BRAN only part of busy weekend

You name it, we've probably seen it rolling through our area on its way to one coast or another.

Unicycles, horse-drawn animals, roller skates, runners, walkers, antique cars, antique motorcycles, solar powered vehicles -- and bicycles. Lots and lots of bicycles.

Last weekend, a pair of cyclists from Ohio stopped in McCook on their way to San Francisco via Denver, attending church and enjoying the local hospitality on the way.

But that's nothing compared to the crew that will be rolling through Southwest Nebraska this weekend, as some 750 cyclists and support crews descend on Trenton Saturday night on their way to Chalco Hills by the following Saturday.

Trenton, with a population just shy of 500, is rolling out the welcome mat big time, planning to serve a community meal to BRAN participants, and activities such as mutton-busting and other activities the riders, who will be camped out on the football field.

The next stop is 55 miles later, in Cambridge, with an overnight stop and more activities planned. Several local riders are among the participants, who come from 40 states and Canada.

With a pirate theme, the 29th annual Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Omaha Northwest and the Omaha Pedalers, the event promotes sports and recreation, camaraderie, public service, tourism, rural-urban interaction, cycling, economic development -- as well as funding $28,000 in annual scholarships for Nebraska high school seniors who will attend Nebraska Colleges.

We know it isn't necessary to ask fellow Southwest Nebraskans to welcome the riders; Trenton's effort is a good example of local hospitality.

But please give the riders plenty of room when you pass them on the highway.

More information about BRAN is available at http://www.bran-inc.org/

John Mullen Pro-Am tees off Friday

Another event, the 21st annual John Mullen Pro-Am golf tournament, will draw 27 professional golfers from places like Colorado, Texas and Kansas as well as Nebraska, to Heritage Hills.

The event kicks off with the horse race at 4 p.m. Friday, with tournament play Saturday and Sunday.

Yes, it will be a great time for golfers to enjoy the game with some of the best athletes in the game, but they can feel good about supporting health care in the McCook area through the Community Hospital Health Foundation, as well as honoring the late John Mullen, who lost his fight with cancer in 1986, as well as popular teacher and coach Ron Coleman, whose name the horse race bears.

MS Walk breaks in new sidewalks

Saturday will also offer a chance to fight the cruel neurological disease, multiple sclerosis, with the MS Walk planned for Norris Park. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and walking from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the park's new, wide sidewalks.

Organizers hope to best last year's proceeds of $5,400, and everyone who donates $10 or more will receive a live, blooming plant. Also, a raffle will feature a hat donated by Phil Keoghan of "The Amazing Race," who rode a bicycle through McCook April 14 on a cross-country ride to raise awareness and funds for MS research.

Summer offers no shortage of opportunities to enjoy community activities and support good causes. This weekend is no exception.