WASHINGTON –
For the past five years, U.S. Army CW2 John Eldridge and members of the District of Columbia National Guard’s Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling have embraced a unique weekly ritual: a 10–25-mile bike ride throughout the DMV that begins and ends at the base. Their route takes them through the District, and extends to the suburbs.
While these rides are undoubtedly a form of exercise, their true value lies in the informal opportunity they provide for connection on a personal level.
“The camaraderie was the biggest thing — if you like spending time with each other, I think you work better as a team,” CW2 Eldridge shared.
Beyond the social benefits, CW2 Eldridge also pointed out that these rides play a crucial role in mission readiness. “It helps us with passing our physical fitness tests and helps us stay in the Army longer,” he explained. Just as a bicycle requires momentum, balance, and pedaling to propel forward, the analogy can be applied to working as a mission-ready team: consistent effort, mutual support, and coordination are essential for advancing effectively.
Additionally, the relaxed atmosphere of these rides fosters an environment where service members feel comfortable discussing their feelings and struggles. This openness can lead to meaningful conversations about mental health and offers early intervention opportunities. Research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscores the importance of creating a supportive workplace culture to mitigate risk and prevent suicide.
“A lot of times we’re looked upon as just employees or co-workers, but we spend a lot of time with each other,” CW2 Eldridge noted. “So, I think (our bike rides) bridge the gap between work and family. This is our work family.”
The strength of this unit’s sense of family was put to the test on Aug. 16. Just as the team was preparing for their ride, Sgt. 1st Class David Stanton, a surface maintenance inspector, discovered he needed to replace a tire. Despite his ability to handle the repair on his own, CW2 Eldridge stepped in to help, ensuring that the group could start their ride without delay.
Once the tire was fixed, all six men set off, eager to enjoy the fresh air. “If we could ride five days a week, I would be here five days a week,” said a delighted Sgt. 1st Class Dominick Brown.
These rides not only strengthen bonds among peers but also foster a culture of support that extends beyond the workplace.
“These are our peers, and we talk amongst each other. We know everything about each other,” SFC Brown said. “So, whether we’re working or off-duty, if someone is having a rough day, we know to talk to them and lift them up. By the end of the day, we know they’ll be alright.”
The physical and psychological demands of military life can take a toll on service members, impacting mission readiness. That’s why the supportive environment cultivated by the Combined Support Maintenance Shop is so valuable. Engaging in team-building activities like bike rides creates a motivated, resilient unit capable of sustaining long-term operations—an essential component of combat effectiveness.
A unit with strong interpersonal connections operates more efficiently, particularly in high-stress situations. Trust among team members ensures that they can rely on each other, which is vital for coordinating actions and making swift decisions during missions.
SFC Brown emphasizes the importance of finding enjoyable activities to help cope with the pressures of military life, which includes managing vehicles, weapons, and electronics. The weekly bike ride not only provides a positive routine but also contributes to his work family’s mental well-being. It gives Brown and his colleagues something to look forward to each week and acts as a buffer against negative thoughts.
As they pedal through their ride, Brown urges others to seek out similar activities that foster engagement and serve as a form of stress relief. “Get out and do something. Don’t stay cooped up in that office all day. Just get out and do something you enjoy,” he advises.
In this way, the simple act of riding a bike becomes more than just a workout—it transforms into a vital element of unit cohesion and mental health support.