HARLAN, Iowa - Three thousand, four hundred gallons of water, 20 ounces at a time.
That's what it takes to quench the thirst of 15,000 bicyclists at just one water stop during a 471-mile, week-long trek across the state of Iowa.
Sponsored by the Des Moines Register newspaper, the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) held July 19-26 is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world.
Riders from all 50 states and many foreign countries are selected through a computerized lottery system.
For Master Sgt. Marty Smith, a firefighter with the Iowa Air National Guard's 132nd Fighter Wing, and his six-person "Team H2O," it's the chance to interact with riders, provide an invaluable service, and have some fun.
"As firefighters, we deal with water on a daily basis and started doing this to have some fun," said Smith. "There are people we see once a year at RAGBRAI. They know we're there and that we have good water. The people appreciate it and we have fun.
"This is a great opportunity for our Guard to be introduced to 15,000 people a day," he added. "We usually set up in towns of 100 people or so. For many of them, we're their only exposure to the (Air) Guard."
The Iowa Air and Army National Guard team up to ensure thirsty riders are able to quench their thirst. The Air Guard provides the manpower, while the Army provides a 450-gallon water buffalo and a two-and-a-half ton vehicle to transport it.
After taking part in RAGBRAI for 14 of the past 16 years, they received distinction as an "official RAGBRAI water supplier" and are highlighted on the daily route map.
"The fact the water buffalo is now on the official RAGBRAI map so riders know where they are located, is a testament to the outstanding support they provide," said Lt. Col. Patrick Hatting, Iowa National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters executive support officer and RAGBRAI rider. "I believe this is the 14th year the 132nd firefighters have provided water. They represent everything positive about the Air National Guard and the Iowa National Guard Team."
Each year, Smith attends the RAGBRAI coordination meetings. RAGBRAI officials discuss the route, which is a closely-guarded secret prior to official release of the route, and where they'd like the Airmen to set-up.
If officials don't suggest a specific site, Smith and his crew will opt for a smaller community later in that day's route.
A prime example was Tennant, Iowa, population: 71. Part of the first day's 59-mile trek, it was the last stop before the overnight location of Harlan, and near the end of a nearly 4,000-foot climb out of the Boyer River valley.
While it's hard enough for a town of that size to provide water for 15,000 thirsty riders, Smith's crew was equally challenged, going through an estimated 700 gallons of water.
"We put in 14 to 16 hour days, providing a community service," said Smith. "We're usually set up by 8 a.m., and by 5:30 p.m. the majority of the riders are already at the overnight town.
"We'll see about 90 percent of the riders go by us. We're out there long enough, if they haven't gone by us, they're either early birds, they won't stop, or they'll ride until they're done in three hours," he said.
Besides water, Smith's team also dispenses friendly banter and Iowa National Guard freebies. For example, to earn an Air Guard "boonie" hat, riders have to do pushups with an Iowa Air National Guard firefighter. At Montour, a pair of 70-something-year old cyclists did 10 pushups to earn their caps.
And the satisfaction of helping thousands of people, 20 ounces at a time, keeps these Airmen coming back year after year.
Next year's RAGBRAI is scheduled for July 19-25.