What: UNK Bike Bowl
When: 10 a.m., April 25 (student race followed by alumni/community race)
Where: Nebraska Safety Center, 1801 W. Railroad St., Kearney
History: The first Bike Bowl was hosted in 1967. It ran 34 years until the last ride in 2000. The event returned in 2014.
The Race: Teams consisting of six people – four racers and two pit crew members – pedal their way around a 25-mile course. Bikes and other race equipment are provided by UNK.
Cost: $40 for teams registering prior to April 1 and $48 after that date. Registration fee includes t-shirts for the four riding members.
Register: Visit unkalumni.org/bikebowl, call UNK Alumni Association at 308-865-8474 or email event chair Andrew Hanson at hansonar@lopers.unk.edu.
By TODD GOTTULA
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – One of the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s most popular community events for more than three decades, the Bike Bowl is back following a successful resurgence last year.
This year’s Bike Bowl – the 36th in UNK history – is sponsored by the Blue Gold Brigade student alumni organization. The event is April 25 at the Nebraska Safety Center and open to campus organizations, alumni and community members.
Teams consisting of six people – four racers and two pit crew members – will pedal their way around a 25-mile course at the Safety Center. Bikes are provided, but teams must use their own helmets that are required to race.
The first Bike Bowl was hosted at Kearney State College in 1967. It ran for 34 years until the last ride in 2000. Following the 13-year absence, UNK brought the event back last year.
“Bringing back the Bike Bowl was a huge undertaking, but was well worth it after last year’s success,” said Brette Ensz, event organizer and advisor of UNK Blue Gold Brigade. “Watching the alumni relive their glory days, and hearing them tell stories about what the Bike Bowl used to be like, makes me excited for the growth of the ‘new’ Bike Bowl this year and in the future.
“I really hope people come out and watch this great Kearney tradition. The fun isn’t just for the riders, it is really enjoyable and sometimes intense just watching the races.”
Winning teams will receive a trophy, and money from registrations will be donated to a charity of their choice. The fastest individual male and female riders also will earn the titles of Peddlin’ Pete and Peddlin’ Petunia.
Winning teams will receive a trophy, their name on the Bike Bowl plaque displayed at the UNK Alumni House and recognition at halftime of the UNK spring football game. The winning student team will also receive an intramural championship shirt.
This year’s event will include a children’s Bike Rodeo from 10 a.m. to noon, hosted by Buffalo County Community Partners. For more details on the Bike Rodeo, contact Holden Armstrong at 308-865-2286.
Registrations for the Bike Bowl are now being accepted. Cost to race is $40 for teams registering prior to April 1 and $48 after that date. All riders will receive Bike Bowl shirts.
To register, visit Unkalumni.org/bikebowl, call the UNK Alumni Association at 308-865-8474 or email event chair Andrew Hanson at hansonar@lopers.unk.edu.
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Writer: Todd Gottula, Director of Communications, 308.865.8454, gottulatm@unk.edu
Media Contact: Brette Ensz, event organizer, 308-865-8291, enszba@unk.edu
