On Wednesday, May 15, a group of volunteer motorcyclists began a 900 mile journey across Nebraska roadways to raise awareness for youth mental health.
Starting Scottsbluff and finishing in Lincoln this Saturday, May 18, the group carries on the tradition of the Pony Express, a horse-mounted express mail service that operated for 18 months from 1860 to 1861. This relic of the American old west reduced mail travel time between the east and west US coast to about 10 days, demonstrating the first unified transcontinental system of communications in the US.
The Pony Express trail followed the Platte River and passed by significant Nebraska land marks, such as Scotts Bluff and Chimney Rock.
In an era of instant-communications, modern Pony Express riders will reenact the historic mail-delivery service by picking up letters written by youth, their families, and other supporters about the importance of children’s mental health, their personal experiences, and their journey with mental health.
The 2024 ride will finish at the Nebraska State Capitol at 1:30 pm. on Saturday, May 18 where the riders will deliver the letters to DHHS Interim Director of Behavioral Health, Tony Green.
“The dedication of these riders reflects and highlights the importance of children’s mental health and the need to support mental health acceptance. It is a great honor to participate in this event and witness the commitment of Nebraskans to support one another and come together to raise awareness,” said Green.
After leaving Scottsbluff, riders travel through:
- Sidney
- Ogallala
- North Platte
- Gothenburg
- Kearney
- Grand Island
- York
- Columbus
- Norfolk
- Wayne
- Fremont
On Saturday, riders will and pass through Omaha, hold a pre-rally at Lincoln’s Frontier Harley Davidson, and arrive at the Nebraska State Capitol Building to deliver letters at 1:30 p.m.
There will be activities for children and their family members, food, booths, and more as part of the celebration event on the north steps.
Organizational Director for the ride, Holly Stevens, told KLIN News while passing through Sydney, there are “no words” to express the feeling of fulfillment bikers get from this journey.
It is just an amazing experience… when you see those kids faces and interact with them… we’re rumbling the road for our next generations and to bring awareness for them,” said Stevens. “For them to have that sense that someone is advocating for them and willing to do this for them, we can only hope it plants a seed of hope for each one of them.”
Riders also collect pictures and posters while riding the trail.
Stevens invites anyone seeing their procession on Nebraska roadways to join in.
“I don’t care if you have a motorcycle or if you want to bring your car, your pickup, whatever. Join us,” she said.
If you can’t join in, you can follow the riders along the Pony Express on their Facebook page.