Thursday, September 28, 2006

BRAN, TDN???

Anyone planning on doing any of the tour rides next year? Bike Ride Across Nebraska or Tour De Nebraska? Has anyone done either, if so which would you recommend?

11 comments:

Byekin said...

I've done BRAN 6 times and TDN 4 times. I recommend them both! I usually take a look at the route they are taking and choose the route I like the best. TDN is smaller 200 riders whereas BRAN has 600. BRAN goes across Nebraska meaning you have to take a bus or arrange transportation to the other end of the state. TDN is more circular in that you finish where you start. BRAN is 7 days (Sunday to Saturday) and usually averages around 75 miles per day. TDN is 5 days (Wednesday to Sunday) and usually averages just over 60 miles per day. BRAN usually stays upon school grounds of host towns whereas TDN usually in a park. More facilities on school grounds but no alcohol which is not an issue for me. TDN there's a cold beer waiting for you at the finish.

Adrian Olivera said...

Anyone interestred in doing either of these? Maybe we could get a good group together for next year.

KimC said...

I've done BRAN several times and will there this year. It starts the first week in June-web site is: www.bran-inc.org. It's a great way to see some beautiful areas in Nebraska and have alot of fun! I hear Janna, Nicol and Conrad are going this year. I have some friends that have done TDN and have had a good time-the registration fills up fast.

Byekin said...

The 2007 BRAN will start Sunday June 10, 2007 and end Sat June 16, 2007 (which is a week later than usual). Host towns will be Gordon, Hyannis, Tryon, Merna, Ord, Fullerton, Brainard, and Waterloo.

Adrian Olivera said...

Tents and all?

Byekin said...

Tenting is the best way to go in my opinion. Some people sleep in the school gyms or hallways but I sleep better outside even in a storm than inside. Others do the motel thing which is definitely much more comfortable but that gets expensive and you lose a little from the overall experience as well.

KimC said...

Byekin, how'd you get the scoop on the route and dates already? I checked website but didn't see anything.

nicol said...

When is the registration deadline?

Byekin said...

heh heh heh, inside connections! No actually you can find the route information on their message board.

Registrations won't be out until January. No real registration deadline except once they fill up (which usually doesn't happen spring).

The fee for BRAN is cheap compared to other tours.

Adrian Olivera said...

I am all for TDN or BRAN. I'm in it more for the ride experience than anything else. Too many riders and too much comercialization takes away from a good experience - my opinion.

monkeygirl said...

I will be back at tdn this year, and already have some folks going along, it is a more the merrier kind of thing. Emory is going next year too.