September 15, 2018
Hello again! I trust your Septembering is ontrack!? Things here are beautiful. I was able to participate in a gravel ride sponsored by Omaha Velo last weekend. The weather was perfect, the course was enjoyable with a few big hills, and the Omaha Velo people were gregarious, generous, and genteel. They were also extremely well-prepared. The cue sheets were spot on, the oasis was extremely well stocked, and the drinks were cold and plentiful.
The gravel ride was called the OGrE, and it began in the lovely town of Plattsmouth, Nebraska. There were 2 options, a 56 mile and a 105 mile, of which I chose the most moderate (i.e., shortest) version. I think there were maybe 7 riders on the short course. I fired up my navigation system
and didn’t really seem to delay the start as I eventually made it over just after the pre-ride announcements.
The first part of the ride was really nice with a few streams and waterfalls that seemed a bit out of place here in eastern Nebraska. I was told later on that they are on the down-dam side of Beaver Lake.
 |
| Not one of the waterfalls I was referring to! But I was cruising along so effortlessly when I espied the real beauties that I did not stop for photographing! |
There was a cell tower, that shared some pasture land with some fine-looking Angus cattle.
The weather was perfect and I was feeling fast, so I did not bother to stop in Nehawka, although the Nehawka Bar was highly recommended. Next time I make it there I’ll be sure to stop. I was still feeling peppy, and had only made it through about 60 of the 118 oz. of water I was unnecessarily toting – hey, the last couple of gravel rides I went on were hot! - when I made it to the oasis, staffed by the personable Cleasbys.
I found the ride to be peaceful and reflective as I rolled past parts of the state that brought back memories of my younger years and friends and family that have passed on.
After the ride there were plenty of friendly people to chat with while I waited for my friend Rich to roll in.
I also made it out to see Here Come the Mummies this past Thursday. Talk about a funky bunch of 5,000 year-old party entities! I’ll be lucky if I’m that well preserved at 50!
I also espied a couple of inspirational bicycle-related stories including this one about how Lebron James loves biking for all the right reasons. Also this one about a guy who loves his old Bridgestone MB-1. Let’s keep the wheels turning!
Ra! Ra! Ra!
-BSO
