The following is an article I wrote last summer (2009) after riding Lincoln's Nacho Ride.  I thought I would revive this piece to remind everyone about this fun ride, plus encourage people to make the trip to Lincoln to give it a try.  On a related note, KOLN in Lincoln recently did a story about the Nacho Ride.  Click here to visit their site.

The interesting thing is that as I talked with people, they kept wanting to compare the two rides and voice their opinion on which was better.  But, it struck me that you really can't compare them (not yet anyway) because they're at different stages in their development. It's sort-of like you can't compare going to a UNO football game versus a Cornhusker or Hawkeye game.  Sure, they're both football games, but totally different experiences.

The Taco Ride has matured into a well-known and huge community event that attracts more than a thousand people which has even received national publicity.  It's a huge party frequently compared to RAGBRAI.  The Nacho Ride is still struggling to gain an identity and a following.  You can describe it many ways. . .fun. . .scenic. . .relaxing. . .family. . .but, you can't call it a rolling party.  Maybe. . .someday. . .but I suggest giving it a try now before it grows up and loses its innocence.

Despite the differences, are there similarities?  Sure.  They are both 10-mile rides on trails converted from old railroad lines that end in small towns with a bar.  Both are relatively easy rides.  Both are great things to do on an evening.

The Nacho Ride is on the MoPac trail and starts at 84th Street a couple of blocks south of O Street in Lincoln.  There is a parking lot for the trail.  Once on the trail, you are quickly out of the City and on your way to Eagle which is approximately 10 miles to the east.  It is really an easy ride.  Other than a few dips, the trail is relatively flat.  Flatter than the Wabash and the ride to Mineola.

The MoPac does lack some of the scenery provided by the Loess Hills and Wabash, but it is still a very scenic ride.  You are much more aware of the farm fields and tall corn on either side of the trail.  Another nice thing is that I was much less aware of acreages or houses along the trail than you are with the Wabash.  It made me feel I was really riding through farm country.

Overall, I'd say the MoPac is also a little wider and better maintained than the Wabash.  Of course, it helps that the MoPac has public funding and maintenance from the Lower Platte South NRD.

The destination in Eagle is the One Eyed Dog Saloon (OEDS).  Their Tuesday special is their Nacho plate.  Hence, the name of the ride.  It's a nice place.  Basically your small town bar and restaurant with an outside beer garden.

All of the people I talked with were really friendly and all seemed to ask questions or made comments about the Taco Ride.  Everyone seemed to know about it.  I guess it's not a surprise given the media coverage, but lots of comments about the July 2 ride that caused the complaints and subsequent patrolling by the Sheriff.  A group of Nacho Ride regulars are planning a trip to Council Bluffs to ride on Thursday the 13th.

Kudos to the fact the OEDS actually has choices for tap beer.  Unlike Mineola, you could get pitchers of something other than Michelob Light.  As a Boulevard fan, I really liked this!

Unfortunately I goofed and forgot to look at the menu to see what all they offered.  Fortunately they have a web site where I could check out the menu.  It appears they have a variety of offerings.  I heard good things about their hamburgers.

Besides the Nachos, they do have a 75-cent taco special on Tuesdays which is what we ordered.  But, honestly, I'll skip the tacos next time.  Let me put it this way, if you think a 99-cent taco at Taco Bell isn't all that good, then you'll be even less impressed with a 75-cent taco.  When it comes to the tacos, I'll definitely give the edge to the Mineola Steakhouse.

For those of you who occasionally gripe about the service at the Mineola Steakhouse, I'm not sure you'll get any better on Tuesday nights at the OEDS.  Of course, this is only one night's observation, but I think the OEDS is struggling a little bit as the crowd continues to grow larger each week and they get busier.  My hunch is that they could use a couple of extra people on Tuesday nights, especially if the ride keeps growing.

I have to confess, I didn't make the return ride back on my bike.  My friend dropped me off at the trail head and drove to Eagle.  After the delays getting our food and a few Boulevards, I didn't feel like riding back.  So, I guess that means I'll have to go back and do it again to have the total experience.

See you on the trail!