Mark your calendars for the Shenandoah Lunch Ride, Saturday, June 18, 2011. This is a one-day 120 mile round trip from Omaha to El Portal in Shenandoah, Iowa. The pace will be relaxed, but consistent with trying to get 120 miles in a day without it taking forever.
Meet at Turner Park in Midtown Crossing at 6:00 am. We'll ride through downtown Omaha heading south to the Veterans Memorial Bridge, working our way toward the Wabash Trace. From there it's about 45 miles of crushed limestone before gorging on tacos, burritos and baskets of chips and salsa. Oh, and beer.
The way back is pretty much the same, except a little slower. Who knows, maybe we'll do a celebratory dinner in Omaha.
There's no SAG support, so bring whatever you need to repair your bike. I'd wager that others can help out if you have a problem, but in the end, you're on your own.
There are some towns along the way where we can stop for snacks and water, but these stops can be 10-15 miles apart, so be prepared with your own nutrition and hydration.
Click here for the route.
Please post your ideas and comments in the space provided below.
Automobile Parking Options
ReplyDeleteFor those who prefer to drive to the start of ride, please take note of the following parking options.
Street parking on Farnam Street at Midtown Crossing is usually pretty easy to get at 6am, and it's free all day (I think: I'll check with the city. They used to run the meters on Saturday, but now I'm not sure). You may also choose to park in either of the two garages. It's free for the first three hours, then $1 per hour, with a $7 maximum per day. Just pull into the garage and take a ticket from the machine. Keep the ticket and present it to the cashier or the machine when you leave. The cashiers and machines can take credit cards, by the way, as well as cash.
If you plan to meet us at the Wabash Trace trail head, you'll find free parking near the picnic shelter and portable toilets.
Wabash Trace Nature Trail User Fee
Please note that the Wabash Trace is supported with donations. Likely there won't be volunteers at 7:15am to take your money, but consider buying a yearly pass for $10 or bring $1 to deposit in the collection box. I have two passes, so the first one to post "Scott Redd is so cool" in the comments below can have use of my extra pass. :)