Judy Grillo
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NEBRASKA: The Good Life

6/25/2018

14 Comments

 
It's nearly impossible for me to recap the five days on Tour de Nebraska -- the scenery, the cycling challenge (hills & weather), the people, the myriad of towns, and the non-stop itinerary off-the-seat as well! My main observation of Nebraska is that it has more shades of green in a single view than I've ever seen before.

It wasn't an easy ride by any means, but a gorgeous setting with stops in small towns (the smallest, Monowi with a population of one), and plenty of good food made by friendly, welcoming people. There were more than 500 riders on the Tour ranging from 9 to 82 years old, and while most were Nebraskans, cyclists came from as many as 25 states and Canada. 

The Tour was a 248-mile loop in the Northeast region of Nebraska, starting and ending in Plainview (yes, the town of Hawthorne in the movie, Nebraska).  While we slept in just four towns, there were 4-5 rest stops each and every day along the way, so a real experience of what the area looks and feels like. The first day was 51 miles of non-stop rain; the second, 41 miles of 20-28 mph winds; and then the sun came out for the remainder of the miles! Yeah!

​The final two days were spent in Niobrara, one of the oldest towns in the state, and a spot where Lewis & Clark camped on the bank of the river. It's also where the Ponca Tribe were relocated, and home to Chief Standing Bear. It's historic, peaceful, and scenic. 

I've too many stories to tell, I'm afraid, and tomorrow I rise at dawn to head into the Badlands.  
14 Comments
Anne-Marie
6/26/2018 08:06:29 am

Your photos capture quite the experience! Love the kid-fans on the sidewalk, the makeshift clotheslines in the gym, the men grilling for a cause, scenic window view of your indoor campsite, etc. I would, however, stay away from Klowndoll Museum--frightening! Most of all, I love the expanse of green space and retro-Americana feel of Nebraska towns. Congrats on your phenomenal feat!

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Judy
7/5/2018 04:10:16 pm

A: Yes, I loved this event! Each overnight and rest stop town "hosted" us and in turn, were fundraisers for them as food was not included in the package. That said, the food was mostly homemade and fairly priced -- breakfast buffet for $5, for example! The welcoming girls were local girl scouts who had spent a few days prior baking, too. Delightful.

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Eileen
6/27/2018 09:50:03 am

Judy: The towns and stories you tell are reminiscent of an old world country where time stands still. Amazed at the wide range of ages of the participants and the grueling conditions you biked in. Loved your "Sound of Music" photo.

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Judy
7/5/2018 04:11:46 pm

E; Honestly, I've been amazed at the small town feeling and welcoming folks in both Kansas and Nebraska. The kindness of people along the way was shocking to me, honestly. A whole new look at the US of A! j.

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Eileen link
6/29/2018 09:25:32 am

And the clown stories just reminded me of Kramer's fear of clowns and Elaine dating crazy Joe Davola.

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Judy
7/5/2018 04:12:21 pm

E: Seriously, I was SO in Kramer mode. I simply peaked in the windows! j.

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Hamilton Lois
7/3/2018 07:54:18 pm

just decided I want to see Nebraska, but of course looking thru your eyes isn't the same picture I would get--no bike! Am loving this trip of yours this year, all sorts of places I have never been. You're the best to take us along vicariously. lo

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Judy
7/5/2018 04:14:06 pm

LO: Thanks for visiting with me! Honestly, I couldn't have planned the joys of this trip through Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska if I tried. Really warm & fuzzy about the area, and yes, Nebraska is a special place I hope to return to one day. J.

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Fred
7/4/2018 07:53:07 pm

Badlands! Sounds exciting -- where the outlaws hang out. Happy 4th Judy!

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Judy
7/5/2018 04:16:03 pm

Fred! SO glad you're keeping to our holiday conversation :). Good to hear from you & hope you had a festive 4th of July! I'm enjoying this journey through my final states! South Dakota stories coming soon! J

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Karen W
7/16/2018 01:13:40 pm

Just catching up after a long time. Always love seeing all your adventures, but you had a root beer float without me?!!! :)

Reply
Judy
7/17/2018 11:13:17 am

Karen: So happy to hear from you! I've not been in a place to sit and get to emails just yet! Yes, an old fashioned root beer float -- I believe I was 10 or so when I had my last one. That said, been thinking of orange soda & vanilla ice cream now!!! I'll wait till I see you :). J

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Ed Condon
10/1/2019 09:09:05 pm

Way to go Judy, your incredibly talented. Lot of saddle time. Hope to see you soon.

Reply
Judy
10/3/2019 02:30:08 am

Ed: this was a great experience all the way! I'm thinking 2020 might be the year of doing state by state bike tours though more of Europe is on the agenda! J

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