Well, it sounds like maybe, perhaps the economy is bad so I was thinking the other day about "road-tripping" around Nebraska this summer both to save money and help the state’s economy. I looked in National Geographic’s "Guide to Scenic Highways & Byways: The 275 Best Drives in the U. S." and to see what drives they recommended for Nebraska. Only two byways made it into the book—Pine Ridge Country, Gordon to Crawford on U.S. 20 and Nebraska 29, Harrison to Agate Fossil Beds.

It comes as no surprise to me that the only two road trips in the National Geographic book are in western Nebraska. When we actually get visitors out here from eastern Nebraska, they frequently comment on the beauty of this country. This past week the Scotts Bluff County Tourism Committee unveiled their new marketing plan with the theme "Nebraska’s Landmark Country- Nebraska Like You’ve Never Seen It". This summer, my plan is to road-trip in Nebraska and see it like I’ve never seen it.

One of my claims to fame or infamy is that I ride a motorcycle. My current bike is a 1995 Honda 600. It’s big enough to take on the road but still small enough to get terrific gas mileage in town. Finally, last year Roger bought a scooter. Now he can come with me on my journey. I am totally pumped! This will be awesome. Maybe I should tell Roger about my plans. Oh, well, he usually reads this column. He’ll figure it out.

If you are one of those unfortunate human beings who does not ride a motorcycle, I encourage you to read or browse "The History of Choppers {Rolling Sculptures} by R. Louis Wieland and get inspired. These bikes are gorgeous and utterly unique. "Chopping" a bike means making it lighter by removing or chopping off unnecessary parts. Motorcycle enthusiasts have been doing this since the 1940s, but choppers did not get their name until the 1960s and 1970s. The 1969 film "Easy Rider" really put them on the map.

Nick, a friend of mine, had his picture taken several years ago in the Big Easy with Peter Fonda and the Captain America bike from that movie. (For those who know Nick, wouldn’t "The Big Easy" be a great nickname for him.) I was so impressed that he and the Captain America bike were in the same photo that it wasn’t until later I noticed Peter Fonda was also part of the picture. What does that say about me?

If you decide to go further after touring Nebraska, check out "Dakotas: Where the West Begins" another National Geographic book, by John Thompson with photography by Phil Schermeister. ("Where the West Begins" –hummm—I thought Nebraska was where the West began?) As always with National Geographic the photography is spectacular.

Return to "Guide to Scenic Highways & Byways" to find the best drives in the Dakotas as well as our other neighboring states. First, however, tour Nebraska’s "Landmark Country" and then move on to tour the Sandhills, Route 20, Lewis and Clark Reservoir, the Homestead Monument, and Arbor Lodge. Then follow the Little Blue and the Republican Rivers back to "Landmark Country". There is much to see and do close to home or for the more sedentary just read about it at the Scottsbluff Public Library.

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