Nebraska nonprofit hosts bicycle tour to fund scholarships for high school students

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Joy and excitement filled the room as many Nebraskans prepare for their annual bike ride for the summer of 2023.

Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska is a nonprofit that will host the annual bike ride. They promote a non-competitive bicycle tour that provides a safe and fully supported ride for cyclists of all ages.

Doug Scherlie, BRAN president and bike tour director, said this bike ride is a week-long event that allows cyclists an opportunity to visit a variety of different towns in Nebraska. “We’ve been doing this for a good number of years where we know how to do it and make it more comfortable and more enjoyable,” Scherlie said.

The 2023 ride starts in Benkelman and will end in Ashland.

“We’ve had a lot of interaction over the years with a lot of these towns so we have a lot of favorites to call on.”

However, they have a reason for visiting these towns. They want to provide scholarships to high school seniors in Nebraska. These scholarships give an opportunity for students to attend trade schools, universities, and post-secondary institutions.

“BRAN provides scholarships to each overnight host town. The riders vote on their favorite for that year’s ride and that town will receive an additional scholarship. It varies through the years, but they are currently $1,500 per overnight host town.”

Mary Passmore is a cyclist that has participated in the bike ride for years. She’s excited to be a part of a greater cause. “I think doing these rides and those proceeds and helping those kids further their education is the best thing,” Passmore said.