14 NEBRASKAland • JULY 2017
By Julie Geiser
Lois and Jodie Bruning have been campground hosts
for five years at the Fort Kearny State Recreation Area.
During this time, they have often noticed kids who forgot
their bikes or had flat tires, and as a result missed out on
the chance to ride around the park and down the newly
finished hike/bike trail.
Since 2014, the Brunings have loaned bikes to anyone
who wants to ride. The bikes are available on the honor
system and people can simply stop by their camper and
take a bike for a spin – all they ask is that the bikes are
returned when people are done using them.
The Brunings offer 80-plus bikes in an assortment
of colors, sizes and brands; they even have some with
training wheels, along with scooters and mountain bikes.
Most of the bikes were purchased by Lois from an
online garage sale site. The bikes are maintained by Jodie
in an attachment he made for the back of their camper.
In the winter months the bikes are stored at the couple's
farm, where Jodie gives each a tune-up before the busy
summer season.
This program is unique to Fort Kearny and is completely
funded and run by the Brunings. The program is a great
asset to the SRA and those who just want to ride. ■
Loaner Bikes at Fort Kearny SRA
PHOTO
BY
JULIE
GEISER
