A large right-angle path took us between Nebraska’s two most populated cities, and the destination gave us a bit of respite before our westward journey to Colorado over the coming week. Riders are feeling aches, pains, tiredness, pretty much all of the above, but we continue to hold together and push through each day. As we begin to near the halfway point of the summer, Colorado is locked in our sights.
Ride Overview
Mileage: 65.7
Elevation: +3036’/-3043’
General Direction: Proceed west then south from the stayover, cross U.S. 6 using Regency Parkway, turn right on Pacific, then left on S 105th, navigate through the residential area to reach 108th, cross over I-80 and turn left at mile 8.0 on Giles Road, continue west and cross I-80 again to reach Route 50 at 11.3 and turn south, continue south for 25.7 miles crossing I-80 a third time, the Platte River, and Louisville, turn right at mile 37 and continue on U.S. 34 for 23.6 miles crossing Eagle and into east Lincoln, turn right onto N 66th St. and left on Vine St. toward downtown, turn left on 16th, right on R St., and left on 12th to reach the church.
Points of Interest: Platte River and Platte River Valley, University of Nebraska (Lincoln), downtown Lincoln
Tales of the Trail
The sun crept into the sky as we pedaled on a few busy roads and were passed by a myriad of cars and trucks, not quite our usual 7 AM ride conditions. Things began to clear up as we passed south of the Omaha metro area and over the Platte River, the depth of which doesn’t exceed fifteen feet. From there, it was a matter of taking the shoulder of two two-lane roads that arced between cornfields with many dual-trailer dump trucks passing every so often. The day gave us a slight tailwind on the westbound portion as well as another rest stop with a dog! Rolling into Lincoln brought us next to the University of Nebraska, and the gold capitol dome loomed in the distance as we approached downtown. We are staying at St. Paul United Methodist Church in the heart of the city for today and tomorrow as we rest and recuperate for our long haul through the corn.
Olivia with a very happy dog. :)
Post-ride watermelon and ice cream!
The Rest Day
Being close to downtown gave the team a lot to do with their time. Also, our first I4K holiday is here: Valentine’s Day! We were split into pairs and went on “dates”, where we were able to hang out one-on-one and get to know a certain teammate better. Being in Lincoln was fantastic for this as there was so much to do. “Couples” did activities such as exploring the Capitol, firing off a few rounds at a shooting range, checking out a train yard, going to a trampoline park, a history museum, an ice cream parlor (of course!), and much more! This made for a very enjoyable day spent getting to know our teammates better and having some fun while doing it.
Hanna and Paul locked on target. They went to the range and checked out a freight yard just west of downtown.
Sam meet sabertooth. Sam and Laurel explored a local natural history museum.
Jaylen and Jean went out for BBQ and had a grand time at the trampoline park.
Nabeel and Jonathan went to the capitol, got tacos, and had a photoshoot. Sunscreen makes for a good filter.
Cyclist’s Corner
Today’s Rider: Nabeel Hussain
How are you today? I’m doing pretty good, it was a great day! We had a rest day and were celebrating I4K Valentine’s. I had you as my valentine JB, and we had a great time at the Capitol Building. It was very fascinating inside as well as the view from the observation deck, and full of interesting art. We also took the tour which was very cool. We then went to City Hall and took some pictures and I had some of the best ice cream I’ve had so far on the ride at the place near Haymarket.
You’ve fundraised thousands of dollars for our cause. What has been the most impactful fundraising experience you’ve had? I would say one of the earlier days when we were getting used to fundraising methods. Especially concessions; I remember the first time I did concessions and it was on Dad’s Weekend. I don’t remember who we were playing and didn’t even know what concessions were before then, but it ended up being very fun. I was on fryer duty (Frymaster Nabeel!) that day and it was a frenzy, I was in control of two of them constantly making chicken and fries. But, it was a very nice experience as it felt like the first time we actually bonded as a team and got to know each other a little bit beyond the team meetings.
What keeps you going when it gets difficult to put in all of those miles or even to get on the bike? The cause. We are doing this to raise funds for cancer research, a disease that is still not completely curable after decades of research. I also think of the presence of cancer within my family, and especially think of my grandfather with whom I was very close. So, when I am feeling sore, my legs are hurting, etc., I remember that I am doing this for him. At the end of the day, I feel like biking across the country is just one part, and its going to be so cool, but we’re doing this for a cause, and remaining true to that cause is what keeps me motivated.
Do you have a favorite accessory to wear with your ride uniform? The purple arm sleeves that Maya gave to me. I don’t necessarily wear them but I wrap them around my handlebars and twirl them above my head when the van passes my group. I don’t have any of those high-tech accessories, I am definitely more of a basic guy when it comes to that.
What’s your rest stop routine? It depends on the day. Generally on easier days, I try to hurry as much as possible and get basic nutrition and apply sunscreen when needed. On the harder days, I sit down for the first few minutes, take a breather, and make sure I have energy for the additional miles. I fill up my water bottles, get some electrolytes in, and hang with my teammates and crack some jokes. I’ve only had PB&Js about three times total on the ride, I would say that’s the least uniform part of my routine.
In the remaining portion of the ride, where are you looking forward to visiting the most? Probably Yellowstone. I have only been to two national parks, one of which is the St. Louis Arch and the other being Cuyahoga in Ohio which we passed through earlier on the ride. I think Yellowstone will be the most beautiful of the parks, and I am looking forward to the camping days. Thinking about making a fire, hanging out with the team, and just having a fun time.
Please visit the rider profiles page on the website to learn more about this year’s riders! :)
Sam R with the capitol. At 398 feet in height, it is the second tallest in the nation. Sam and Kathryn went to the capitol observation deck and got ice cream together.
Western view from said observation deck. The capitol also sports beautiful and intricate architecture, mosaics, carvings, paintings, and murals. The freight yard in the background is the one Hanna and Paul explored. :)
An airborne Jean.
~Dictionary of I4K~
I4K Holidays: Special occasions throughout the ride meant to help keep spirits high. Includes Valentine’s Day, I4Christmas in July, I4K Prom, and others. Three riders, Olivia, Kathryn, and Laurel, also celebrate their birthday during this year’s ride.
Kathryn embodies her inner ‘husker.
