What is Goldenride?
Goldenride is a weekend bicycle event that will start at Louisville State Recreation Area and connect to the MoPac Trail. Riders can decide how much they want to ride over this two-day, fully supported event that starts along the Platte River. There will be live music, food trucks, drinks, and opportunities to get on the Platte River in a kayak, tube or canoe. Or turn it into a tailgate party and watch football at the rest stops while you follow your favorite teams.
This weekend ride is geared to highlight local communities in Nebraska and our state’s beautiful rural scenery. The route is trail based to attract the widest variety of riders from novice to experienced, and will feature rest stops in rural Nebraska towns. It is a fully SAG supported event, which means that our official bicycle shop partner will be near the route, ready to assist with any mechanical issues.
Where do we stay?
Riders can choose one of three options:
1. Louisville State Recreation Area. Limit 10 tents per campsite. After unloading your gear, park in the City parking area located across from the main entrance. From there, you may return to the campground by walking or using the provided shuttle service.
2. Don't have a tent and don't want to buy one? UNL Outdoor Adventures’ hassle-free tent service provides the tent, sets it up and takes it down starting at $75. Both single and double tents are available. Simply add it to your cart when you register and check out.
3. Stay in one of the many nearby cabins at the Platte River State Park of Mahoney State Park. Both of them are minutes away along the Platte River. We are promoting our friends at the Nebraska Parks to encouraging everyone to buy an annual pass to support them and to give you closer access to park on site.
What about meals? How much money should we bring for meals?
The incredible value for registering includes a meal and drink ticket for Friday and Saturday nights. Plus, we provide a grab-and-go breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning that includes hot coffee, fruit, and breakfast bars. The rest stops will require you to pay for your drinks, lunch and snacks along the way. We encourage you to enjoy the stops and support the communities that host us! We suggest you bring $40 a day in cash to support the organizations and groups along the route.
What is the route like?
With a maximum grade of 5.0%, Goldenride’s route provides a comfortable ride for novice riders. View detailed information on the elevation and grade changes for Saturday and Sunday.
We start at Louisville State Recreation Area and head north to connect to the MoPac Trail both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday you can go as far as Eagle, which will be about a 60 mile round trip. Or turn around the rest stops in Elmwood or Murdock, depending on your comfort level. Connection to the MoPac Trail on Saturday requires us to use a combination of lightly traveled highways and about 6 miles of gravel before connecting to the MoPac, which is crushed limestone. Most tires will be fun on all of these surfaces as long as everyone is prepared.
What about parking?
Free parking is available on City of Louisville property across from the park entrance, near the maintenance building. Please ensure you do not block any doors, lanes, or driveways. We recommend dropping off your gear at camp before parking — you may return on foot or by shuttle. On-site parking is also available within the state park with a valid daily permit or annual Nebraska State Park pass.
What kind of bicycle do I need?
The MoPac Trail is packed limestone. There is about 6 miles of gravel before connecting to the MoPac Trail on Saturday. This trail is suitable for all types of bikes (road, hybrid, e-bikes, mountain, gravel, tandem, fat). For the smoothest ride, we recommend tires no skinnier than 25mm. We encourage all riders to visit their local bicycle shop to make sure their bikes are ready to roll!
How should I train for the tour?
To maximize your enjoyment of this adventure, we recommend that all riders prepare themselves mentally and physically by riding a few times a week, up to 10 miles each with a longer ride on the weekend, starting at least 4 weeks prior to the event.
How old do I need to be to participate?
No children under 10 years old are allowed. We are inviting families to join us and we are offering a $55 discount for riders aged 10-30. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult rider. Helmets must be worn at all times while on your bicycle.
What do I get when I register?
First, you will receive a confirmation e-mail once you register. Then in mid August, we’ll e-mail instructions to download an official Ride with GPS app with everything you need to know about Goldenride.
What is included in my registration fee?
Goldenride Swag Package: Commemorative t-shirt
Select meals: Includes Friday night drink voucher, Saturday night meal and drink voucher, and two grab-and-go breakfasts (hot coffee, breakfast bars, fruit) on Saturday (Lincoln departure only) & Sunday
Pre-ride training & info
App with GPS route maps: Download the Ride with GPS App for virtual training and event day directions
Friday night check-in: Riders will enjoy live music and food truck at Louisville State Recreation Area. Check in is 4PM-8PM.
SAG support: Goldenride’s mechanical crew will be available to assist with any mechanical issues. There may be a fee for parts & repairs.
Rest stops: Rest stops in Murdock, Elmwood, Eagle, Heron Bay, and Springfield, provide a moment to relax, refuel, and soak in the journey.
Overnight camping: At Louisville State Recreation Area
Showers: There are two shower houses and we will provide quarters for a 10 minute shower each day as part of your registration.
Phone Charging Station
Games, activities & football watch party
Complimentary beverages: Water and sports drinks at the campsite, a drink ticket for Friday night, and complimentary drinks including beer on Saturday.
Shuttle service: We have a shuttle sponsor to get you from parking to park and downtown throughout the weekend.
What is your policy regarding refunds and transfers?
General Refund Policy: If your plans change or you cannot participate before August 1, we will refund all but a $50 processing fee. After August 1, there will be NO REFUNDS.
Medical or Life Events Transfer Policy: Injuries or life events (death in family, illness, etc.) are eligible for a transfer to the following year for a $50 processing fee by August 1.
Transfers: Goldenride does allow transfers for a $50 processing fee (passing your registration on to someone else in case you cannot attend) by August 1. All riders must be registered and sign the waiver.
Registration Protection: You can add coverage to protect your purchase (registration only) against unforeseen circumstances such as illness, health & family, traffic accidents, military or jury duty, or work conflicts. Simply, add Registration Protection to your shopping cart when registering.
What is the weather like?
The average temperature for mid-September is 73-84 degrees. Wind can be a factor. This event is rain or shine and riders should be prepared for various weather conditions.
How do I register?
Go to the registration page and follow our easy, online registration process.
What do I need to pack?
ON YOUR BIKE
Small tool kit with the following:
Tire levers
Adjusting tools/simple tool set
Patch kit
Spare tube
Frame pump and/or CO2 cartridge(s)
Water bottle
Rear flashing tail light
Front light for foggy, rainy conditions
WHAT TO WEAR ON YOUR BIKE
Helmet (mandatory)
Cycling gloves
Cycling mirror (for helmet or bike)
Cycling shoes (highly recommended)
Cycling shorts
Sun glasses
Waterproof sunscreen
Lip balm (with sunscreen)
Cotton handkerchief
Chamois butter (if needed)
Energy source (bar, trail mix, banana)
Cash for rest stops, ID, credit card
Light jacket (if needed)
Ibuprofen
WHAT TO PACK
Cycling shorts
Cycling jersey/t-shirt
Socks
Underwear (not under bike shorts)
Windbreaker/rain jacket
Casual clothes for Saturday night
Deodorant & toiletries
Cable and lock
TENT CAMPERS
Tent
Sleeping bag and pillow
Air mattress/pad
Quick dry towel
Ground cloth for tent
Light blanket or sheet
Mosquito and tick repellent
Flashlight
Mobile phone & charger
Ibuprofen
Backpack or small bag to take your clothes, etc. to showers.
Camp chair (small and light)
Helpful Packing Tips:
Pack 2 soft-sided bags not to exceed 40lbs total, one with with your personal items and one for your tent/camping gear. Do not put everything in one large bag, and please, no plastic tubs.
Make sure you can carry your own bags.
Please tag your bags.