The 19th annual 5-day Tour de Nebraska bicycle ride will venture into north central Nebraska on its 315 mile round trip journey, June 21-25, 2006. Approximately 175 cyclists will leave David City on Wednesday, June 21 and camp overnight in Stanton, Elgin, Ord and Fullerton.

"Three our of the four communities we'll visit in 2006, Stanton, Elgin and Fullerton, are first-time host communities. We've been to Ord many times and we expect that we'll have a marvelous time. Exploring new and familiar areas in this beautiful part of the state," says Susan Larson Rodenburg, who organizes the tour with her husband, Rich. The Rodenburgs own Bike Pedalers and the Walton Trail Company bicycle stores in Lincoln.

The noncompetitive circle tour will start and end this year in David City, about 65 miles north of Lincoln. It will then procedd to overnight communities of Stanton (Wednesday, 6/21), Elgin (Thursday 6/22), Ord (Friday 6/23), and Fullerton (Saturday 6/24), then return to David City on Sunday, June 25.

The 206 Tour de Nebraska route will include 30 miles on the Cowboy Trail between Norfolk and Oakdale.

Established in 1988, the Tour de Nebraska bicycle adventure is a mental and physical challenge for 175 cyclists of all ages. Participants come from across Nebraska and other states, including California, Minnesota, Idaho, New Mexico, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Colorado, Iowa and Arizona. It's grown from 10 cyclists to 200 over the years.

"Our cyclists tell us they like the size of Tour de Nebraska because it's big enough to meet some new people, but small enough not to overwhelm the communities we visit," Susan Rodenburg says. "We have families, school teachers, busy executives and others who all share a passion for cycling and want to get off the beaten path. They can ride as fast as they want to but we encourage everyone to 'stop and smell the roses.' By the time the tour ends, they are all bonded in one way or another."

Tour de Nebraska arranges meals, rest stops, daily maps, itineraries, luggage/gear transfers, emergency sag support on the highway, daily fruit and water. Riders camp at city parks or may sleep inside at high school gymnasiums. The Rodenburgs help local communities along the route prepare for rest stops and overnight stays.

"The Nebraska Dept. of Tourism is now focusing on tourism that provides an "experience." This is what Tour de Nebraska is all about. In every town we ride through, the communities have a chance to highlight their community spirit, attractions, history and friendliness - all unique to Nebraska. "People just love it," she says.

"We work closely with the local organizers to assist them in providing everything we need. Most find that hosting the riders is not only fun but a great way to bring new revenue to the area. It's always exciting to find out what they have planned for us." The favorite rest stop and overnight host towns chosen by the riders receive cash awards.

Organizers also present daily spirit awards (The Sophie Trophy) to build camaraderie among riders. The coveted Tour de Nebraska Team Spirit Award is given annually during the last evening of the tour to a deserving individual who has shown a great amount of spirit, humor and joy while facing the challenges of the tour.

Tour de Nebraska is 5 days instead of 7 like many other tours, making it perfect for first-time tourists or those with limited vacation schedules. There are many repeat riders.

The $ 175 registration fee includes: TDN t-shirt, daily maps and itineraries, TDN handbook, meal and camping arrangements, fruit, kick-off breakfast, sag service, luggage transport, and minor bike repairs nightly. Registartion information is available at: www.bikeped.com or by request to: RodenburgR@aol.com. 402-474-7000, 1-800-728-0856.