Nearly 500 bicyclists set out for 30th Tour de Nebraska

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - Nearly 500 bicyclists are in their second day of travel along the more than 200-mile Tour de Nebraska route.

The annual ride began Wednesday and goes through Sunday, The Grand Island Independent (https://bit.ly/2sY4RIP ) reported.

Riders traveled from St. Paul, Nebraska, to Loup City on Wednesday and will travel to Broken Bow on Thursday. Cyclists will then spend the night Friday at Ord. They’ll have their choice of various side trips Saturday and will spend the night in Ord again before riding back to St. Paul on Sunday.

Cyclists rode more than 45 miles Wednesday and are expected to travel about 65 miles Thursday.

The tour has had several different routes in past years. Charlie Schilling, special projects director for the event, said the route this year shows Nebraska’s landscape and beauty.

“It showcases the best of Nebraska,” he said.

Rest stops are stationed about every 15 to 20 miles on the route. Volunteers in towns along the way and towns where the cyclists spend the night help organize food and lodging.

Schilling said that many people train in advance for the event with some taking spin classes. He also said some go on the Tour de Nebraska for vacation and take work off to participate.

“It’s a fun adventure,” Schilling said.

Rich and Susan Rodenburg founded the event, which is in its 30th year.

___

Information from: The Grand Island Independent, https://www.theindependent.com