Nebraska: Home of the headwinds

Having so much adventure in Nebraska with decent roads, sunny weather, friendly people and a couple lessons from Mother Nature. She is definitely in charge on cross-country bike tours.

Pedaled out of Paxton, NE. The Cliff Swallows that build their nests under the bridge came out and paraded me out of town. It was rather amazing. They were flying on both sides at eye level. It felt very Chariots of Fire.

Met a couple really nice fellas in Paxton, NE. Rich and Todd had been pedaling since Salt Lake City, UTAH.

Todd talked about touring and how he like getting out in the morning and seeing people grouchy on their morning ride to work while he was going to spend the day in the sun having adventure.

Rich said he loved being on the road, visiting the small towns, and stopping to read historic markers. (Me too!)

My favorite historic marker so far was about Chief Turkey Leg… It was a grim encounter in 1867, especially for the people on the Union Pacific.

Lots of the historic markers provide nuggets of history that I never heard about in school. Common themes are the gold rush, the Oregon Trail, difficult journeys, forts and battles.

The small towns are more common in Nebraska than Wyoming. It’s part of the charm. Happened upon Larry’s Market in Shelton, NE. Population about 1,000.

“This used to be a Jack & Jill Store a long time ago,” said Larry. “You remember those… don’t you?”

Larry’s Market has an entire freezer dedicated to about 20 freeze pops. He cut the end off the blue one and passed it back. It’s the best way to combat a sweltery ride.

Larry was kind and easy going. He talked with the gentle tone and reassurance of the Motel 6 guy who said, “We’ll leave the light on for ya.”

Larry was managing the store and his two grandchildren. Sawyer took a break from riding his electric scooter up and down the aisles to pose with grandpa.

Absolutely love the cowboy flair along the side of the road and the murals in town dedicated to the history of the community. Common themes are trains, Pony Express, and farming.

Remember when the train was going to come through Walnut Grove in Little House on the Prairie and they exploded the whole town? That still didn’t make much sense… except if they were going for big ratings.

About three times a week this happens. An old guy will approach me during one of my breaks and come up to chat. Mike was on his way to Grand Island, NE, with his brothers and they pulled up to get a cold drink. Mike went for a walk and a smoke and wandered over by me.

”Where ya headed – Where ya been” is the normal icebreaker. Then… like it’s standard, the fellas feel the need to check my tires. Most say something to the effect, “Not going to make it much farther on these.”

I absolutely treasure these encounters.

Larry and Ed were next. They stared at me as I drifted off Hwy 30 into the Pump n’ Pantry in Silver Creek, NE.

They’re nothing but a couple good ole boys enjoying retirement. “Where are you headed,” said Larry. I told them Wisconsin. “Need a cheese sandwich,” said Ed.

The good-natured ribbing. I’m glad they feel so comfortable without even knowing me.

Just a couple of my favorite photos below:

I’ve been asked to cobble together a mileage total. Below is my best attempt. Long days are courtesy A1 Health and Fitness – training since November 2024 and it is paying off.

Utah airport to UPS store and host – 21 mi.

Olympic Training Rink, bike store, Jordan River Trail – 24 mi.

Salt Lake City to Park City – 36.40 mi.

Interview Eric Heiden to host – 14 mi.

Park City, UT to Evanston, Wy – 65.54 mi.

Evanston, Wy to Fort Bridger, Wy to Lyman, Wy – 44.26 mi.

Lyman, WY to Green River to Rock Springs KOA – 50 mi.

Kimball, NE to Chappell, NE – 67.43 mi.

Chappell, NE to Paxton, NE – 61.17 mi.

Paxton, NE to Brady, NE – 63.95 mi.

Brady, NE to Kearney, NE – 81.55 mi.

Kearney to Chapman, NE – 60.90 mi.

Chapman, NE to Columbus, NE – 58.64 mi.

Total = 648.84 miles.

Finally, on a very hot day on July 3, I took a break at a senior center in Ogallala, NE. This was on the inside door of a stall in their bathroom.

Thanks everyone for following along on the tour. I hope you’re having as much fun as I am.

This year’s tour is intended to highlight previous Winter Olympics as we head into the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy.

Local speed skater Jordan Stolz is expected to compete in four events and if you would like to be part of Team Jordan feel free to pledge your support by using the QR code below courtesy the Dan Jansen Foundation.

Jansen’s foundation is a 501c3 and he’s agreed to donate 100% of all support noted to Jordan Stolz. Be part of Team Stolz today.