is "excellence in all we do," which epitomizes the men and women in the Air Force. Today we congratulate Technical Sgt. Robert Smith and the excellence he pursues in all he does.