Nebraska's annual bike ride across state geared to all ages

    Riding a bicycle all the way across the state of Nebraska may sound daunting to some, but participants the past 37 years in the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN) may have something else to say about that.
    The 2018 ride is set for June 3-9, starting from Ogallala and passing through Grant, with its first overnight stop June 3 in Imperial before continuing east through Wauneta and McCook.
    Wes Galusha, BRAN President and Ride Director, said the average age of their riders in the past 37 years is 54.2 years.
    While the ride is not targeted to a specific age group, Galusha believes the ride draws the 50-plus age group because they generally have the time and disposable income to do so.
    Rider age range, though, has been from under 10 to people in their 80s, like Galusha’s father, Dick, 85, who’ll be in the 2018 event again this year.
    Even the “average” bicyclist should have no qualms about taking part, he said.
    “We do our distances between towns so it’s able to be done by an average rider,” he said.
    After the first one in Imperial, other overnight stops include McCook, Alma, Red Cloud, Fairbury and Seward. The ride concludes June 9 in Ashland.
    The route ends up being between 50 and 80 miles of riding each day, depending on size of towns on the route where BRAN can stop overnight.
    That still may sound like a lot of riding for some, but Galusha noted the ride is supported with SAG (support and gear) stops about every 10 miles with water and treats (included in the ride fee) and roving SAGs driving the route to help/pick riders up in situations where they cannot continue due to mechanical or personal reasons.
    Another option? Riders can choose from a three, four or the full seven-day experience.
    Galusha had a couple of suggestions for the 50-plus set who may not be regular bicyclists but want to take part in BRAN this June.
    “First, have a decent bike,” he said. “There’s nothing worse than a bike break-down.”
    A decent bike, he said, is one that’s lighter. Most bike shops can make recommendations.
    Secondly, Galusha said riders can get ready physically by starting out with a mile ride, gradually increasing those miles up to the 40-50 range over the weeks leading up to BRAN.
    “If you can get one 50-mile ride in right before BRAN, you’ll be okay,” he said.
    With “A Southern State of Mind” as its 2018 theme, organizers are touting several attractions along the route.
 

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