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Elevation gain?
 -  + I am trying to plan a trip to ride the cowboy trail later this year. Is there a big elevation gain difference or overall difficulty difference between riding it west to east vs east to west? Thanks in...
Discussion started 03/11/24 11:46:00 AM by Mike - 4 replies (last reply by Alex, Lincoln at 03/14/24 1:39:48 PM)
Mike from Irvine, CA on 03/11/24 11:46:00 AM
I am trying to plan a trip to ride the cowboy trail later this year. Is there a big elevation gain difference or overall difficulty difference between riding it west to east vs east to west? Thanks in advance.

 
Mike from Irvine, CA on 03/11/24 11:52:03 AM
Nevermind. I just found the elevation chart. It appears that elevation isn't much of an issue.

 
Alex from Lincoln on 03/12/24 7:22:30 AM
The grade is really mild - technically you lose elevation going west to east, but the other factor is wind. Going west to east you have higher likelihood of winds being in your favor but it is not a sure thing. For folks from coming out of state, I recommend ending up closer to where you came in from (or need to go) so if you're flying back out of Omaha, end in Norfolk so it's only a 2.5 hour drive back vs 6. Just something to consider in trip planning. Hope you enjoy the trail on your trip!

 
Mike from Irvine, CA on 03/14/24 1:09:00 PM
Thanks Alex. I think it works out great for me then. I'm in California and would therefore just start on the west side. I was thinking about trying to Do Valentine to Norfolk in two days (staying in Atkinson over night), take a rest day in Norfolk, and doing the return trip in two days. That might be a bit ambitious for me these days, so I'll probably arrange a shuttle for the return trip.

 
Alex from Lincoln on 03/14/24 1:39:48 PM
Yeah I've seen people do Norfolk to Valentine in two days but I think the conditions need to be just right...high 60's, partly cloudy, and a tailwind. If one of those things are not in your favor, it can be brutal going that distance on the trail in a day. The trail is not as efficient of a surface as pavement either, so you'll notice working a bit harder than normal, but some folks enjoy that sort of challenge. If the going gets tough, you can always opt for the paved highway 275 / 20 shoulder. It's fairly low traffic and drivers are pretty courteous in NE, in my experience.


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Elevation gain?
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11077&tonly=1
Localized Flooding
 -  + Heads up, we are experiencing some localized flooding from ice jams. We had to close the bridge/trail near Cache Creek which is located about two miles east of Ewing. You can detour on the highway sho...
Discussion started 02/05/24 2:02:52 PM by Alex - 2 replies (last reply by Alex at 02/27/24 8:09:57 AM)
Alex from Lincoln on 02/05/24 2:02:52 PM
Heads up, we are experiencing some localized flooding from ice jams. We had to close the bridge/trail near Cache Creek which is located about two miles east of Ewing. You can detour on the highway shoulder to get around the closure until the erosion is repaired. I will post when this gets opened back up.

 
Alex from Lincoln on 02/15/24 12:43:25 PM
Contractor started work today, the repair site closed and is signed, please avoid this area and detour on the highway shoulder. I anticipate this re-opening at the end of the month if all goes smoothly.

 
Alex from Lincoln on 02/27/24 8:09:56 AM
The repair is complete and now open in this area.


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Localized Flooding
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11076&tonly=1
Spring 2024 Shuttle Share
 -  + My daughter and I are kicking around the idea of bikepacking the Cowboy Trail in 2024. We would like to share a shuttle with someone or possibly coordinate a private shuttle with another group. If an...
Discussion started 12/05/23 9:36:16 PM by Ty - 5 replies (last reply by PoboxJosh at 02/07/24 12:57:09 PM)
Ty from Tryon, NE on 12/05/23 9:36:16 PM
My daughter and I are kicking around the idea of bikepacking the Cowboy Trail in 2024. We would like to share a shuttle with someone or possibly coordinate a private shuttle with another group. If anyone is thinking about a late May or early June 2024 trip, let me know. We have plenty of time to coordinate, line the moons and make it work. We are looking at a leisure 4 days.

Thanks!
Ty

 
Brian Riedel from FT COLLINS on 12/20/23 3:30:20 PM
Ty - Depending on your timeframe, I may be interested. Please e-mail when you have your dates set up briedel13@msn.com Thanks!

 
Chris from Helena on 01/10/24 9:52:25 AM
Ty, depending on the dates, it might work for me to share a shuttle. I can’t go in May, but early June might work. If you want to follow up email me at cldsmith@msn.com.

 
Pat from Sedalia, CO on 01/26/24 6:49:05 PM
We are a group of 8 going west to east starting Memorial day weekend and taking 4 days. I haven't had much luck getting any communication from the shuttle folks in Norfolk as of yet to see how many they can handle.
I have learned that the Sand Hills Guest House in Atkinson is completely sold out for Memorial Day weekend. That is Alumni Day in Atkinson.

 
Ty from Tryon,NE on 01/28/24 9:00:22 PM
I have sent emails to both that left email addresses. We are looking at mid June. Pat-I contacted the guy that owns North Fork Outfitters. I think he has a few irons in the fire. He talked like he would be offering shuttles in 2024.

 
PoboxJosh from Rhode Island on 02/07/24 12:57:09 PM
I'm thinking of doing the travel July 15-19 Either down and back or just East to West. I'd be interested in sharing a shuttle if one is available.


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Spring 2024 Shuttle Share
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11074&tonly=1
Best Camping Spots
 -  + My daughter and I plan on bikepacking the Cowboy Trail in June. Our plan is to camp the entire way unless there is some very poor weather. Currently planning on taking the first couple of days a lit...
Discussion started 02/01/24 7:07:33 AM by Tyler - 1 reply (last reply by Alex at 02/02/24 8:35:38 AM)
Tyler from Tryon, NE (McCook Currently) on 02/01/24 7:07:33 AM
My daughter and I plan on bikepacking the Cowboy Trail in June. Our plan is to camp the entire way unless there is some very poor weather. Currently planning on taking the first couple of days a little easy. We are thinking Woodlake on night 1 which is also shuttle day from Norfolk. Long Pine SRA night 2 (camped here before) and then O'Neill night 3 and Neligh on night 4. I have searched the forum and it is hit and miss on finding reviews on camping. My biggest concerns are night 3 and 4 in O'Neill and Neligh. The forum says there is camping but is it comfortable? Thanks in advance.

 
Alex from Lincoln on 02/02/24 8:35:38 AM
O'Neill and Neligh have great campgrounds in my opinion. Both have shower houses and Neligh has a city pool which can be a serious treat. Plenty of shade at each one as well.


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Best Camping Spots
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11075&tonly=1
Timeline Feature
 -  + I am interested in hiking the Cowboy Trail rather than cycling it. I noticed that the Timeline feature seems to favor bicycle rides, however. It will not accept a speed of 2.5-3.0 MPH (average walking...
Discussion started 09/23/23 1:10:12 PM by Tom - 3 replies (last reply by KE at 01/09/24 11:30:08 PM)
Tom from Dunkirk NY on 09/23/23 1:10:12 PM
I am interested in hiking the Cowboy Trail rather than cycling it. I noticed that the Timeline feature seems to favor bicycle rides, however. It will not accept a speed of 2.5-3.0 MPH (average walking speed) and give a result. Can this be corrected, or is there a workaround for this feature? Thanks.

 
Ray (webmaster) on 09/25/23 5:04:03 AM
Thank you for pointing that out! It's now fixed.

I'm guessing you entered 2.5 for speed and ended up with a blank screen. The web page was not correctly handling numbers with a decimal point - anything other than whole numbers (integers) caused the problem.

I fixed this issue and verified that 2.5 (or other values with decimals) will now work correctly.

Sorry for the trouble, thanks again for bringing it to my attention, and good luck with your hike!

 
Tom from Dunkirk NY on 09/28/23 3:59:57 PM
Thank you - working now! With a couple of zero days it seems 10 days is about the time it will take. Very helpful!

 
KE from Omaha, NE on 01/09/24 11:30:08 PM
Hello! I am also interested in hiking the trail this summer. Did you end up making the trip? If so, how was your experience? I know this is somewhat unrelated to your original post, but I am looking for any intel on how to hike it.


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Timeline Feature
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11067&tonly=1
goathead situation?
 -  + Two of us will be doing our annual out and back trip sometime in Sept. and just wondered what the goathead situation is this year? There was some mention earlier about a new piece of equipment used o...
Discussion started 08/21/23 8:58:56 AM by Dougt - 2 replies (last reply by trackdog1 at 12/17/23 6:40:34 PM)
Dougt from Castana, Ia on 08/21/23 8:58:56 AM
Two of us will be doing our annual out and back trip sometime in Sept. and just wondered what the goathead situation is this year? There was some mention earlier about a new piece of equipment used on a short section of the trail with some success. How has that worked out? Last year the guy taking care of the trail(Tom Theis) was doing a great job and the western section was the best that I've ever seen it. Is he still on the job?
Another unrelated question, why is Arabia listed as a town on the map when there is absolutely nothing there but a sign on the side of the trail. I'll never forget my first year of riding the trail, planning to water up there and my disappointment at not finding a town or anything else.

 
Cynthya from Lewis Kansas on 08/21/23 10:51:38 AM
My sentiments exactly on that little town of Arabia. We got there and looked around and decided there wasn't a town. Good thing we were only riding that far and back to Valentine.

 
trackdog1 from Woodlake on 12/17/23 6:40:34 PM
Arabis used to be aa huge ranch. It had a post office, train station, etc. It was a water stop for thee trains back in the steam days.


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goathead situation?
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11061&tonly=1
Shuttle
 -  + Planning to ride one way during 2nd week in Nov. from Valentine to Norfolk. What’s the best way to get back to Valentine?
Discussion started 10/18/23 4:04:00 PM by drh - 1 reply (last reply by Alex at 10/19/23 7:22:04 AM)
drh from Longmont CO on 10/18/23 4:04:00 PM
Planning to ride one way during 2nd week in Nov. from Valentine to Norfolk. What’s the best way to get back to Valentine?

 
Alex from Lincoln on 10/19/23 7:22:04 AM
Greetings! The "best" and probably most reliable way to get back to Valentine is the North Fork Outfitting Shuttle - (402) 316-0157.

The other option is renting a u-haul in Norfolk and drive it back to Valentine.



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Shuttle
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11072&tonly=1
Trail conditions Excellent!
 -  + Two of us rode from Norfolk to Valentine and back Oct. 2-7. This was my 6th year of doing this and I've never seen the trail in such good condition. Mowed, graded, and awesome pretty much describes ...
Discussion started 10/12/23 9:00:07 AM by Dougt - 1 reply (last reply by Alex at 10/12/23 11:51:00 AM)
Dougt from Castana, Ia on 10/12/23 9:00:07 AM
Two of us rode from Norfolk to Valentine and back Oct. 2-7. This was my 6th year of doing this and I've never seen the trail in such good condition. Mowed, graded, and awesome pretty much describes it. There's been a rumor that the section from Ainsworth to Johnston is full of goatheads but we rode it both ways and had absolutely no problems. The only goatheads we encountered were when we got onto the grass when crossing big ruts at road crossings in the Ainsworth/O'Neill area, so if we had to cross on grass to miss the deepest ruts we stopped to examine tires and pull goatheads/cockleburrs out before the goatheads got deeply embedded. The Cowboy 200 Marathon was just a couple of weeks prior, so perhaps extra maintenance had been performed, but kudos to the maintenance crew for a job well done. Met two bikers from England and two through-hikers. Always an adventure!

 
Alex from Lincoln on 10/12/23 11:51:00 AM
Thanks for the write up! They are doing great work.


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Trail conditions Excellent!
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11071&tonly=1
Extension to Kilgore and Crookston
 -  + We're coming down to bike the entirety of the Cowboy Trail next spring, and was wondering about the "undeveloped" section from Valentine to Crookston and Kilgore. Is that rideable with, say, 1.75" tir...
Discussion started 09/26/23 1:30:25 PM by Dave E - 2 replies (last reply by Lyndle Shelby, Ireton, IA at 10/06/23 8:20:31 PM)
Dave E from St. Paul, MN on 09/26/23 1:30:25 PM
We're coming down to bike the entirety of the Cowboy Trail next spring, and was wondering about the "undeveloped" section from Valentine to Crookston and Kilgore. Is that rideable with, say, 1.75" tires. Not quite mountain bike, but way more robust than a road bike. Anyone have any information?

 
John from Boulder, CO on 09/27/23 5:42:07 PM
I rode Valentine to Neligh and back. Also tried to explore a little west of Valentine. Within a few miles it deteriorates to a rocky barely there track sometimes used for tractor access. I found it unmanageable/un-interesting on an e-assist bike with 2" medium blocky tread all surface tires. Not much fun.

 
Lyndle Shelby from Ireton, IA on 10/06/23 8:20:31 PM
I "scouted" a Highway 20 route, in a pickup truck, from Wyoming line to Sioux City back on August 28, 2023. The basic answer is that the railroad ROW, that is intended to become the Cowboy Trail (CT below), is undeveloped west of Valentine, NE. Here's my "notes" from that scouting trip:
Crawford: Dollar General, bike trail
Rushville: Family Dollar, groceries, repair. CT bridges look better east of town
Gordon: lost sight of trail east of town
Merriman: minimal services, sketchy CT, lost sight of trail east of town
Cody: straw bale grocery store, gas
Kilgore: minimal services, perhaps a truck repair
Crookston: nothing along highway 20
Wood Lake: no services
Johnston: no services, CT moves to south side of Highway 20 just west of town
Bassett: Dollar General, convenience store
Stuart: Convenience store, nice bar/grill, diesel repair, maybe more up into town
Atkinson: golf course west of town with picnic shelter and rest room, Subway, Dollar General, several convenience stores.

Hope this helps!


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Extension to Kilgore and Crookston
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11069&tonly=1
trail report
 -  + We cycled the Cowboy Trail from Valentine to Norfolk September 11-13. We found the trail to be excellent, well maintained. In fact, we met two men who do trail maintenance for the State and they bot...
Discussion started 09/26/23 11:05:02 AM by Lute - 2 replies (last reply by John, Boulder CO at 09/27/23 5:52:29 PM)
Lute from Montana on 09/26/23 11:05:02 AM
We cycled the Cowboy Trail from Valentine to Norfolk September 11-13.
We found the trail to be excellent, well maintained. In fact, we met two men who do trail maintenance for the State and they both take pride in the condition of the trail.
Although the goathead issue is much improved, goatheads are a significant issue. We found that in crossing intersections, we almost always picked up goatheads. However, we never had a flat tire because after crossing intersections, we would stop and pull out goatheads. And we had good, wide, protective touring tires.

 
Dougt from Castana, Ia on 09/26/23 12:11:52 PM
Two of us will be doing Norfolk to Valentine and back Oct 1-6. It's good to hear that the trail is in good condition, although not so good to hear that you stopped after crossing every intersection b/c there are a ton of intersections to cross. We run heavy tires, tire liners with heavy tubes, and sealant in the tubes and usually have pretty good luck. I've read a couple of accounts of people skipping the Johnston-Ainsworth section this year to avoid goatheads. You didn't do that did you? We've never done that over 5 or 6 years, but it always seems like they crop up west of Ainsworth. One year we had like 8 flats on the trip. Last year only one but I brought back a ton of thorns embedded in one tire that I never was able to remove. Always an adventure! Thanks for the update!

 
John from Boulder, CO on 09/27/23 5:52:29 PM
Rode Valentine to Neligh and back last week. Photoed one goathead stuck in my tire tread within first 10 miles. Pulled it out and completed the journey w/o a leak. As a regular commuting and recreation rider I decided long ago I didn't like having flats. (and have goatheads in home area also) For decades have standardized on good tires + thorn-resistant tubes + tread liners. My wheels are little doubt heavier and don't roll as nicely as the next guy's but I have not had a flat from an external puncture since 1996. (knock on wood - could happen anytime!) I got home from the ride and inspected tires. Found and pulled out four more goathead thorn tips. No flats yet. Given their proven presence here - you'd be wise to take the extra measures of your choice - and/or spend some time patching. Good luck!


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trail report
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11068&tonly=1
Sharing a Shuttle
 -  + Anyone interested in sharing a shuttle from Norfolk to Valentine between October 19 and 22?
Discussion started 09/26/23 1:37:59 PM by Chris S - 0 replies
Chris S from Helena, MT on 09/26/23 1:37:59 PM
Anyone interested in sharing a shuttle from Norfolk to Valentine between October 19 and 22?


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Sharing a Shuttle
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Neligh aread
 -  + Is the trail still closed around the Neligh area??
Discussion started 09/22/23 12:58:27 PM by Jameson - 1 reply (last reply by Alex at 09/22/23 2:19:25 PM)
Jameson on 09/22/23 12:58:27 PM
Is the trail still closed around the Neligh area??

 
Alex from Lincoln on 09/22/23 2:19:25 PM
Unfortunately yes. The trail will be repaired between Neligh and Oakdale along with the short segment just west of Neligh. The spot halfway between Neligh and Clearwater is permanently closed from flooding in 2010 as the river occupies the trail ROW. The Nebraska Game and Parks online trail map shows all current cowboy trail closures: https://outdoornebraska.gov/parks/explore-trails/hiking-biking/cowboy-trail/


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Neligh aread
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11066&tonly=1
Omaha train station to valentine to ride cowboy trail
 -  + How do we get from the Omaha train depot to Valentine to ride the cowboy trail west to east?
Discussion started 09/20/23 5:27:21 PM by mary fettig - 1 reply (last reply by Alex at 09/21/23 8:31:21 AM)
mary fettig from EAST MONTPELIER on 09/20/23 5:27:21 PM
How do we get from the Omaha train depot to Valentine to ride the cowboy trail west to east?

 
Alex from Lincoln on 09/21/23 8:31:21 AM
Probably two realistic options for you:

1 - Call North Fork Outfitting in Norfolk and have him shuttle you - I think he still does Omaha pick-ups. 402-316-0157

2 - Rent a U haul in Omaha, drive it to Valentine. Ride to Norfolk. Rent a U Haul in Norfolk and drive back to Omaha.

Not a lot of other options unfortunately as it is pretty rural.


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Omaha train station to valentine to ride cowboy trail
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Trail Condition Valentine to Woodlake is grrat
 -  + Heard about goatheads/sand burrs and flats. We had a very different experience, trail was cleared of burrs and a few loose sand but nothing bad. We did the 50 mile out and back, had lunch at Ma’s Cafe...
Discussion started 09/15/23 7:05:02 PM by Scott s - 0 replies
Scott s from Newbury Park, CA on 09/15/23 7:05:02 PM
Heard about goatheads/sand burrs and flats. We had a very different experience, trail was cleared of burrs and a few loose sand but nothing bad. We did the 50 mile out and back, had lunch at Ma’s Cafe in Wood Lake 15 Sept. No flats (I have “slime filled tubes, full disclosure). We saw lots of goatheads on the side and a few encroaching the trail. I tried and succeeded in pushing them off but got covered with very sharp burrs. So advise to leave them, easy to see and ride around. Riding out of Ainsworth tomorrow, no fear.


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Trail Condition Valentine to Woodlake is grrat
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11064&tonly=1
Valentine to Ainsworth 9/9
 -  + Started Saturday in Valentine and were chased from the beginning by an ominous looking front coming in from the Northwest with black clouds and lightning. Two of us tried to outrun it but ended up get...
Discussion started 09/11/23 3:21:02 PM by Six_Steal_Horseman - 1 reply (last reply by Dougt, Castana, Ia at 09/11/23 9:06:03 PM)
Six_Steal_Horseman from Colorado on 09/11/23 3:21:02 PM
Started Saturday in Valentine and were chased from the beginning by an ominous looking front coming in from the Northwest with black clouds and lightning. Two of us tried to outrun it but ended up getting caught out in hail and rain a mile short of Wood Lake. The others arrived 45 minutes later, dry as a bone. Good lunch at Ma's cafe, then beers at the L Bow in Johnstown. Locals recommended we avoid the trail from there to Ainsworth so we bypassed on highway 20 with little traffic and very respectful drivers. Overall, trail was excellent but can't vouch much for the Johnstown to Ainsworth leg. We did try to ride the last 1/4 mile into Ainsworth on the trail and immediately got a goathead so aborted back to the highway.

 
Dougt from Castana, Ia on 09/11/23 9:06:03 PM
If the problem area is just Johnston to Ainsworth that's an improvement over most years. I've done Norfolk/Valentine/Norfolk the last 5 years and usually the issue is Atkinson west. Last year wasn't bad though. We'll be doing it in a couple of weeks so appreciate the trail report!


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Valentine to Ainsworth 9/9
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11063&tonly=1
Fall Bike Trip
 -  + Hello, We are planning to ride from Valentine to Norfolk this fall - either last week of September or third week of October. Are campgrounds still open at these times? The weather appears to general...
Discussion started 07/19/23 5:05:28 PM by SusanB - 2 replies (last reply by ChrisS, Helena at 09/10/23 3:02:34 PM)
SusanB from Bozeman Montana on 07/19/23 5:05:28 PM
Hello,
We are planning to ride from Valentine to Norfolk this fall - either last week of September or third week of October. Are campgrounds still open at these times? The weather appears to generally hold through November but if anyone has more info to share about special considerations for a fall trip, please let me know! TIA Susan

 
Alex from Lincoln on 07/21/23 7:20:38 AM
Most of the communities have a campground or city park open for camping year round. The trail itself does not permit camping and relies on the communities for that service. I find that a great time of year to ride the trail. Just plan on potentially cold overnight lows from the 40s-20s.

 
ChrisS from Helena on 09/10/23 3:02:34 PM
I’ve been thinking about riding the trail about those same dates and looking for a few others to go with. I’m a fit 71 year “young” married guy (just did a 40 mile ride around the Helena valley before lunch today) with bikepacking experience. I have a truck that can haul bikes and gear for 4 or 5 riders and would be happy to drive or help shuttle. If you’re up for adding to your group you can reply here or email me at csmithwmi@msn.com.


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Fall Bike Trip
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11058&tonly=1
Trail status August 2023
 -  + 8/6/23 to 8/19/23 Valentine to Norfolk. 188 miles. Trail appears to be in very good condition. All areas passable Except the permanant closures which were clearly marked. (Long Pine, Clearwater to Nel...
Discussion started 08/21/23 6:56:44 PM by Smartazz13 - 3 replies (last reply by Smartazz13 at 08/25/23 6:52:27 PM)
Smartazz13 from Englewood, CO on 08/21/23 6:56:44 PM
8/6/23 to 8/19/23 Valentine to Norfolk. 188 miles. Trail appears to be in very good condition. All areas passable Except the permanant closures which were clearly marked. (Long Pine, Clearwater to Neligh, Neligh to Oakdale). Weather plays a significant factor in the trail conditions. Just 20 miles can make a big difference in surface conditions and debris on the trail. My first 4 days, it rained every day and the trail was pretty soft in some areas. The last 4 days there was no rain but the trail still had some soft areas. (Permanently moist areas. Rain where I wasn't. Errant pivots, etc.) Compaired to the secondary (dirt) roads the trail conditions were exceptional.
The people at every stop were friendly courteous and helpful. I tried to "shop" at the grocery stores in every overnight town. (plus a couple of pass through towns when I needed supplies.) Everywhere I stopped people asked me about my journey and if I needed anything.
A note about "Goatheads". (It seems to be a big part of the discussions.) I had no issue with goatheads on the trail. They were a non issue. Its highly noticeable when you get off trail for any reason. I "cut through" a small grass section at the start of my journey in Valentine and my pants and socks were just loaded with burrs. I also stayed in a campground between Inman and Clearwater that was horrible. It was impossible to walk 20 yards without getting dozens of goatheads in your shoes. It really highlights how much better the trail is compared to anywhere that has minimal or marginal maintenance. A shoutout to Don at Any And All Bikes in Englewood, CO.. The tire and tube combination he put together was stellar. I told him when I was going, where I was going and the total distance. He recommended the equipment necessary for a problem free experience. Highly knowledgeable. I left it to the experts and had no issues with equipment whatsoever.
In conclusion, get out and enjoy the trail. Be prepared for changing conditions and equipment failures. Let the experts recommend the proper equipment for your trip and your abilities.

 
Alex from Lincoln on 08/22/23 7:43:58 AM
Thanks for sharing your experience! There are so many variables that dictate how good someone's experience is on the trail, some controllable, some not. I'm glad you enjoyed your time. Happy Trails!

 
Glen Steliga from Ukiah, CA on 08/22/23 4:19:49 PM
Question for Smartazz, What were the recommended tires and tubes that worked so well for you? Also, what size tires were you using? Our tandem has 35 mm which I assume would work. Thanks , Glen

 
Smartazz13 from Englewood, CO on 08/25/23 6:52:27 PM
Really trying to avoid a discussion on what's the "best" equipment. For sure what worked for me may not work for others. Especially a tandem. I believe it will be impossible to avoid the questions. SO... The tire I used was a Schwalbe Marathon Plus in a 1.75 width. I used thorn / puncture resistant tubes but dont know the brand. I want to strongly suggest that you consult with an expert on your specific equipment, weights, timing, etc..


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Trail status August 2023
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11062&tonly=1
Shuttle in Valentine?
 -  + We are planning to ride trail (west to east) end of August. hotels, not camping. We made arrangements with North Fork Outfitting in Norfolk to shuttle us on front end out to Wood Lake where we would ...
Discussion started 08/08/23 12:25:12 PM by Tony - 1 reply (last reply by opedaler at 08/09/23 12:39:03 PM)
Tony from Knoxville on 08/08/23 12:25:12 PM
We are planning to ride trail (west to east) end of August. hotels, not camping. We made arrangements with North Fork Outfitting in Norfolk to shuttle us on front end out to Wood Lake where we would ride wrong way the first day to Valentine as a way to shorten ride on first day due to the half day of shuttle time. Then next day was hoping to shuttle the 26 miles back to Wood Lake and from there continue remaining ride heading east.
The issue is we are striking out in attempt to locate a shuttle, or even a bike shop in Valentine to help us accomplish this plan.! Anyone have any suggestions? Ideas?
If we don't do it this way, and rather shuttle all the way to Valentine on front end then our first ride day will be something over 60 miles (this after the 3 hour shuttle time in the morning) just to reach the first town with lodging. Too much! Thus the idea of starting at Wood Lake and splitting the first stretch over two days by paying for a shuttle. thanks!

 
opedaler from NE Nebraska on 08/09/23 12:39:03 PM
If I'm reading your question correctly, you seem to be going from Valentine to Bassett on your first day. There is a nice place to stay there and it is 64 miles. You can however stop in Ainsworth which is 47.5 miles and also has lodging available. My wife and I are coming up with the same dilemma take an extra day and make the first day shorter, or ride 64 miles and get done a little faster. Ainsworth has three hotels listed and one in Long Pine. You might want to double check me on this, and correct me if I am wrong tho.


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 -  + I rode a very enjoyable out and back from Neligh to Ainsworth. Started on 7/15/23 and returned to Neligh on 7/21/23. I was very lucky with the weather, most days it was low/mid 80's. Really nice for ...
Discussion started 07/25/23 12:18:15 PM by CowboyMikeonaBike - 1 reply (last reply by Alex at 07/26/23 2:54:07 PM)
CowboyMikeonaBike from Lincoln on 07/25/23 12:18:15 PM
I rode a very enjoyable out and back from Neligh to Ainsworth. Started on 7/15/23 and returned to Neligh on 7/21/23.
I was very lucky with the weather, most days it was low/mid 80's. Really nice for mid July in Nebraska. Happy to report that I had no trouble with my Trek Dual Sport 3 with tubeless tires. No Flats! I've been riding for years but this was my first multi-day bike ride.
The trail was in great shape. Thanks Alex and the maintenance crew. Pay attention and avoid the few bumps, ruts & holes in the trail. One of the bumps turned out to be a huge turtle! I rode a leisurely pace of 30-40 miles each day. Stayed overnight in O'Neill (Carriage House Motel), Stuart (Stuart Village Inn), Long Pine (Bunkhouse), Atkinson (Sandhills Guest House Motel) and Ewing (2 Rivers Motel). All of the motels were excellent. The restaurants and mini marts were very accommodating. I was able to fill up my 3 water bottles with ice & water in almost every town I passed through. Although I had not planned any activities besides biking I had a lot of fun going to the drive-in movie in Neligh, the rodeo in O'Neill, the stock car races in Stuart, floated down Long Pine Creek, bought a cowboy hat at Ranch Land Western Wear in Ainsworth (perfect fit thanks to Joe) and even went to the Bassett Livestock Auction. I'm convinced, biking is the best way to experience the sandhills.
My advice is take it easy. Ride in the morning when it is cooler and less windy. Prepare for the worst and bring extra tubes but definitely go with tubeless tires. Stop and explore the area whenever you can. Find the best place to eat by looking for where the pickup trucks are parked. Lots to see and do. I always had service on my Verizon iPhone. I'm already planning my next bike trip on The Cowboy Trail.

 
Alex from Lincoln on 07/26/23 2:54:07 PM
Thanks for riding the trail and taking the time for making this writeup! I'm glad you enjoyed the trip - getting off the trail at each town and exploring is key for a memorable trip.

Happy Trails!


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 -  + Canadian smoke is causing me to possibly rethink my planned trip in July along the Erie Canal trail in NY. I've always been curious about the Cowboy Trail. If I drive to one end does anyone know if th...
Discussion started 06/29/23 2:38:07 PM by Katy Kelly - 6 replies (last reply by opedaler at 07/20/23 7:26:37 PM)
Katy Kelly from Brown County Indiana on 06/29/23 2:38:07 PM
Canadian smoke is causing me to possibly rethink my planned trip in July along the Erie Canal trail in NY. I've always been curious about the Cowboy Trail. If I drive to one end does anyone know if there is anyway (other than riding back) to get back to my car?
And any opinions as to going east to west or vice versa?
Thanks

 
Alex from Lincoln on 06/30/23 8:03:56 AM
I tend to recommend west to east as there is a higher probability for a tailwind. North Fork Outfitting runs a shuttle along the trail. Another option is to rent a U-Haul in Norfolk and drive it back to Valentine.

 
Katy Kelly from Brown County Indiana on 06/30/23 12:36:48 PM
Thanks Alex.

 
opedaler from NE Nebraska on 06/30/23 4:26:47 PM
Crap Katy......my wife and I are just packing up to head to the Erie Canal. Smoke just about done us in on the Couer d'Alene trail a few years ago. I was hoping that would be the only time.

We plan on doing the Cowboy in August. I can speak for the east end of the Cowboy, and say the trail is in good shape there, and am hearing good things about the west but haven't ridden it. We're looking forward to riding it and when we do. we will ride from west to east. Along with what Alex mentioned there is also a gradual drop in elevation from the west to the east to the tune of about 1200' if memory serves.

If you ride it, I'd be very interested in an assessment here if you have the time.

 
Katy Kelly from Brown County Indiana on 07/03/23 7:15:46 PM
Hi opedaler

Thanks for the message!

I hope the smoke stays away from you. I'm in southern Indiana and we had some bad smoke days last week so, given the unpredictability of wind currents, and not wanting to either 1. stay glued to my air quality app or 2. spend time in coffee shops or libraries waiting for the smoke to clear I decided at the last minute to change rides - I've had my eye on the Cowboy Trail for some time.

As well as the opportunity to see some prairies, visit Carhenge, and kayak on the Niobrara River.

I will post my assessment later on.
I'd love to hear how your trip on the Erie goes. Are you riding Buffalo to Albany?

Katy

 
Curtis Reeves from Presque lsle on 07/17/23 7:23:59 AM
I'm going to take the trail I'm one day from east coast to Reno,Nv. Hope it's in good shape

 
opedaler from NE Nebraska on 07/20/23 7:26:37 PM
Katy Kelly,
The Erie Canal ride went very well for us, no smoke until the last day when rain also made its presence known. Several accidents with the group on slippery bridges ,a couple fairly serious, for others however. Also one individual overheated and passed away in his tent during the night. A lesson for everyone who rides in heat and humidity.....stay hydrated, and rest when needed.

Still looking forward to doing the Cowboy trail. We've done portions of it quite often, but never the whole thing at once. It's a bucket list thing for us. Alex has convinced me to make the switch to tubeless slime however. I've been a diehard no slime guy, and had liners, thorn resistant tubes, and hard case tires all lined up, but a previous rider from western Ne (Gordon) told me nice try but you need to go tubeless so I guess we'll try it and see. I'll report how it goes.

I hope you enjoy your ride and Nebraska hospitality. Ride safe.


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