Nebraska Cycling News

Omaha, NE - The Corporate Cycling Challenge announced over 3,000 cyclists rode in the largest one day bicycle ride in the Midwest – the 17th Annual Corporate Cycling Challenge – which was held Sunday, August 19, 2007!

Bob Mancuso, Jr., one of the coordinators  from the Corporate Cycling Challenge Committee, said the event was a success!  There were both Corporate and Open Divisions. 

The Challenge included three tours --- 10-, 25-, and 42- miles long, featuring beautiful scenery and historical landmarks in a blend of urban and rural riding.  The participants were a mix of all ages and abilities.  The start and finish line was staged in front of the fountain at the Heartland of America Park, on 8th and Farnam in Omaha.

In the Corporate Division, the overall company winner with the most number of employee miles completed was The Nebraska Medical Center/UNMC Team.  They reclaimed the Corporate Division Championship from the Union Pacific Team.  The Union Pacific team had won the championship the last 3 years in a row.  The Union Pacific Team had the most overall miles – employees and non-employees (family members) miles with over 7,834.  The Alegent Health team came in third – a fantastic team result for their first year in the challenge!  Starting next year, the winning team will include all miles completed by employees and non-employees (family members). 

The NMC/UNMC (The Nebraska Medical Center/University of Nebraska Medical Center) employees completed over 6,293 miles – a new corporate team record.  The division winners were: AAA – NMC/UNMC, AA – ACI Worldwide,  A – Scheels All Sports, and B- The Bike Rack.  There were over 55,288 total miles completed by the corporate entrants and over 72,635 total miles overall completed in this year’s Corporate Cycling Challenge – both new records. 

Mancuso said the weather was fantastic for riding this year and it was a beautiful day to just be outside.  At the finish line, the cyclists enjoyed music provided by Q 98 Five Radio Station, a cookout from Hy-Vee, massages, SOBE Beverage, and Powerade!

Mancuso said the Corporate Cycling Challenge’s donation of funds to Eastern Nebraska Trail Network (ENTN) is a good match.  The final numbers are not in yet – but it looks like another great year!  ENTN advocates and supports the development of multi-use trails throughout Omaha and the surrounding areas. Gary Gebhard, President of ENTN, said the funds will be a tremendous addition to our trail development activities.

The Corporate Cycling Challenge has donated over $76,250 to ENTN since it’s inception.  This past year, ENTN donated $25,000 to the Back to the River Project toward the Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge.  Gebhard said the bridge will connect trails and communities – the 2,700 foot span bridge – will connect nearly 150 miles of trails. 

Gebhard said past rides have enabled ENTN to make contributions to the Field Club Trail, the Boulevard Trail (in Dundee Area), and the Lied Platte River Bridge on the Platte River to name a few.  The Lied Platte River Bridge Project was the project that finally brought together trails from Lincoln to Omaha.

Mancuso said, “An event like this isn’t possible without all of the volunteers and the sponsors.  We would especially like to thank our main sponsors – KPTM – Fox 42 Television Station, Q 98 Five Radio Station, Hy-Vee, The Taste of Omaha, Olympia Cycle, Coca-Cola, Powerade, The Fall Home & Garden Expo, Budget Car & Truck Rental, Sam and Louie’s New York Pizzeria, Ideal Pure Water, SOBE Beverage Drink, Dex, Accent Limousine, Activate Omaha,  Omaha Police Department, Our Healthy Community Partnership, InPlay, Carter Lake Police Department, Heartland React, Omaha Fire Dept Medi-Bike Team, Omaha School of Massage Therapy, Douglas County Police Dept, Washington County Police Dept, Universal College of Healing Arts, Whole Body Health Chiropractic, Funk Family Chiropractic, Crossroads Massage Clinic, Wells Blue Bunny, Pitney Bowes, and Forrest Lawn Memorial Park.

Next year’s 18th Annual Corporate Cycling Challenge is scheduled for Sunday,
August 17, 2008!  If you would like to be put on the mailing list, are interested in being a sponsor, or would like more information, contact the Corporate Cycling Challenge office at 932-RIDE (7433).  You can also visit our web site at http://corporatecycling.com.