BRAN riders continue trek, make stop in Wilber
A tradition of over 40 years is back and has made its way into Southeast Nebraska.
By News Channel NebraskaWILBER, Neb. - A tradition of over 40 years is back and has made its way into Southeast Nebraska.
Riders of the 41st annual "Bike Ride Across Nebraska" made a stop in Wilber on Thursday, making it the trips first stop in Wilber since 2015. Wilber’s Program Administrator Shanon Meyer says bikers coming to town is an opportunity for Wilber to showcase itself and the events they have this summer.
“The last report was 360 bikers coming to town and this is out 150th birthday this year,” Meyer said. “We look forward to having additional people in town, we have a lot of things going on this year for that.”
Riders began the trek in Benkelman, going all the way to Ashland for trip's end. Stops include towns of Cambridge, Alma, Red Cloud, Hebron, Wilber, and Seward. On Thursday, riders completed the 64 mile journey from Hebron to Wilber.
Meyer says the Wilber Chamber did their best to make it an opportunity to showcase Wilber businesses.
“We for sure included the businesses in our planning,” Meyer said. “We have a window decorating contest going on with our businesses, some have sales for the day, but they were definitely a big part of our planning for the BRAN riders coming to town.”
The Southeast Nebraska Hope Crisis Center is also a part of the BRAN ride this year. The organization has members riding, all with the goal of raising money, as the Hope Crisis Center is a non-profit aiming to provide adequate shelter, food, and overall assistance to victims of domestic violence.
“Our Executive Director Carmen Hinman, she runs our program, but is also very enthusiastic about cycling,” Mindy Burns, Program Manager for Hope Crisis, said. “She has rode the BRAN several times, so she’s doing it again this year, along with her brother, and they’re doing it to raise money for Hope Crisis Center.”