We’ve begun our trek into the thick of Nebraska, still pre-Great Plains, but virtually all rural until Boulder. Though we had a late start due to weather, today was quick and straightforward, and we had a pleasant stay in the town of York. Tomorrow is a long day at a bit above 80 miles, followed by a century.
Ride Overview
Mileage: 54.0
Elevation: +1374’/-936’
General Direction: Navigate north through Lincoln to the intersection of U.S. 34 and Fletcher Ave and turn left, remain on U.S. 34 until reaching York, turn left on Delaware Ave. at mile 51.1 and navigate through town to the stayover.
Points of Interest: Seward County Courthouse, downtown York
Patrick, Laurel, and Hanna, our three Gies College of Business representatives on the team (and a very safe dinosaur).
Tales of the Trail
A blessing in disguise came in the form of thunder booms at 4:40 AM as a series of isolated thunderstorms passed over Lincoln and delayed rollout by three and a half hours. No complaints from the team who got to sleep in until 8 AM! The weather cleared up, only leaving behind some lofty and sparse clouds throughout the day, as we made our way out of Lincoln and onto the star-of-the-show road of U.S. 34. With a wide shoulder and minimal traffic as we rode further from the capitol, it was a simple and effective route. The ride itself was also very enjoyable, and one of the team’s overall favorite days in terms of this. We had tailwinds the whole way and pretty minimal elevation. The corn was plentiful and made for natural open beauty, which tied in with the manmade aspects of distant freight trains and irrigation sprinklers spraying the fields. At our second rest stop, we met Scott, a kind man who’s mom has dealt with breast cancer. He offered us many kind words of luck and a donation. We also got to see our first giant plastic dinosaur at the Sinclair station we stopped at!
Scott with the team at our Sinclair stop. If you ever see this, we wish you well and thank you for your support! :)
Pretty much the view for the whole day. . .
Nabeel ready to check out.
We arrived into York with time to spare for showers, dinner, and a few activities. Our hosts at Immanuel Lutheran Church introduced us to runzas, a local Midwestern adaptation of the German bierock which is cabbage and beef completely encased in bread, and man were they good! We took showers at the local community center, and explored Lee’s Legendary Marbles and Collectibles, otherwise known as the largest known collection of marbles on the planet! It was nothing short of incredible, and riders gained many a spherical souvenir. After dinner, a few of us also went to a local grocery store to stock up on root beers, including Mike’s personal favorite: O-So Butterscotch. We are looking forward to our longer days in Nebraska; tomorrow will take us to the town of Kearney.
Marbles acquired.
The collection is truly massive, note the jars on the ceiling perimeter.
Enjoying some ROOT beer before lights out.
Cyclist’s Corner
Today’s Rider: Paul Leman
How are you today? I’m doing great. We had a nice, short ride today along with tailwinds, which made for a really good day.
You’ve fundraised thousands of dollars for our cause. What has been the most impactful fundraising experience you’ve had? Seeing the generosity of the people I ask, specifically family. Their willingness to give to our cause as a whole was really touching.
What keeps you going when it gets difficult to put in all of those miles or even to get on the bike? First is thinking about all the people who have battled or are currently battling cancer; all the pain and fatigue and discomfort they go through on a daily basis makes my own pain and discomfort bearable. This is also the trip of a lifetime, and I will remember the good times compared to the bad, so I know that in the end pushing through the tough parts will be worth it.
Do you have a favorite accessory to wear with your ride uniform? I would say my sun sleeves. I have three pairs: one black, one dark gray, and one light gray.
What’s your rest stop routine? It depends on whether it’s a gas station or roadside rest stop. If it’s a gas station, I immediately go inside and look for breakfast pizza. After that, I look for any other tasty snacks in the van and then fill my water bottles, then if I have to use the restroom I’ll do that last, right before we leave.
In the remaining portion of the ride, where are you looking forward to visiting the most? The Grand Tetons. Last summer, I went on a trip to the Wind River Range which is a couple hours south of the Tetons. It was some of the most beautiful country I have ever seen, so I am excited to see more of Wyoming in that form.
Please visit the rider profiles page on the website to learn more about this year’s riders! :)
Patty, Squirrel, and Dino.
~Dictionary of I4K~
Rollout: Term used for the start of each day’s ride. Not to be confused with rolling out, or the physical use of rollers on one’s legs to massage the associated muscles.
Jon’s new record of eight bags, will he top it tomorrow?