Fort Jackson is often considered a prime location for cyclists. The light traffic and ample hills make it a perfect place for cruising down the road on a bicycle.
Army personnel and civilians like Andy Poppen is a civilian who travels all over post with his bicycle take advantage of Fort Jackson's cycling opportunities.
Poppen, of Little Falls, Minnesota, is the chief of the Directorate of Pubic Works' environmental office. A participant in the Civilian Fitness and Wellness program, he cycles to stay in shape.
"Some people go to the gym," he said. "I bicycle."
He also uses his bicycle as a means of transportation here at Fort Jackson. He developed the habit while living in Germany.
"I used to use my bike nine months out of the year to get to work," he said. Though Poppen would like to continue the habit here in Columbia, he says it's too risky. "There's no bike paths … you're at the mercy of taking the roads."
He keeps a bicycle on post for that very reason, and he uses it to get from point "A" to point "B."
Fort Jackson is the main place he cycles because of the safety it provides. "It's a tad bit safer here … there's just not a lot of traffic," Poppen said -- especially on the backroads.
He often sees other civilians drive into Fort Jackson with their bikes attached to their cars. They sometimes ride for hours and are "pretty serious" about the activity, he said.
Some other residents have taken their love of cycling to yet another level. In 2016, the Fort Jackson Cycling Club was formed.
It all started with a passion for the sport. A few friends decided to start riding together each Friday, "just to hang out," said Sgt. Maj. Sidi London, Fort Jackson's operations sergeant major.
The cycling enthusiasts eventually decided to make the group official, and the club was born.
There are currently about 12 members, London said. They meet up Fridays for a 20-mile ride and Saturdays for 30-50 miles. The goal is to promote cycling on post, London said.
Cycling together is a great way to "make friends, make connections," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Jensen.
"Just the camaraderie" is what makes the club special, London said. It transforms cycling into a social event as well as a workout. Rides often begin and end at Starbucks. It's a double hit of energy, combining the morning coffee with exercise.
It's also a great form of low-impact cardio, Jensen added. Though the group is just for fun, members can be competitive, London said. Both he and fellow member Sgt. 1st Class Hector Santiago race on the side -- Santiago in triathlons.
The sport has been part of many of the cyclists' lives for years. Jensen said he started when he was about 10 years old. His uncle, another cycling enthusiast, inspired him. He used to take him out on bicycle rides.
"I've been cycling since," Jensen said.
Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Pugh, a new member of the Fort Jackson Cycling Club, rode in Italy before moving here. His verdict after the first ride he took with the club Aug. 17: "It's great," he said.
Because the sport is relatively gentle on the body, these members still have many more decades with their bicycles.
"It's more fun than running," said Sergeant 1st Class Dustin Pugh. It's also easier on the joints. "Running causes a lot of aggravation," London said. Constrained by a current knee injury, going for a run causes him immense pain. It doesn't stop him from cycling, though.
Cycling is great because you don't need expensive equipment, Jensen said. Beyond that, it gives participants their one free pass to wear spandex without being criticized, London joked.
Everyone can join in. At one point, several state representatives even visited Fort Jackson to bicycle here. They went on a 20-mile ride with the cycling club after their session was over, London said, and even they were able to keep up.
The cyclists encourage everyone to join in the cycling craze, especially here on post. There are some "pretty nice hills," and its light traffic makes it a safe place to ride, London said. That's why it has become such a hub for cyclists.
There are numerous routes for cyclists to take, Jensen added. That keeps things interesting.
Members of the Fort Jackson Cycling Club encourage anyone interested in joining to attend to one of the rides. No registration is required, and details are posted to the group's Facebook page, Fort Jackson Cycling Club.
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