Nemaha County Commissioners Allow Use of County Roads During Early June Radler Bike Festival
Cyclists will pedal through north central and eastern Nemaha County Sunday, June
The Nemaha County Commissioners Wednesday, Feb. 3, are allowing use of roads in the county for the Radler Bike Festival. At 9 a.m. that morning those taking part will start at Arbor Day Farm, host of the event.
Participants will enter the county on the eastern end. All will be riding south and east to Brownville, west on Highway 136 to the intersection of Highway 67, north to Peru and west along Highway 67 to the junction of Highway 75 then turning north returning to Nebraska City.
Krystl Knake, event marketing manager of Arbor Day Farm, anticipates from about 500 to 750 riders. Registration opens Monday, March 1. Anyone interested can visit www. radl erbikefestival. co m/ registration to obtain a priority registration code to enroll at a discount. Priority registration is March 1 through Sunday, March 7. Other registration dates, at increasing fees, are Monday, March 8 through Sunday, March 14, open registration; and Monday, March 15 through Wednesday, March 31, late registration.
Knake continues volunteer opportunities are also available. If you would like to help, you may also sign up at the website.
“We credit the success of these type of events to the dedication and commitment of our community members. We will need hundreds of volunteers. We are offering groups in our communities (such as youth organizations, churches and school clubs) an opportunity to assist with the event by having a fundraiser. I would encourage them to reach out to me directly to discuss what would be a good fit for their group,” she notes. Knake may be reached at 402-873-8748 or kknake@arbordayfarm.org.
Cyclists can choose from routes of 20, 4o or 6o miles daily. Knake strongly encourages the longest distance.
“It gives the most beautiful views of Southeast Nebraska. You can explore a lot of what we have in this region. Each distance takes in the unique beauty, charm and history of this area. The fun part of having multiple lengths available is that this event is really for every rider experience level,” Knake notes.
There are no organized events planned along the route at this time. However, every 10 miles there will be an opportunity for those taking part to drink water and enjoy snacks, and get needed medical attention or bicycle repairs.
The initial Radler Bike Festival took place in 2019 in the Lincoln area with nearly 500 cyclists from around the Midwest. There was no event in 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions. Effective this year Arbor Day Farm will be the host site the first weekend of June.
“We are so excited that the Radler Bike Festival has found its home at Arbor Day Farm. We see this event as a great fit for our area. The cycling community generally appreciates taking in the scenery, visiting with locals and experiencing new things. Southeast Nebraska provides that at every turn. We could be tourists in our own communities with how much we offer. Riders will appreciate and enjoy this,” Knake says.
The Saturday, June 5 route will be north from Arbor Day Farm. Pedalers will have a festival that evening upon their return,Knake relates. It will feature such amenities as live music, tournament style games, food, exploring Tree Adventure and experiencing in Arbor Lodge.
Additional Action Items
Three applications allowing work along county road right of ways were approved:
— Omaha Public Power District, 63135 722 Road in the southwestern part of the countY.
— two to Windstream, 634 Avenue on 728 Road south of Highway 136 and at 73486 645A Avenue just south of Peru.
The semiannual report on vacation, compensatory and sick leave owed to county employees as of Monday, Feb. 1 was also accepted.