Seventh Solstice Gravel Grinder sees record participation
Cyclists wait out one-hour storm delay
By News Channel Nebraska
BEATRICE – Following a lightning and rain delay, a record 400 bicyclists participated Saturday in the Seventh Annual Solstice Gravel Grinder Road race in Beatrice.
"Thank you for waiting out this terrible rain...but, you know what? It's going to be great because there's not going to be any dust for you. We are doing the wet route, I hope you all remember this....don't be jumping on any M-M-Rs! (minimum maintenance roads).
Organizer and former Beatrice City Councilman, Joe Billesbach, said it was the highest participation ever for the event…..which starts and ends along Center Street at the Scott Street area ballfields in Beatrice.
Grinders in the 100-mile race started things off at around eight a.m., after a one-hour storm delay. The cyclists traveled north then turned west onto U.S. Highway 136, taking a 100-mile course across area roads.
Races of 55 miles and 35 miles were also offered…..starting on Center Street and heading south.
The event, becoming one of the most popular for bicycle racers in the area, was held the weekend prior to this year’s Homestead Days Celebration in Beatrice…..which kicks off Tuesday evening and runs through Sunday, June 25th.