Preparedness (or Lack Thereof)

Over the weekend, Laura and I assessed our current level of training, how much time was left before BRAN, and the likelihood we'd be able to ride and (more importantly) enjoy the ride across Nebraska. The long (heck, they're calling for snow tomorrow) winter has kept our bikes in the garage, and us in the house for far too long. So we've decided to postpone our BRAN experience. Instead, we'll head out in July or August to do our own little tour. Right now we're leaning toward the Katy Trail in MO. This is a rail trail close to St. Louis with Amtrak service from one of the towns near the end of the ride back to the Big City. Biggest question in my mind is getting to St. Louis: do we drive or do we take Amtrak out of Omaha. TBD. At any rate, stay tuned. I'll be posting as we get ready to go.

Time for Preparations

So here we are, mid-February and snow on the ground. Laura and I have already registered for BRAN 33, The Historic Highway Tour. For seven days in the beginning of June, we'll be riding with 600 other folks across the State of Nebraska (a total of 468 miles, or 481 if we opt for the longer second day). For a better idea of what the route will be, I put together a Google Maps view of it. Granted, there will probably be some  twists and turns I don't have on here, but it gives a good idea of what's in store.

For now, the challenge is getting ready for the fun. Unlike my ride on the GAP/C&O in 2011, this ride will be supported. We'll have someone carrying the bulk of our gear to each overnight site. However, since neither of us has ridden since November we're planning on starting real soon (heck, maybe even tomorrow) getting our bikes and ourselves in shape.

We're really looking forward to this. Our first bike tour together!!

New Location, New Trailheads, New Challenges!

I've recently moved to Omaha NE. One benefit of the move is that I'm smack dab in the middle of what appears to be some of the best trails around! The Katy, the Wabash, and the Cowboy Trail are all within easy reach of my new domicile (today's $.50 word!)

In addition, I'm right across the Missouri River from the oldest organized bike ride in the country: RAGBRAI! Click on the link to find out more about this ride. Or watch the movie "A Million Spokes" (here's a trailer on YouTube)

But Iowa will have to wait a year or two. This year, Laura and I will be doing BRAN, the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska. What better way to get acquainted with my new state and its citizens than from two wheels?

With a route that changes annually, BRAN gives small towns and cities along the way an opportunity to raise funds for their communities while raising scholarship money for kids in Nebraska. So if you're looking for us during the first week in June, we'll be on the road somewhere between Kimball and Ashland.