Sidney gets a taste of Bike Ride Across Nebraska

Cyclists spreading a sense of community and camaraderie passed through Sidney June 3.

Riders taking part in the 33rd annual Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska started their trek from Kimball on that day and will end their 467 mile journey in Omaha June 8. Some riders viewed this scenic route across Nebraska as a vacation of sorts.

"It's a great time to be with family," said Don Sweat of Syracuse, Neb. "Plus you get to meet a lot of neat people."

Sweat was riding with his sons Ben Sweat and Alex Sweat. This was Don's 24th year in the ride.

"My favorite part of this race is spending a week with my dad and brother without the distractions of work and family," Alex Sweat said.

There are 600 riders this year and Kim Scherlie, a SAG or support team member estimates that there are around 1200 people following the riders including families and support people.

Scherlie started providing support for her own family when they were participating in the race, but went on to become an official support person because she likes being around new people. As a SAG person she is posted along the riders' route and provides water, fruit and moral support for the riders. Like all other BRAN support people, Scherlie is a volunteer.

Those who take part in BRAN are committed to helping communities in Nebraska. The BRAN entry fee goes toward scholarships for Nebraska high school graduates who plan to attend Nebraska colleges and universities. The ride also provides revenue for community groups who host and provide food for the riders. BRAN can bring a significant amount of money to the towns it passes through. Some of those involved in the event contribute to the local economies of the towns along the route.

"We encourage riders to give back to the communities," Scherlie said.

Many of the riders are veterans of BRAN who know one another well. Only 30 percent of the riders this year are first-timers. Everyone seems to know one another and encouragement isn't hard to find.

"The scenery is beautiful, the people are nice and the towns are hospitable," said Patty Sok of St. Paul, Neb.

Sometimes cyclists need more than just food and water, so Kelly Smith, head bicycle mechanic provides technical support. He and his fellow mechanics follow the riders in a truck and fix any issues they might have with their bikes.

"We're the mechanics who work on them, body, mind and soul," Smith said.

He's also a source of enthusiasm with his cheery attitude and liberal use of a cowbell to encourage the riders. This was his 16th year as part of the support crew and everyone on the ride knows him. He affectionately calls the riders "BRANimals."

BRAN cyclists make up their own little community for a week. They make friendships and view the Nebraska countryside while also boosting the state's economy.

"These are the greatest people around," Smith said. "It's like a big family reunion."