Registration is now open for the 36th annual Tour de Nebraska, “The Year of the Sandhills,” which will take cyclists on a 265-mile loop route through western Nebraska June 25-30.
“Tour de Nebraska is a perfect multi-day tour for first-time tourists to seasoned veterans,” said Charlie Schilling, Tour de Nebraska (TDN) director. “Our adventure is all about experiencing beautiful rural Nebraska from the seat of a bicycle. We are excited to highlight the friendly towns, people and the Nebraska Sandhills along the Niobrara National Scenic River.”
The noncompetitive loop tour will start and end in Springview (Day 0, Tuesday, June 25) and roll on to overnights at Bassett (Day 1, Wednesday, June 26), Ainsworth (Day 2, Thursday, June 27), Valentine (Days 3 and 4, Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29), and back to Springview (Day 5, June 30).
“Our unique format allows us to showcase our host communities and all they have to offer,” Schilling said. “Our cyclists enjoy the flexibility to explore the town, ride a loop or go tubing if they want to take it easy.”
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Cyclists of all ages come from across the country to ride Tour de Nebraska. Everyone rides at their own pace and enjoys sightseeing, culture, camaraderie and food along the route. Each rest stop and overnight town has its own unique flavor.
Highlights of the 2024 tour include post-ride hospitality featuring the Bolo Brewing Co. and an option to do a two-day gravel adventure that takes a limited group overnight to the Heartland Elk Guest Ranch. Kayaking and tubing options in Valentine will showcase the beautiful Niobrara River and Smith Falls.
Founded in 1988, Tour de Nebraska has grown from 11 to more than 400 cyclists. Organizers arrange meals, rest stops, daily maps, itineraries, luggage transfers, shuttles, SAG support, daily fruit, snacks and water. Accommodations include tent camping and indoor camping at local schools and parks. In addition, hotel/motel lodging options are available in each overnight community.
Schilling and his staff help local communities along the route prepare for rest stops and overnight stays.
“We work closely with the local organizers so they can provide everything we need,” he said. “Hosting Tour de Nebraska is a fun way to share their heritage and bring new revenue to the area.”
There is a friendly competition for the Best Rest Stop and Best Overnight Host Community awards.
The 36th annual Tour de Nebraska is Nebraska Trails Foundation’s signature fundraising event. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) partner assisting Nebraska communities in building trails systems. Nebraska Trails Foundation envisions a network of trails across the state, resulting in healthier lives, natural green space corridors, economic benefits and improved quality of life for all.
The registration fee for the five-day bicycle tour includes shower truck service, TDN t-shirt, TDN event app with GPS maps and itineraries, arrangements for meals, rest stops and camping, fruit, complimentary beverages at the campsites, kick-off breakfast, SAG support, emergency mechanical and medical support, luggage transport, daily yoga sessions, live music and food.
TDN also has a scholarship program that invites candidates to apply and receive free registration.
To find out more or to register for the 2024 Tour de Nebraska, go to TourdeNebraska.com. For additional information, contact Schilling at schilling.charles@gmail.com or 402-320-3384.