BRAN Epilogue

BRAN 44 was an interesting experience for me personally. I was in need of a distraction coming into Summer. This provided the perfect antidote to just slowly approaching some anniversary dates and ruminate on loss. 

But my mission on this gig was to spread the word about BRAN and specifically their gravel offering. So, I wanted to tie that thought up here as I do have some views on BRAN, Nebraska in general, and what opportunities await those who want to check out gravel roads out in a state with a very misunderstood story.

I think my recap shows, if nothing else, the vast variety of scenes and terrain types Nebraska has on offer. Of course, this particular BRAN route ran along the Niobrara River, the Missouri River, and cut down across Eastern Nebraska near the end of the route. It is but a small slice of what Nebraska has to offer the adventurous gravel rider. 

So, if you wanted to experience the Great Plains, or rural farmland, or both, Nebraska has this. I know from experience in West Central Nebraska that there are canyons and wide expanses of grasslands dotted with ranches and farms with amazing views. BRAN actually moves its route every year, so it would be worth keeping an eye on their site to see where they take things next year. 

One thing I thought about BRAN, and which we touched upon in the "Bran Recap" on the Guitar Ted Podcast, was how BRAN could serve as a bike packing test ground for anyone considering Tour Divide, or other bike packing adventures. The way BRAN creates the gravel routes helps provide bail-out opportunities. Considering Pork Belly Adventures support, one could even leverage the baggage cartage as a way to provide relief if needed. 

BRAN also provides many ways to consume the event. Besides the choices between paved and road routes, you can choose other options. You can do one, two, three days, the whole week, or become a volunteer and ride a couple of days as well. There are so many ways to get your toes dipped into the event it is fascinating to consider the possibilities. 

From an event production standpoint it was evident to me that BRAN is striving to evolve and become the best it can possibly be. This is all based on volunteers who are passionate about the ride. I don't think it can be stressed enough how no one is making bank off this ride. To my way of thinking, this means those who are working the aid stations, creating the routes, doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes, and dotting "I's" and crossing "T's" really care.  I believe if you were to go on BRAN in 2027, you'd quickly see and feel this passion. BRAN folks care about the ride and the riders. Period, end of story. 

BRAN provides a unique experience due to its size as well. You never get the feeling you are overwhelmed, or unseen on BRAN due to large crowds or lack of being able to connect with other riders. It's rather easy to disappear into the blur of the human circus in Iowa the last week of July doing "that ride", and perhaps this is what you like. But if something a bit more intimate and less stressful is your bag, you should check out BRAN.

The gravel bit is great. I loved all of it, but difficulties and adventure is what I feel make gravel unique and a better option than pavement. Your mileage may vary. But I think this is a big reason why gravel appeals to so many riders. 

Now, BRAN is far from perfect. I think they know this as well. I think the average age of riders is creeping upward, just like it is for many events I am aware of on gravel and pavement. This is concerning overall and for rides like BRAN, it is vital that they figure out a way to reverse the trend. I also feel BRAN, and other rides as well, could be more diverse. But you cannot make people want to ride BRAN, or other rides. You have to present a package which is appealing and attractive. I think BRAN has a lot of what they need to be successful, but how this shakes out in the future is anyone's guess now. 

Hopefully my shining a light on this event will help. 

Now comes the big question: Would I do BRAN again? 

My answer is a qualified "Yes". I would do this ride again if I could take some other folks along to join me. I would do it again if it made financial sense at the time for me personally. I would do it again if I could find a way to integrate Mrs. Guitar Ted into the week's events. So, maybe it would all work out. I do know the ride is worth the money BRAN asks for it. No question about it. This is a killer value. There are ways to do it piecemeal if a whole week is too much. So you do have options, as discussed above. 

Ironically my favorite day of BRAN 44 was the day we rode the worst gravel, which was the day from Crofton to Wayne. That day was so fun, challenging, and had surprises along the way which kept me engaged and wanting more. My second favorite day was Springview to Spencer because the scenery was so different than anything I get around here. 

So, if BRAN could cook up another banger of a gravel route I'd be all-in, if the rest of my life was at a place that it would work. I think anyone who likes gravel riding should seriously consider this ride over something like, say, Unbound, which could cost you around the same amount of money overall. You'd get seven days versus one, and more experiences than you could ever imagine.  

I'm sure I am leaving some things out here, so if there are any questions or comments, feel free to chime in on the comment section. I always read all the comments and answer any questions presented there. 

Thanks for reading. Tomorrow will be the BRAN Gear Review.