What is Tour de Nebraska?
Founded in 1988 by Susan and Rich Rodenburg, Tour de Nebraska is a fully sagged 5-day annual bicycle tour of beautiful rural Nebraska. Directors Charlie and Kim Schilling primary focus is to provide a fun way for cyclists to experience the beauty and friendliness of rural Nebraska. People of all ages from nearly every part of the country (over 20 plus states are represented annually) have ridden Tour de Nebraska, and call it the most memorable adventure of their lives! TDN sag wagons are stocked with fruit, snacks and water, and the staff will assist you with mechanical or medical emergencies. We ask that you be prepared to do your own minor repairs and fix flats. Your camping equipment and gear are transported from campsite to campsite. All you have to do is ride and enjoy the scenery and the hospitality of rural Nebraska!
Where do we stay?
Tour de Nebraska is a primarily an indoor/outdoor camping tour. We offer tent camping and indoor camping at high schools or community buildings (i.e. YMCA's) in each town with easy access to showers and all night restroom facilities. Indoor camping is available regardless of the weather. We do our best to select towns which have motel accommodations or are willing to provide “host homes” to those who prefer a bed at night. We provide a motel list on our website and ask that you make your own motel reservations. Please understand in small towns lodging is limited. Opt to indoor camp with your own blow-up mattress or camp under the stars for a true TDN experience!
Community shuttles will take you and your gear to the motels, and our staff will pick up your bags in the morning. Motels or B&B's out of town, please make your own transportation arrangements (or check with us and we'll try to help you!).
UNL’s Outdoor Adventures Hassle-Free Tent Service, which allows you more time to enjoy the tour and less time dealing with the chores like setting up your tent, filling your air mattress and transporting your gear. Each day you arrive at your designated campsite to find your luggage carefully placed inside your tent and your air mattress fully inflated. Relax in a camp chair and wash the day away with a fresh towel. This service also offers a hot cup of coffee in the morning! It is an extremely popular option for our cyclists. This service is at your own cost and in addition to your registration fee. To find out more, please visit: No Hassle Tent Service
Community shuttles will take you and your gear to the motels, and our staff will pick up your bags in the morning. Motels or B&B's out of town, please make your own transportation arrangements (or check with us and we'll try to help you!).
UNL’s Outdoor Adventures Hassle-Free Tent Service, which allows you more time to enjoy the tour and less time dealing with the chores like setting up your tent, filling your air mattress and transporting your gear. Each day you arrive at your designated campsite to find your luggage carefully placed inside your tent and your air mattress fully inflated. Relax in a camp chair and wash the day away with a fresh towel. This service also offers a hot cup of coffee in the morning! It is an extremely popular option for our cyclists. This service is at your own cost and in addition to your registration fee. To find out more, please visit: No Hassle Tent Service
What about meals?
We arrange for evening meals and breakfasts (at your own cost), which are usually served by local community organizations or area restaurants. We also designate a lunch stop and rest stops each day along the route. Our favorites are pie stops! Please bring cash for community rest stops which generally ask for “free will donations” to support a local cause or fundraising project. All meals other than the welcome breakfast on Wednesday morning and the Saturday evening meal, are at your own expense. Delicious food is aplenty in rural Nebraska, and we suggest you bring $50/day to support our communities, and cash for rest stops.
How much money should I bring for meals?
We suggest bringing about $50/day x 5 = $250 for meals. Your first breakfast on Wednesday and Saturday night meal is included in your registration fee so all you’ll need money for other meals and rest stops. Bring plenty of cash to support our community rest stops, as most are organized by church ladies, 4-H groups, etc. who do not have the ability to run credit cards.
What is the route like?
All routes are on paved roads, which are selected for safety and lower traffic counts with the help of the Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Department of Transportation. Not all Nebraska roads have shoulders and we do our best to find quiet, beautiful roads. We drive the route in the Fall. Daily route maps are provided via our RidewithGPS event app. We do support gravel bikes on our gravel routes.
What kind of bicycle do I need?
You'll see nearly every type of bicycle on Tour de Nebraska. The majority of our cyclists ride multi-speed touring/racing bicycles. Others, however, enjoy the tour on hybrids, tandems, mountain bikes and recumbents. E-bikes are also allowed. For mountain bikes, we suggest you consider using tires more suitable for pavement. Whatever you bring, make sure your bicycle is in good working order–have your local bike shop give your bicycle a complete tune-up before the ride! If you have an uncommon tire or tube size, please bring extras along with you. If these are bulky, we’re happy to carry them for you.
How should I train for the tour?
People of all abilities have ridden and enjoyed Tour de Nebraska. To enhance your experience, however, we recommend that you train by riding 3-4 times a week, 20-30 miles each ride, with at least one longer ride (60-70 miles), at least 4-6 weeks in advance of the tour. A multi-speed, lightweight bike in dependable working order is a must. Nebraska weather can be finicky, so be prepared for anything!
How old do I need to be to ride?
Persons under 18 may register only if they are under the direct supervision of an adult. No children under 8 years old are allowed. Helmets must be worn at all times while on your bicycle. Registration is limited and a wait list will begin once we reach our max number of riders.
What do I get when I register?
First you will receive a confirmation e-mail once you register. Then in early June, we’ll e-mail instructions to download an official Ride with GPS TDN app with everything you need to know about Tour de Nebraska! The Tour de Nebraska can fill up early, so don't delay registering!
What is included in my registration fee?
Your registration fee includes the following:
1. Official Tour de Nebraska care package
2. Shower truck shower service
3. Tour de Nebraska event app on Ride with GPS is a complete schedule and GPS maps on the weeks activities, plus contact info and links to local information to help you prepare and to enjoy the ride. And, the event app has notifications with any updates or alerts.
4. Daily digital maps and itineraries
5. Welcome breakfast for you and your family. This usually is a light breakfast, with bagels, muffins, fruit, orange juice and of course, coffee!
6. Rest stops in communities or roadsides at least every 15 miles (on average)
7. Complimentary beverages at the campsite (water, Gatorade and beer!)
8. Tour de Nebraska Saturday night meal ticket. Held Saturday, this is our last meal together where we swap stories and present the coveted Rich and Susan Rodenburg Spirit Award (formerly the Team Spirit Award), along with other fun prizes
9. Complimentary fruit, water and air at all times during the tour
10. Indoor and outdoor camping arrangements
11. Emergency mechanical and medical support
12. Free and secure 5-day parking
13. Luggage pickup at select motels
14. Once-in-a-lifetime memories!
15. A feeling of accomplishment and NEW FRIENDS!
1. Official Tour de Nebraska care package
2. Shower truck shower service
3. Tour de Nebraska event app on Ride with GPS is a complete schedule and GPS maps on the weeks activities, plus contact info and links to local information to help you prepare and to enjoy the ride. And, the event app has notifications with any updates or alerts.
4. Daily digital maps and itineraries
5. Welcome breakfast for you and your family. This usually is a light breakfast, with bagels, muffins, fruit, orange juice and of course, coffee!
6. Rest stops in communities or roadsides at least every 15 miles (on average)
7. Complimentary beverages at the campsite (water, Gatorade and beer!)
8. Tour de Nebraska Saturday night meal ticket. Held Saturday, this is our last meal together where we swap stories and present the coveted Rich and Susan Rodenburg Spirit Award (formerly the Team Spirit Award), along with other fun prizes
9. Complimentary fruit, water and air at all times during the tour
10. Indoor and outdoor camping arrangements
11. Emergency mechanical and medical support
12. Free and secure 5-day parking
13. Luggage pickup at select motels
14. Once-in-a-lifetime memories!
15. A feeling of accomplishment and NEW FRIENDS!
Any packing tips?
Pack 2 soft-sided bags not to exceed 40 lbs. total, one with with your personal items and one for your tent/camping gear. Do not put everything in one large bag, and please, no plastic tubs. Make sure you can carry your own bags. Please tag your bags. Don't forget a towel!
What is your policy re: refunds and transfers?
General Refund Policy: If your plans change and you cannot participate on or before April 1, we will refund all but a $90 processing fee. After April 1, there will be NO REFUNDS.
Medical or Life Events Transfer Policy: Injuries or life events (death in family, illness, etc.) are eligible for a transfer to the following year for a $90 processing fee by June 1.
Transfers: TDN does allow transfers for a $90 processing fee (passing your registration on to someone else in case you cannot attend) by June 1. All riders must be registered and sign the waiver.
Registration Protection:
You can add coverage to protect your purchase (registration only) against unforeseen circumstances such as: illness, health & family, traffic accidents, military or jury duty, work conflicts. Simply, add REGISTRATION PROTECTION to your shopping cart.
Medical or Life Events Transfer Policy: Injuries or life events (death in family, illness, etc.) are eligible for a transfer to the following year for a $90 processing fee by June 1.
Transfers: TDN does allow transfers for a $90 processing fee (passing your registration on to someone else in case you cannot attend) by June 1. All riders must be registered and sign the waiver.
Registration Protection:
You can add coverage to protect your purchase (registration only) against unforeseen circumstances such as: illness, health & family, traffic accidents, military or jury duty, work conflicts. Simply, add REGISTRATION PROTECTION to your shopping cart.
What is the weather like?
The average high for June is 85 degrees, the average low is 60 degrees. Wind is often a factor (we try our best to plan routes with tailwinds, but it doesn’t always work out that way).
How do I register?
Go to the registration page and follow our easy, online registration process!
What if I need to ship my bicycle?
You can ship your bike directly to TDN's Official Bicycle Shop: Cycle Works of Lincoln, Nebraska. Call ahead an make arrangements with the store management and get your estimate on assembly fees and related shipping services if needed.
Cycle Works
720 N. 27th Street
Lincoln, NE 68503
402-475-2453
TDN App: Everything you need to know about Tour de Nebraska!
Download our free Tour de Nebraska app with maps and itineraries. Updates will be added as we get closer to tour and during the tour. It will automatically ask you to download any updates.
1. Download the mobile app for free via the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store or click: https://ridewithgps.com/app?lang=en
2. Click on three bars or "more" tab, and click "Open Shortcut"
3. Enter shortcut code for TDN24: Coming in early June!
4. You'll be prompted to download the Experience. Tap Download to begin.
1. Download the mobile app for free via the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store or click: https://ridewithgps.com/app?lang=en
2. Click on three bars or "more" tab, and click "Open Shortcut"
3. Enter shortcut code for TDN24: Coming in early June!
4. You'll be prompted to download the Experience. Tap Download to begin.