What is Goldenride?
Goldenride is a weekend bicycle event that will start at Lincoln’s Jayne Snyder Trails Center and follow the Homestead Trail 44 miles south to Chautauqua Park in Beatrice. The two-day, fully supported event takes riders along a former railroad corridor through beautiful rural Nebraska, and features live music, games, activities, craft beer, delicious food and lifetime memories.
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 four 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. Organizers will transport all overnight gear.
Where do we stay?
Riders can choose one of three options:
1. Camping at Chautauqua Park in Beatrice is going to be a blast! Bring your tent and we will haul your gear.
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 for a fee of $70 per person. 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 hotel options in Beatrice. Camper hookups are available by contacting the City of Beatrice.
What about meals? How much money should we bring for meals?
The incredible value for registering includes a meal and drink ticket for Friday night and Saturday night. Plus, we provide drinks and beer after the ride, 12PM - 5PM. And we are providing a grab and go breakfast on Saturday (Lincoln departure only) and Sunday morning that includes coffee and a breakfast bar and fruit. 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 1.0%, Goldenride’s route provides a comfortable ride for novice riders. Click here for detailed information on the elevation and grade changes.
We start at the Jayne Snyder Trails Center and take bike path to the Jamaica North Trail to just south of Saltillo Road, where the trail becomes the Homestead Trail. The Jamaica North Trail is paved from J Street south to Calvert Street, then becomes packed limestone. The Homestead Trail is packed limestone as well until it reaches Beatrice, where it is paved.
The Homestead Trail winds through acres of farmland and travels through Roca, Princeton, Cortland and Pickrell. We plan rest stops in Roca, Cortland, and Pickrell. The nine-mile section from Cortland to Pickrell features greener scenery of relatively dense tree cover and crosses over 18 restored railroad trestles.
This former railroad corridor provides a safe, unique opportunity to discover the beauty of rural Nebraska.
What about parking?
Downtown Lincoln has lots of city parking garages available. Free parking is available at the Assurity parking garage at the Jayne Snyder Trails Center. Please follow any and all parking restrictions in Roca. Goldenride is not responsible for parking security or any damaged or lost items.
What kind of bicycle do I need?
The Jamaica North Trail is paved within Lincoln from J Street south to Calvert Street, then becomes packed limestone all the way to Beatrice, where it is paved. 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 12 years old are allowed. We are inviting families to join us and we are offering a $90 student discount for riders aged 12-20. This student discount expires August 31. 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
Premium Goldenride Swag Package — For Premium Goldenride Registrants only: Commemorative t-shirt, Primal Goldenride long-sleeve jersey, Goldenride socks, and extra drink tickets. This crazy-good value is the only way you can rock the Goldenride jersey and Goldenride socks.
Select meals: Includes Friday night meal and drink voucher, Saturday night meal voucher, and two grab-and-go breakfasts (hot coffee, breakfast bars, fruit) on Saturday (Lincoln departure only) & Sunday
Gear transport: Organizers will transport riders’ overnight gear from Lincoln or Roca to Beatrice
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 prizes at Union Plaza/Jayne Snyder Trails Center in Lincoln
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 at Roca, Cortland, and Pickrell will have live music, fruit, snacks & water (and beer, duh!)
Overnight camping: At Chautauqua Park in Beatrice
Premium shower service: From 11AM-8PM Saturday
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 from Kinkaider Brewing on Saturday.
Shuttle service & luggage pickup at Beatrice hotels: For those that opt to stay at Beatrice hotels instead of camping
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.