Menu
BRAN Ride -- Bicyclists enjoy cool shade, cold water and hot meals
MAYWOOD -- Don Kahler spelled his last name -- K-A-H-L-E-R -- and said that it's also spelled "T-I-R-E-D."
Kahler, of Grand Island, had just pedaled 100 miles on the second day of the 26th annual BRAN -- Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska -- and was cooling off near the schools in Maywood Monday afternoon.
Kahler said he's on his third BRAN. He laughed, "Not in a row, though. Just far enough apart to forget about the pain."
About 600 cyclists were expected in Maywood, where they would be greeted with cool shade, cold water and hot meals.
BRAN riders started Sunday, riding from Broken Bow to Eustis, where they spent the night. They then pedaled the 37 miles from Eustis to Maywood, or took the longer route from Eustis to Lexington, Cozad, Brady, North Platte, Wellfleet and then into Maywood.
Mike Tillman of Omaha, on his first BRAN, said the last mile into Maywood -- down the long hill from the junction of Highways 83 and 23 and into town -- was the best.
Tillman said the road south out of North Platte "seemed to go up and then level off, and go up again and level off. Where are the downhills around here?" he laughed.
"The last mile was the easiest," he said. "No pedaling."
Tillman said BRAN coordinators recommend that cyclists train by riding at least 300 miles and by completing at least one 70-mile ride. "I've ridden long distance," he said. "But nothing close to 100 miles."
Tillman said the ride includes two more long rides, one of 86 miles, another 82. "I'll do them," he said.
Tillman's wife and six children are traveling along with a pop-up trailer, meeting him each day at the end of the ride.
The BRAN riders will pedal just 45 miles today, through Curtis and Stockville to Cambridge. Cambridge residents plan meals, swimming and entertainment for the riders.
Other overnight stops will be in Minden, Geneva and Tecumseh. The ride ends Saturday in Springfield.