FAQs

Q. What is the Tour de Nebraska?

Tour de Nebraska is a fully sagged bicycle tour that begins and ends near Lincoln. It is organized and hosted by Rich and Susan Rodenburg. The Rodenburgs owned Bike Pedalers, a bicycle store in Lincoln for 24 years before selling it in 2006. The Rodenburgs, (and Elsie, their Basset Hound), take turns driving “sag” wagons with their staff of  mechanics, and riding the route. The sag wagons are stocked with fruit and water, and the staff will assist you with mechanical or medical emergencies. You must be prepared to do your own minor repairs and fix flats. Your camping equipment and gear are transported from campsite to campsite. All you have to do is ride and enjoy the scenery and the hospitality of rural Nebraska!

Q: Where do we stay?

Tour de Nebraska is a camping tour. We stay at high schools in each town with easy access to showers and all night restroom facilities. Indoor camping is also available in high school gyms, community centers or churches, regardless of the weather. We also do our best to select towns which have motel accommodations or are willing to provide “host homes” to those who prefer a bed at night. We will provide a motel list to registered riders who request one but ask that you make your own motel reservations.

Q: What about meals on the Tour?

We arrange for evening meals and breakfasts (at your own cost), which are usually served by local community organizations or area restaurants. We also designate a lunch stop and rest stops each day along the route. Our favorites are pie stops! All meals other than the welcome breakfast and the TDN banquet, are at your own expense.

Q; What is the route like?

All routes are on paved roads, which are selected for safety and lower traffic counts with the help of the Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Department of Roads. Unfortunately, not all Nebraska roads have shoulders. Usually, however, the shoulderless roads have less traffic. Daily route maps are provided.

Q: What kind of training should I do to maximize my tour experience?

People of all abilities have ridden and enjoyed Tour de Nebraska. To enhance your experience, however, we recommend that you train by riding 3-4 times a week, 20-30 miles each ride, with at least one longer ride (60-70 miles),  at least 4 weeks in advance of the tour. A multi-speed, lightweight bike in dependable working order is a must. Many participants use mountain bikes rigged with slick tires and bar ends. Nebraska weather can be finicky, so be prepared for anything!

Q: What do I get when I register?

First you will receive a confirmation email within days of receiving your check and registration form. Then in April, we send you an official TDN Handbook with a packing list, training program, and everything else you need to know about Tour de Nebraska! The Tour de Nebraska usually fills up by early March, but don’t take your chances. We limit the ride to 285 cyclists.

Q: What is included in my registration fee?

Your registration fee includes the following:

1. Official Tour de Nebraska t-shirt (unisex and women’s styles available)

2. Tour de Nebraska Handbook, a complete guide on how to prepare and enjoy the ride. Handbook includes what to expect, how to pack, tentative daily itineraries, contact information, roster, and other very useful information!

3. A State of Nebraska Guide to Bicycling map and rules of the road.

4. Daily maps and itineraries (will be provided at check in the first day of the tour).

5. Welcome breakfast for you and your family. This usually is a light breakfast, with bagels, muffins, fruit, orange juice and of course, coffee!

6. Rest stops in communities along our route.

7. Complimentary beverages at the campsite (water, gatorade, pop and beer!)

8. Tour de Nebraska banquet ticket. Held Saturday, this is our last meal together where we swap stories and present the coveted Team Spirit Award!

9. Complimentary fruit, water and air at all times during the tour.

10. Emergency mechanical and medical support.

Q: What is the weather like?

The average high for June is 85 degrees, the average low is 60 degrees. Wind is often a factor (we try our best to plan routes with tailwinds, but it doesn’t always work out that way).

Q: How do I register?

Print and fill out the registration  and send it back to us with your check or money order.