Welcome to Nebraska Sandhills Randonneurs!

The Nebraska Sandhills Randonneurs host ACP and RUSA-sanctioned long-distance bicycle events in and around the Sandhills region of our vast midwestern plains state. If you are unfamiliar with this unique style of bicycling, please scroll down to the "About Our Rides" section.

Nebraska Sandhills Randonneurs has no club membership dues, however, membership with RUSA is required to participate in our events. Check out our ride calendar and see the section below to register!

Your RBA and organizer is Spencer Klaassen.
Feel free to email for more information!
We look forward to riding with you!

How to Register for a Ride

CLICK HERE to register for a Nebraska Sandhills Randonneurs event!
Contact the RBA if you have any questions!

Updated 04/24/2022

2022 Nebraska Sandhills 1,000km

Northwest Nebraska is one of the most sparsely-populated regions of the country, where you'll find long, unbroken highways, endless skies, and unique history.  The Sandhills 1,000 traverses its namesake: a vast region of mixed-grass prairie on grass-stabilized sand dunes in north-central Nebraska, covering just over one quarter of the state. The dunes were designated a National Natural Landmark in 1984 (Wikipedia).

The 2022 route will begin and end in Ord, NE., which is 65 miles NE of Grand Island, NE. (a larger City along Interstate 80).  

Due to the limited number of available hotels on the course, this is a limited-attendance event - contact the RBA if you are interested!

Lodging note: Start Hotel is Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Ord, NE. (855) 516-1090 

** Riders will need to make their own reservations for before and after the ride **  

Intermediate hotel planning is underway @ Gordon, NE., and Hyannis, NE.

Please contact the RBA if you are interested in this event!


Sandhills Thoughts:

  1. Be weather aware!
    1. Portable battery-powered NOAA weather radio /w alerts
    2. Mobile phone Weather apps - for weather & wind alerts
    3. Map with counties on it for severe weather alerts
  2. Be ready to ride with others in the wind!
  3. Bring plenty of clothes - for both hot & cold!
  4. Expansion bumps - wider tires & traditional 36-spoke wheels might be a good idea
  5. Suggested reading: 
    1. "Nebraska Curiosities" by Rick Yoder
    2. "Like No Other Place: The Sandhills of Nebraska" by David Owen
    3. "Roadside Geology of Nebraska" by Harmon D. Maher


The route takes riders north, nearly to the South Dakota border, then west to Crawford through the Nebraska National Forest, looping back along the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway (Nebraska State Route 2) before winding its way back to the start at Ord, NE.


Check out the 2022 route at this link:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38048462
(Route details subject to change as ride date approaches, contact the RBA if interested!)




Regional climate data for the last six years for May 28th, as recorded by the National Weather Service office for the North Platte Region, encompassing the entire NW area of the state.  The Max. temperature observed was 80ºF in 2020, and a minimum of 41ºF in 2017.  There are small chances for rain, regionally, however the last 3 years have only demonstrated trace amounts of precipitation.



Historic climate data for the last week of May demonstrates that normal temperatures range between 45ºF for the low and 78ºF for the high.


Links!


These photos barely tell the story... 

...the rest, we'll save for you!



















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Medals & Awards

Medals & Awards
Looking to push yourself? RUSA has lots of awards for distance milestones, special events, state exploring, monthly & season-long ride challenges, and more. Click the image to visit RUSA and find out more!

Volunteers!

Especially with our bigger events, volunteers help make it happen. If you, or anyone you know, has an interest in helping make our events a success, please contact our RBA, Spencer Klaassen. Thank you!

About Our Rides

Randonneuring is self-supported long-distance bicycling. It is not a race but instead unfolds like a timed tour.

Randonneuring events (called populaires, brevets, or permanents) vary in length between 100km (62 miles) and 1,200km (750 miles). Riders follow a pre-determined route via a GPS track and/or a cue sheet. Riders prove their completion of the course by collecting receipts and/or signatures from controls (usually convenience stores) along the route, and/or by way of their GPS track or other electronic means, depending on the event and its rules. One rides to finish within set time limits for each event, depending on route length. For example, the time limit for a 200km (125 mile) event is 13.5 hours, which includes any stops.

Randonneuring celebrates self-sufficiency. This is where randonneuring differs from other cycling events like supported charity rides. On a brevet or a permanent, you are on your own ride. The self-sufficiency ethos of randonneuring means that you are responsible for your own pace, your own nutrition and hydration, your own repairs, and, above all, your own safety.

Safety is of utmost importance. All rides take place on public roads. All riders should be visible, safe, predictable, and courteous to other road users at all times. Reflective gear and sufficient front and rear lights are required for any event that might begin or end in the dark. Read RUSAs rules on these points carefully and equip yourself and your bicycle appropriately.

Randonneuring is a big tent where every rider finds their own challenge. Some might be on their first big ride and will set a goal to finish inside the route time limit, where others keen on speed may try for a personal best. Some riders consider 100km to be “plenty”, where others continue to push themselves to the longest distances. Some ride only gravel, some only pavement, and some enjoy a mix of both. Some riders crave the latest tech and carbon fiber frames, others prefer vintage steel or fixed-gear drivetrains. All are randonneurs, and we respect all of these riders.

For many, randonneuring IS the goal. For those looking at a title gravel event or something even bigger, randonneuring is a great time and a great way to build a big aerobic base and set yourself up for success. All you need is a properly equipped human-powered bicycle, and a sense of adventure and challenge …

We are all out to have fun and enjoy a good, long ride!


Key Take-aways & Important Links:

· All riders must have a current RUSA membership to participate in our events

· All riders must obey local road laws and follow all RUSA regulations

· Reflective gear and lights are required for any event that might begin or end in the dark - see RUSA's reflectivity guide

· Visit RUSA’s FAQ page for even more details


If you have ANY questions about the above information, please feel free to contact the RBA.