CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea -- You always hear that you never forget how to ride a bike, but what if you are doing it in another country where there is a language barrier and you don't know the route? There may be some more learning to do.
First Sgt. Edwin R. Tate, the Co. C, 4th Attack Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade first sergeant and native of Panama, is attempting to complete part of the Korea Cross Country Cycling Road Tour while he is stationed here.
"Korea is trying to promote more outdoor activities and I think it is a great idea," Tate said.
The bike tour is set up all over the peninsula and has a variety of scenery and paths. There is even a route on Jeju Island. Along all of the paths are booths in place to stamp your book to show the progress you have made.
The first route Tate said he completed was the Ara Bicycle Path which is along the Han River. Not having a translator, Tate said he had no idea where he could get a booklet to have stamped. The group he was with ended up riding the whole route before they found one which meant he had to redo it all to get his stamps.
"This is where the language barrier really hurt me, but I was able to still get it all done that day," Tate said.
He said the bike tour is a great way for people to get out and experience Korea in a different way. He sees so many people out with their children who are also riding and getting stamps. When he goes on the train and people have their bikes, he now knows where they are going.
"We were able to stop along the path and just experience Korea," Tate said. "We got to eat different Korean food and see things other people don't get to see."
He said he is trying to complete the Four Rivers bike challenge which is just part of the entire tour. He has one river completed and if he finishes the rest he will earn a special medal from the Korean government.
Tate said he definitely recommends this activity to other Soldiers and promotes doing it with a small group to help motivate each other. Having the shared hardship will also help build camaraderie and teamwork within your unit.
No matter how long you have ridden a bike for or how many things you have done in Korea, there is always something new to learn or something new to experience.
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