Nebraska Game and Parks Employees Hit the Trails at Platte River State Park
Employee Orientation Group Ride | Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Ten Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) employees from across the state traded their usual workday for a mountain bike ride at Platte River State Park (PRSP). The group gathered at the iconic Teepee Village on a perfect fall afternoon for a THOR-led ride, part of NGPC’s field orientation.
Part of a Bigger Orientation
The ride was one of the afternoon activities in NGPC’s New Hire Orientation. The program helps employees understand the many things Game and Parks does, the mission behind the work, and how to connect with colleagues from other parts of the state. Participants had all worked for the agency for at least two years. Orientations are held at state parks across Nebraska two to three times a year, with morning meetings and presentations followed by outdoor team-building activities. The next day, the group headed to Mahoney and Schramm for activities with a naturalist.
Participants came from Crawford, Fort Robinson, Ponca, and Johnson Lake. None of them had mountain biked at PRSP before, so it was a good chance to explore the trail system, build skills, and have some fun. NGPC staff members Jesse and Erin also supported the ride.
Bikes, Helmets, and Community Support
THOR partnered with Bike Collab and National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) to provide bikes, helmets, and group support. Along with riding, participants learned how to read trail signage, directional markers, and difficulty ratings, including green, blue, and black trails.
Learning the Trail Together
Based on experience, riders were split into beginner and intermediate groups. The beginner group got extra instruction on the fundamentals:
Keeping pedals level
Braking and shifting
The ready position
Looking ahead
Both groups also discussed trail etiquette and the importance of being respectful and courteous to other trail users.
Each group had a ride leader up front and a designated rider at the back to offer guidance, share information about the trail system, and help everyone feel comfortable. The beginner group rode Gateway Trail and the upper section of Otoe Coaster. They focused on riding within their comfort zone, taking time to learn unfamiliar trails, and building confidence before moving on to bigger features.
Pre-Ride, Ride, Re-Ride
Jess from Ponca showed how well the “pre-ride, ride, re-ride” approach works. Each time she rode a section, her confidence and skills grew, and so did her enjoyment. Her experience is a good reminder that taking time to learn a trail, and giving yourself a chance to try it again, makes mountain biking more fun.
More Than Just a Ride
Throughout the afternoon, we talked about how community trails offer outdoor recreation, a connection with nature, and a little adventure close to home. Between the thrill of riding downhill and spotting wild turkeys along the trail, there was plenty to enjoy.
Most of all, we celebrated what makes our trail community special: the people, the camaraderie, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages riders of every experience level to get outside, learn something new, and enjoy the trails together.
We hope everyone left feeling confident recommending Platte River State Park as a destination for epic mountain biking, hiking, and running.
Thank you to Nebraska Game and Parks, Bike Collab, and NICA for making this ride possible.
Photos by Eric Freudenburg
