Third time’s a charm - BRAN returns after pandemic
CALLAWAY - After a two-year hiatus, Bike Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN) was finally able to make their annual trek across the state. The 40th anniversary of BRAN was to take place in 2020, but the COVID pandemic put it on hold. BRAN 40.2 kicked off June 5, 2022 in Alliance with a 76 mile ride to Hyannis. From Hyannis, the bikers rode to Thedford and then landed in Callaway on the third day. The route continued through Custer County and ultimately ended in Wahoo on June 11.
Several new amenities this year include increased transport options and a mobile charging trailer for electronic devices. One of the most used amenities was The Bike Way, a mobile bike repair shop based out of Omaha. By the end of day three, the mechanic of The Bike Way estimated he had worked on every single bike on the route at least once.
Bikers say there are many reasons they enjoy the ride every year. “We do it for the friendships,” a group of bikers from Lincoln said. As colleagues at Union College, BRAN is a tradition that gets them together outside of the office and has allowed them to form lifelong bonds. A retired couple from Arizona says BRAN is how they connect with friends from all over the country. Doug and Denice lived in Lincoln for many years, but recently moved to Tuscon, Ariz. They start their summer with BRAN and spend the rest of their time in Nebraska visiting friends and family.
“The scenery this year has been amazing,” Doug and Denice said. They had never been to the Sandhills and were taken aback by its beauty. They weren’t expecting such drastic topography and were glad they went down in altitude and not up!
“We do it for the local people,” a rider said as he ate homemade cinnamon rolls in the Callaway Community Church. “The church ladies, restaurant owners and volunteers that we meet are so kind to us,” another rider commented.
The amount of work that goes into putting on this event is incredible. Locals take an entire day to set up welcoming tents, prepare food and shuttle the riders throughout town. “We appreciate the work that everyone does for us. These small towns are amazing and make us feel so welcome,” Doug and Denice stated.
BRAN also brings tourism and business to the local communities. The route is different each year and gives the riders, many from eastern Nebraska or from outside Nebraska, a chance to see the beauty the western and central parts of the state have to offer. Many riders return with their families or tell their friends about the great places they visited.
The riders are urged to visit museums, shops and local attractions during their down time. “We try to visit every museum that we can,” a rider from Lincoln commented. The bikers also bring business to restaurants, grocers and hardware stores as they are encouraged to shop local and support the community.