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The Polish Capital of Nebraska

LOUP CITY, Neb. -- I dedicate my entire Wednesday to my good friend, Marie (Pawlowski) Calabrese. The reasons became obvious as the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska arrived in Loup City, the Polish Capital of Nebraska as proclaimed by former Gov. Jim Exon in 1971.

Loup City became the Polish Capital of Nebraska because the state of Nebraska put out ads in Poland and in Polish communities in the United States extolling the virtues of Nebraska.

Tonight's meal at the Loup City Community Center includes:

• Kielbasa i Slodka Cebula (Sweet Onion Polish Sausage)
• Klopsiki w Smietanie (Meatballs with Sour Cream)
• Pierogies (Pasta with a sweet filling)
• Ogurki z Smietana (Cucumber in Cream)
• Marchew z Maslem (Buttered Carrots)
• Jabka na Winie Czerwonym (Apples in Red Wine)
• Puczki (Pastry with fruit filling)

People asked me why I picked Nebraska as a site for a weeklong ride. I told them it was because of the people in the small towns along the way. For many of these towns, BRAN's arrival is the biggest thing that's happened in these towns in years, and the people have really put out the welcome mat for us!

On trips like this, I try to buy food from the civic groups because they are most deserving of my money. Among the things I've purchased on the road so far include a perfectly grilled pork chop made by the Arnold High School Boosters, Hungarian goulash made by a Catholic church in Arnold and some homemade ice cream.

These are among the reasons why BRAN is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. I would urge serious bicycle tourists to visit states like Nebraska, Kansas and other similar states because of the hospitality they will receive from people.

And by the way, the decision to cut Tuesday's ride short was smart. I rode 70.3 miles today. We got a little help from a tailwind. I only have about 200 miles left in my shock myself into cycling shape tour. I think I'm getting there.

Roger 0 comments 4:44 PM