Lincoln, Neb. —Undaunted by a heat advisory, cyclists from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln met on the MoPac trail Tuesday, June 25, and set out for Eagle. The group, led by School of Natural Resources professor Paul Hanson, made the 20-mile round-trip trek as part of Lincoln’s weekly Nacho Ride.
Hanson said that a group of graduate students first invited him to join the Nacho Ride around seven years ago. After those students graduated, he took over as coordinator for the university’s Tuesday night cycling group.
The Nacho Ride started in 2008, according to the event’s Facebook group, which boasts close to 3,000 members. Cyclists of all ages and abilities are welcome to join for the casual ride each week.
“You see everyone from retirees to kids,” Hanson said. “You can choose your distance and you can choose your pace. We’re not going to drop you.”
Participation in the ride can vary based on weather conditions and other events in the area, he said, but the university cohort of Nacho Riders is usually six to 12 strong. The group consists of Nebraska students and staff from departments across East and City campuses.
The promise of nachos and cold drinks at Bailey’s Local in Eagle is part of the appeal, Hanson said, as is the opportunity to connect with other cyclists.
“Bike people are always a lot of fun,” he said. “You see people from all walks of life on the ride, and that’s really neat.”