That's why we ride

If you had to rate day #2 on BRAN, it would easily be a 10. This morning, the sun was shining, the wind was nary to be found and none of the hills between the starting point of Cambridge and the finishing point at Alma were torturous.

The hardest part was keeping an adequate layer of sunscreen on the nose and shoulders.

The wonderful day of riding made it easier to talk to other riders along the way. At the pre-ride meeting, organizers noted the percentage of the riders' ages. The majority were over 40.

What percentage they didn't note was where the majority of the riders called home. Based on my highly unscientific survey over the course of 60-plus miles, I'm leaning toward 75 percent from Omaha. And this is not a bad thing. In fact, it's good to get eastern Nebraskans to our part of the state. It let's them know what we have. That there are people living beyond Lincoln.

Day 2 has actually been easier than Day 1 since this will be the first night that my riding partner and I camp, rather than returning to the comfort of our own beds. What makes it easier? We just determine which of the many fine eating establishments we would like to frequent for lunch. No returning home to figure out what to make everyone for dinner.

Everything we need is already packed and ready for the week. No scrambling around packing everything but the kitchen sink. (Although not for lack of trying; the back end of the van was full.)

And a nap this afternoon after 68 miles in the bicycle seat is soon on my horizon. That didn't happen after Day 1, since I worked continuously from the moment I walked in the door until 11 p.m. to water plants, fold laundry and try one last time to cram in that kitchen sink.

My blanket and pillow are calling my name. Ride on.