Dozinky Doozy words on a red banner surrounded by a wreath of wheat stalks, blue flowers, and bicycle wheel.

Saturday, April 5th, 2025, 8 AM

Branched Oak Observatory - 14300 NW 98th Street, Raymond, NE 68428

The Orbital Odyssey brand new type of gravel cycling event inspired Ultra Running's Backyard Ultra - a true test of endurance and strategy. Our riders will complete a ~12-mile circuit every hour, on the hour, with no set final distance to finish or time limit—just the relentless effort to outlast the competition. The race continues as long as two or more riders remain, and only ends when there is a lone "finisher" to complete a final lap.

The Orbital Odyssey will be a gravel experience like no other. Every hour, you will regroup at the Observatory before setting out again, creating a unique rhythm of challenge and camaraderie. Whether you're aiming for our iconic Finisher's Jersey or simply riding a few laps with friends, we'll be there to cheer you on. It's also a great way to build those essential base miles!

Bring the whole family! With our headquarters serving as the heart of the action, spectators will have plenty of chances to cheer as you return each hour. The Branched Oak Observatory staff will host fun, family-friendly activities during the day, and when night falls, we will have telescopes aimed at the spring sky, offering glimpses of celestial wonders like Jupiter and Saturn!

$50 registration fee includes:

  • Post ride meal and beverages
  • Custom award for Men's/Women's Finisher and Assistant
  • Fully stocked "Mission Control Center" at the Observatory
  • And more to come!


Event Day Schedule

  • 7 AM - Rider Check in @ Branched Oak Observatory
    • Paper Moon Cinnamon Rolls and Cold Brew from Alvin Coffe Available!
  • 8 AM (Sharp!)- First Orbit Begins!
  • 11 AM(ish) - Lunch Meal Available
  • 6 PM(ish) - Dinner Meal Availabe
  • ??? - Odyssey Ends


Sponsors

Thank you to all of our sponsors!

Branched oak Observatory logo word markGoodlife Cyclery logo word markGoodlife Nutrition logo word markLink Cycling logo word markAlvin Coffee logo word markVoler logoPaper Moon Pastries logoGreen Leaf Blue Sky logoSlawnyk Farms logoAll Day DTF logo
Orbital Odyssey Finisher Jersey

Finisher Jerseys!

We will award our soon-to-be iconic Star Jersey to the Men's and Women's finishers. Outlasting the competition is an achievement worth celebrating, and we hope you wear your victory with pride all year long!

A huge thank you to Voler for being our jersey sponsor this year!

Backyard Ultra

The Odyssey is a concept lovingly borrowed from the realm of ultra running. The event has a short course, run every hour, on the hour, and only ends when there is one runner left to complete a lap.

It's a competition focused on endurance, rather than speed, and where your biggest obstacle is not the distance thats in front of you, but your competition beside you.
Image Credit: Mike Trimpe
A photo of the Branched Oak Observatory

Branched Oak Observatory

A beautiful "sky park" and education complex where you can meet with astronomers and explore the night sky. 25 minutes northwest of Lincoln, NE, and just south of Branched Oak Lake. Find out more on their website.
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