Imperial expected to be stop on 2018 BRAN ride

    While the final route won’t be announced until early in November, Imperial expects to be an overnight stop for the June 2018 Bike Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN).
    Chris Lee, one of five co-coordinators for the event next June, said he’s received good response from several people in the community to promote Imperial as one of the host communities.
    Ten other people have offered to help in the planning, he said.
    The 2018 ride dates haven’t been announced yet, Lee said, but the 38th annual ride will take a southern route this year.
    According to the BRAN website, the event is a tour designed by bicyclists for bicyclists.
    “It is a once a year opportunity to test your stamina and enjoy the country hospitality of Nebraska,” the site continues.
    Proceeds from the ride are used to fund scholarships at post-secondary schools in Nebraska.
    While in the community, up to 600 riders will camp overnight. Lee said they already have some groups interested in providing food for the riders.
    All BRAN overnight communities will earn a $3,000 high school scholarship. In addition, the riders vote on a “Best Host Community,” which receives an additional $3,000 scholarship, Lee noted.
    Serving with Lee as BRAN co-coordinators include Mary Deyle, Eric Exum, Michelle Spady and Kevin Chavira.
    BRAN isn’t new to Imperial. The community was the starting point for BRAN in 2000.
    More recently, Wauneta served as the ride’s starting point in 2015.