About 630 people from 35 states pedaling across Nebraska made a stop just outside of Beatrice, in Wymore, Monday.

It's part of the 29th year for Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska and the ride is a boost for more than just bicyclists.

Every year BRAN uses rider entry fees to help award nearly $28,000 dollars in scholarships to Nebraska high school seniors pursuing secondary education in Nebraska.

And the trek brings big bucks to the communities it passes through.

Every year, for the last 29 years, Al Roeder takes to the back country of the cornhusker state with the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska, or BRAN.

"I don't always know why..I think its electrolyte imbalance," joked Roeder. "Its fun. Its a weird definition of fun but we enjoy it."

And for the last 23 years he's had the pleasure of pedaling with his daughter Shannon. "Its an enjoyable thing -- good experience and I'm to old to quit now," said Roeder.

The two are part of roughly 630 riders making the 454 mile trek with another estimated 150 supporters driving along.
Its a large crowd for the small communities, like Wymore, where they pass through.

"We're like a swarm of locus -- we eat everything, drink everything, use every resource available in these towns but in return, we're an economic boom for these towns," said Wes Galusha, the camp director for BRAN, and a cyclist himself.

From the local grocery store to restaurants, Wymore business owners say the group is a welcomed "boom" - especially in the current recession..

"It really boosts the economy. Even for one day. They're not even here for 24 hours and we were told they'll spend anywhere from 10-16 thousand dollars," said Lori Novotny, event coordinator with Southern Gage Community Pride Group.

Scott Hansen, owner of Wymore Super Foods says he prepared for the extra business - ordering extra drinking water, juices and Gatorade.

"Usually its about 15-20 percent increase in what you normally do for the days sales," said Hansen.

While locals enjoy the economic benefits, they say meeting new faces is just as fun.