Best Short Ride Recommendations?
- + We are planning a trip (from KC,KS) in late September/early October and looking to ride the trail. I'm not a novice but about 20 to 25 miles round trip is about the amount of time during our trip for ...
Discussion started 09/01/2018 09:11 AM by Jill - 8 replies (last reply by Robert Hale at 09/21/2018 11:42 AM)Jill from Kansas City on 09/01/2018 09:11 AM
We are planning a trip (from KC,KS) in late September/early October and looking to ride the trail. I'm not a novice but about 20 to 25 miles round trip is about the amount of time during our trip for a half day ride. Can anyone make a recommendation for the best/most scenic trail ride area (starting in one town, returning back) with about a 20 mile round trip distance?
Anonymous on 09/01/2018 04:44 PM
In our opinion the Valentine bridge is a must see, and ride over. Park in Arabia parking lot (has a cell tower near it) and ride to the bridge and back. Just past the Arabia Ranch sign..
Or there is a parking lot near the bridge.
Enjoy and have fun!!
Cynthya from Salina on 09/01/2018 06:20 PM
Wondered what folks might say. The bridge was my first thought. Totally agree with the other comment. The bridge is spectacular and it is within the first 3 miles and you could decide how much further you wanted to ride. We rode from Valentine to Arabia sign. For us it was a 31 mile ride. We rode on Rans recumbents no problem.
Cynthya from Salina, KS on 09/01/2018 08:25 PM
Let me amend thst last response. That a 32 mile roundtrip. Valentine to Arabia snd back
to Valentine.
Anonymous on 09/01/2018 09:35 PM
Cynthia - is the 32 miles going from trailhead in Valentine to Arabia?
Cynthya from Salina on 09/01/2018 11:41 PM
32 miles roundtrip. Valentine-Arabia-Valentine.
Robert Hale from Port Matilda, Pennsylvania on 09/13/2018 10:55 AM
Just rode from Valentine to Norfolk. I would second the ride out of Valentine to the east for scenery. The trail is very good from Valentine to the bridge. The gravel gets a bit loose in places east of the bridge but is Ok - my tires were 700x40. There were some beautiful wooded ponds along the trail east of Valentine, with ducks and cranes. Unfortunately, I can't remember how far out I was when I rode through them. This section was my favorite.
Dougt from Onawa, Ia on 09/15/2018 08:54 AM
Robert, I'm taking off tomorrow from Norfolk to Valentine and back. Did you run into many thorns? Any other info that I might find useful? I'm riding a mtn bike w/tire liners. Thanks!
Robert Hale from Port Matilda, Pennsylvania on 09/21/2018 11:42 AM
I didn't have any problem with thorns. Sandburs in parts of the trail kicked up on the front panniers. However past Johnstown, I rode mainly on the highwsy.
28 mm tires -- good enough for riding this trail?
- + I have a road bike with 28 mm tires (Continental touring), and completed the Katy Trail in Missouri this spring, and the Sparta-Elroy series of trails in Wisconsin last year. My tires did fine on thos...
Discussion started 07/09/2018 02:47 PM by Dave - 3 replies (last reply by Mark Murphy at 09/14/2018 03:13 PM)Dave from St. Paul, MN on 07/09/2018 02:47 PM
I have a road bike with 28 mm tires (Continental touring), and completed the Katy Trail in Missouri this spring, and the Sparta-Elroy series of trails in Wisconsin last year. My tires did fine on those crushed limestone trails. But some of the threads on this forum indicate that isn't sufficient. Anyone have any thoughts?
Stephen McGregor from Hannibal, MO on 07/09/2018 03:29 PM
I rode it with Clement XPLOR USH 700x35's and wish they'd have been a little bigger, but bigger wouldn't fit in the fork of my Gravel Bike. The surface isn't really compacted (by the Katy Trail Standards). My friend rode her mountain bike with Scwalbe Marathons (I think they were 42m and had the puncture resistant liner), and she had some trouble around Newport, where the sub irrigated soil and loose gravel gave her a good spill.
You can probably ride on your tires, but it's not anywhere near a hard surface trail.
Larry Wenzl from Norfolk on 07/23/2018 04:34 PM
Five of us rode the 200 miles from Valentine to Norfolk in mid-May of 2018. I recommend 38mm tires or wider. Also be sure to have tubeless tires with sealant, or sealant-filled tubes and liners. We also exited the trail several miles before the two A-towns: Atkinson and Ainsworth, to avoid goat head thorns. 1000 miles between five of us, and no issues by following those few rules.
Mark Murphy from Mountain Park, Georgia on 09/14/2018 03:13 PM
I've ridden cross country twice and last year did the trails in WI with 700X25 as part of my Portland, OR to Portland, ME trip. I didn't have any problems but we also had dry conditions. I'm going to be riding roughly 3000 miles before I hit CT on my way to RAGBRAI to ride another 400 or so. Wondering if I should skip CT..honestly not a big fan of trails and prefer open road and nice hard pavement..thoughts?
Camping in Bassett - nope
- + Just finished riding O'Neill to Bassett with plans to camp in Bassett. The city park had plenty of picnic tables, but no restroom facilities that we could find. The Cowboy Trail park restrooms were lo...
Discussion started 09/01/2018 09:56 PM - 2 replies (last reply by Robert Hale at 09/13/2018 10:45 AM)Anonymous from South Carolina on 09/01/2018 09:56 PM
Just finished riding O'Neill to Bassett with plans to camp in Bassett. The city park had plenty of picnic tables, but no restroom facilities that we could find. The Cowboy Trail park restrooms were locked tight and there were no picnic tables. After great camping options in Neligh and O'Neill, this was quite frustrating.
Cynthya from Salina on 09/02/2018 12:10 AM
Where did you find The Cowboy Trail in Basset? We never found it. Even stopped and asked local people in town along the trail area and they had -no idea- what we were talking about. We parked at the city park/fair grounds and ride north to the trail. We then went on to Stuart. They have a real nice park for camping.
Robert Hale from Port Matilda, Pennsylvania on 09/13/2018 10:45 AM
I used the restrooms at the swimming pool. The doors were open, but no water there to flush. Pretty bad conditions. A few portable toilets would help.
Shuttle
- + We want to ride about 25 miles a day. Then We want a ride for one without a bike back to our camper. I will then drive back to the camp ground where my wife and my bike will be waiting. Then again the...
Discussion started 09/08/2018 09:32 PM by Victor - 1 reply (last reply by Jon Stuthman at 09/11/2018 07:18 PM)Victor from Pottsboro Texas on 09/08/2018 09:32 PM
We want to ride about 25 miles a day. Then We want a ride for one without a bike back to our camper. I will then drive back to the camp ground where my wife and my bike will be waiting. Then again the next day. Any ideas.
Jon Stuthman from norfolk on 09/11/2018 07:18 PM
Give me a call at 402-316-0157 when you get your plans settled. I can shuttle you where ever you like. Ta Ha Zouka Campground in Norfolk is amazing. Its also the trail head. Let me know.
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Shuttle
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East City Park Campgrounds in Tilden
- + Has one bathroom with a free shower inside. Costs 10 dollars a night.
Discussion started 09/10/2018 07:58 PM by Neal Raymond - 0 repliesNeal Raymond from OMAHA on 09/10/2018 07:58 PM
Has one bathroom with a free shower inside. Costs 10 dollars a night.
Sportsman’s Family Grille in Meadow Grove
- + As of 8 Sep they were closed for remodeling
Discussion started 09/10/2018 07:54 PM by Neal Raymond - 0 repliesNeal Raymond from OMAHA on 09/10/2018 07:54 PM
As of 8 Sep they were closed for remodeling
Elkhorn River: Bridge Closed Until Further Notice
- + Just finished riding from Neligh to O'Neill. There is an orange detour sign and another sign that says the "Cowboy Trail is closed until further notice" a few miles west of Neligh and before you get t...
Discussion started 09/01/2018 07:24 PM - 5 replies (last reply by Jim Powers at 09/04/2018 07:51 AM)Anonymous from South Carolina on 09/01/2018 07:24 PM
Just finished riding from Neligh to O'Neill. There is an orange detour sign and another sign that says the "Cowboy Trail is closed until further notice" a few miles west of Neligh and before you get to Clearwater. The orange sign points you toward the highway, but that is the only signage for the detour! You have to guess how soon you can get off the busy highway and back on the trail. For riders not familiar with the area this is very frustrating.
Cynthya from Sins, KS on 09/01/2018 08:20 PM
Been there. Done that AND you are so right. We rode along trying to decide which 'first' turn to take. We took one and luckily it was the correct corner. Agree they need to provide a clear 'detour', off the highway back to trail.
dougt from Onawa, Ia. on 09/02/2018 09:46 AM
About how far did you ride out of Neligh before getting back on the trail? I'm doing the entire trail in a couple of weeks and any info is helpful!
Cynthya from Salina, KS on 09/02/2018 01:37 PM
We were riding from Clearwater to Neligh. Looks like the distance between the two is nine miles. We got detoured about two miles east of Clearwater. We rode maybe 3 on highway. So maybe 5-7 miles west of Neigh. Maybe that is some help???
Jim Powers from Baltimore on 09/04/2018 07:39 AM
google earth clearly shows the bridges over the river are out just east of Clearwater. Looks like the north-south connectors too and from the highway are 517 Ave on the west side and 519 Ave (Royal road) on the west
Jim Powers from Baltimore on 09/04/2018 07:51 AM
Sorry, 519 is on the east side of the trail outage.
The Google earth images show the river looks pretty wild through that stretch. Looks like it reclaimed a good portion of the trail
Stuart City Park in Stuart
- + Awesome park. Very clean bathrooms, lots of space, and a neat playground too if your inner child is begging to be let out :P
The whole town of Stuart is great!
Discussion started 09/03/2018 06:51 PM by Jeni - 0 repliesJeni from West Texas on 09/03/2018 06:51 PM
Awesome park. Very clean bathrooms, lots of space, and a neat playground too if your inner child is begging to be let out :P
The whole town of Stuart is great!
Southside Mini Mart in Stuart
- + Clean facilities and friendly people. They also have a shower for $10 and they provide a wash cloth and towel. Great sandwiches too.
Discussion started 09/03/2018 06:48 PM by Jeni - 0 repliesJeni from West Texas on 09/03/2018 06:48 PM
Clean facilities and friendly people. They also have a shower for $10 and they provide a wash cloth and towel. Great sandwiches too.
Bassett
- + Anonymous, my husband enjoyed chatting with both of you this morning! What a great adventure you are on! Inspiring. Safe travels!
Discussion started 09/02/2018 09:48 PM by Julie - 0 repliesJulie on 09/02/2018 09:48 PM
Anonymous, my husband enjoyed chatting with both of you this morning! What a great adventure you are on! Inspiring. Safe travels!
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Bassett
- + My husband enjoyed chatting with both of you this morning!! Safe travels to you on your great adventure!!
Discussion started 09/02/2018 09:41 PM by Julie - 0 repliesJulie on 09/02/2018 09:41 PM
My husband enjoyed chatting with both of you this morning!! Safe travels to you on your great adventure!!
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- + Thank you for confirming. We didn’t make it all the way to Arabia so will do bridge to Arabia and back.
Discussion started 09/02/2018 09:35 AM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 09/02/2018 09:35 AM
Thank you for confirming. We didn’t make it all the way to Arabia so will do bridge to Arabia and back.
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Cowboy Trail Park in Bassett
- + No picnic table. Creamery restrooms were locked up tight.
Discussion started 09/01/2018 10:44 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 09/01/2018 10:44 PM
No picnic table. Creamery restrooms were locked up tight.
Corral Bar in Bassett
- + AWESOME prime rib is the Saturday night special. The best prime rib we've ever eaten.
Discussion started 09/01/2018 10:42 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous from South Carolina on 09/01/2018 10:42 PM
AWESOME prime rib is the Saturday night special. The best prime rib we've ever eaten.
Riverside Park in Neligh
- + $5 tent camping fee includes hot shower and strong wi-fi. Self-service payment kiosk is located at the shower house. There are two picnic pavilions between the RV sites and the playground with electri...
Discussion started 08/30/2018 07:05 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 08/30/2018 07:05 PM
$5 tent camping fee includes hot shower and strong wi-fi. Self-service payment kiosk is located at the shower house. There are two picnic pavilions between the RV sites and the playground with electrical service if you need to get out of the sun/rain or need to charge a device.
Neligh
- + Just rode Norfolk to Neligh without any issues. $5 tent camping at Riverside Park was budget friendly with warm shower and strong wi-fi included.
Discussion started 08/30/2018 07:01 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 08/30/2018 07:01 PM
Just rode Norfolk to Neligh without any issues. $5 tent camping at Riverside Park was budget friendly with warm shower and strong wi-fi included.
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O'Neill awesome Mexican restaurant
- + La Herradura is the best Mexican restaurant i have ever been to. Someone in Stuart told us we needed to stop there. All 5 of us agreed it was one of the best meals we'd ever had.
My body was ...
Discussion started 06/28/2018 04:33 PM by Jay - 1 reply (last reply by dougt at 08/28/2018 11:24 AM)Jay from Rochester MN on 06/28/2018 04:33 PM
La Herradura is the best Mexican restaurant i have ever been to. Someone in Stuart told us we needed to stop there. All 5 of us agreed it was one of the best meals we'd ever had.
My body was screaming for calories, which makes everything taste better but still, I got the Paola's mix and it was soooo good. It was chicken and shrimp seasoned with black pepper and cooked with vegetables, then served over a bed of rice and sour cream. That's not even a traditional Mexican dish afaik, just something excellent designed by a cook that really understands flavors.
dougt from Onawa, Ia on 08/28/2018 11:24 AM
Is that the restaurant that Immigration closed whan they made the raids in O'Neill?
Shuttle Service
- + Shuttle is $350 for 1-4 bikes/passengers and $50 per bike/passenger after that. A shuttle may be shared by any combination of 4. Shuttle is either Norfolk to Valentine, OR Valentine to Norfolk, and in...
Discussion started 08/12/2018 10:26 AM by North Fork Outfitting LLC - 2 replies (last reply by Jon Stuthman at 08/27/2018 09:42 AM)North Fork Outfitting LLC from Norfolk on 08/12/2018 10:26 AM
Shuttle is $350 for 1-4 bikes/passengers and $50 per bike/passenger after that. A shuttle may be shared by any combination of 4. Shuttle is either Norfolk to Valentine, OR Valentine to Norfolk, and in order to "Share" a shuttle, you must be in the van together at the same time. You may also "piggy back", or find a group going the same day, but the other way. We will offer EACH GROUP $50 discount for piggy backed shuttles. Shuttle generally leaves Norfolk at 6am, but we can usually work with you. $100 additional charge for holiday shuttle(includes entire Memorial, and Labor day weekends, and 4th of July) visit nforkoutfitting.com or call 402-316-0157 to schedule! We also offer 2-4 night all inclusive vacation packages with shuttle, food and lodging provided!
Jim Bangs from Estes Park on 08/21/2018 02:05 PM
Hi Jon,
A couple of questions. Do you match people up to share the shuttle? I am planning up a trip for summer 2019 and can be flexible on my start date, but I probably will be traveling alone. Also do you provide parking while riding back to Norfolk?
Jon Stuthman from norfolk on 08/27/2018 09:42 AM
there is free patrolled parking at the trail head, and I can try, but your best bet would be to post your info here, and hook up with another group.
Shuttles
- + We want to pull our travel trailer to Norfolk to start the Cowboy Trail, but want to do it in 25-35 mile segments with me pulling our puppies in a buggy. What we want to do is for example pull our tra...
Discussion started 08/23/2018 03:43 PM by Greg - 1 reply (last reply by Tim at 08/24/2018 09:39 PM)Greg from Mulberry, IN on 08/23/2018 03:43 PM
We want to pull our travel trailer to Norfolk to start the Cowboy Trail, but want to do it in 25-35 mile segments with me pulling our puppies in a buggy. What we want to do is for example pull our travel trailer to a campsite in Meadow Grove, get a shuttle back to Norfolk and ride that day back to our trailer, spend the night, then repeat the next day and getting a campsite say in Neiligh and a shuttle back to Meadow Grove to ride that day to our new campsite. Is there anyone you know of that does shuttles along the way rather than from beginning to end as I have read?
Tim from Eaton, CO on 08/24/2018 09:39 PM
Greg,
I’ve been watching the forum for quite a while with a similar idea. I think we are going to try and rent a car in O’Neill or somewhere and “self shuttle” our way from Bassett to Norfolk. We did Valentine to Bassett last year. BTW- the Bassett hotel and Range Cafe is awesome!
Shuttle - Norfolk to Valentine - Sep 2
- + It's a bit pricey for just me and my trip companion, so is anyone else needing the shuttle service at this time?
Discussion started 07/20/2018 04:37 PM by Jeni - 14 replies (last reply by Jon Stuthman at 08/14/2018 10:10 AM)Jeni from West Texas on 07/20/2018 04:37 PM
It's a bit pricey for just me and my trip companion, so is anyone else needing the shuttle service at this time?
Dimitri from Lincoln on 07/26/2018 12:37 PM
When are you riding and are you doing the whole trail? If so, are you camping or staying at any hotels? I am wanting to ride this, but have yet to plan it out...can do it on the fly. :-)
Jeni on 07/27/2018 03:14 PM
We're not looking for trail companions, just someone to share the shuttle to cut down on costs. We booked the shuttle for September 2nd.
Anonymous on 08/08/2018 02:57 PM
Did you find someone to share the shuttle on Sep 2? That actually might work for us. We are a couple who will be doing the trail the week prior to Labor Day. I believe the outfitters charge $350 to carry up to 4 bikes? Just realized, we want the shuttle from Valentine to Norfolk that day. Maybe they can cut us both a deal since they will be making the trip to Valentine anyway to drop you off.
Patty from Brownsville, MN on 08/08/2018 03:37 PM
Just checked with the outfitter and he said he would consider a discount both our groups. He is confirming with his partner now and will get back to us. I'm the one in last post who wants the shuttle from Valentine to Norfolk on Sept 2.
Jeni on 08/09/2018 08:33 AM
Awesome! I'll wait to hear back.
Patty from Brownsville, MN on 08/11/2018 09:23 AM
I have a voicemail from him but he did not confirm anything and I need to call him back. Previously he said he would apply $100 discount for both of us. I would confirm with him on your discount. We will definitely do this if he applies the discount. If not, we might ride back instead of exploring the unimproved trail beyond Valentine.
Patty from Brownsville, MN on 08/11/2018 09:58 AM
I called him and he reluctantly agreed to the $100 discount after I told him that we'd probably not take the shuttle for just a $50 discount. So call and confirm the discount directly with him but he did say he would give you a discount too. We need to know your drop off point so we can be there for pickup on the 2nd.
Anonymous on 08/12/2018 08:03 AM
Yes, I spoke before checking into it. This shuttle is on a holiday. One of our busiest days of the summer for my kayak business. I do this shuttle to help folks get on the trail. Because I am honoring my mistake, I will not be able to open my business until we return, costing me hundreds of dollars in lost income. It takes 2 employees 7 hours to do this shuttle. I guess if folks think its "A bit pricey" I will quit offering the service in the future.
Jon Stuthman from norfolk on 08/12/2018 09:42 AM
Sorry, didn't mean to respond anonymously. I'm just guessing that folks do not understand that this shuttle takes 2 employees at least 7 hours to complete if everyone is where they are supposed to be. In the future, there will be an additional charge for holiday shuttles. For this trip, as long as the other group is willing to move their departure time to 6am to accommodate you, we will give you each the discount. Thanks, and have a great day!
Jon Stuthman from norfolk on 08/13/2018 08:52 AM
Patty, I will need you to fill out the form on our website like I mentioned on Friday. We will also need the $100 deposit by tomorrow evening to complete our scheduling for your holiday shuttle. The form is at nforkoutfitting.com, and after you send it Lita can call for the deposit. Thanks, and see you soon!
Patty from Brownsville, MN on 08/14/2018 08:21 AM
I didn't know the other party had to move their departure time. You said they were leaving at 8? and would arrive at 11. Are they willing? So now what time will you arrive in Valentine? Anyway, I just saw this post about filling out form. I did plan to do it soon and will do it today.
Patty from Brownsville, MN on 08/14/2018 08:36 AM
I filled out the online form. My thoughts about this is that it is expensive compared to other shuttles. You can get support for each day of week long state ride for that, including some meals but the difference is volume, so they can charge less. Your service is very much needed and would essentially end business for Cowboy Trail if you stopped doing it. More people need to offer this service. The other option (Panda Transportation) is even more expensive, so essentially Norfolk Outfitters have a monopoly.
Patty from Brownsville, MN on 08/14/2018 08:58 AM
Example of Shuttle Service in Minnesota:
Embracing Pines Shuttle Service
Serving the Paul Bunyan & Heartland Trails
Schedule and Rates
Standard trail pick-up and drop-off
$10 per person and bicycle
$20 minimum, six passenger maximum
$1 per mile*
Ex: 4 cyclists & Bicycles 30 miles one-way with the B&B along the way, pick-up or drop-off, would be $70.
Jon Stuthman from norfolk on 08/14/2018 10:10 AM
My rate for 4 bikes 30 miles would $55.50. Sorry for being a bit offended by the comment. I do not like having to charge $350 for my shuttle, but between outrageous liability insurance, vehicle maintenance, and 6 hours pay for 2 employees, I do not make anything on this shuttle, I do it to bring tourists like yourself to my amazing town to ride on our awesome trail. See you soon!
Chadron to Valentine
- + Does anyone know what trail conditions are like from Chadron to Valentine, particularly for running? I emailed a Parks Dept. staff member who said it was possible but there is tall grass, and not deve...
Discussion started 08/11/2018 08:34 AM by Phil - 2 replies (last reply by steve at 08/13/2018 04:38 PM)Phil from New York on 08/11/2018 08:34 AM
Does anyone know what trail conditions are like from Chadron to Valentine, particularly for running? I emailed a Parks Dept. staff member who said it was possible but there is tall grass, and not developed. I'm accustomed to rough trails but I also want to make good time. If anyone has any experience there, it would be appreciated.
Anonymous on 08/11/2018 09:31 AM
It's very difficult to get any information on this portion of the trail. We want to explore it on our trip in late August and will have some info for you. Towns and services are limited. We probably won't make it all the way to Chadron. I'll check our proposed itinerary and get back to you.
steve from Saint Louis on 08/13/2018 04:38 PM
I drove on the highway from Chadron to Valentine a few years ago and from what I observed from the road I would not run or bike that section. I doubt anything has really changed since that time. I also ran the Sandhills Marathon near Valentine(but not on the Cowboy) two times, and I seen all the Sandhills that I ever want to see with that race.
Norfolk to Valentine and back
- + I'm planning on mtn biking from Norfolk to Valentine and back in mid-late Sept. The plan is a couple of 80 mile days, a shorter 3rd day and checking out Valentine, then heading back the next day. La...
Discussion started 08/09/2018 06:37 PM by Dougt - 0 repliesDougt from Onawa, Ia on 08/09/2018 06:37 PM
I'm planning on mtn biking from Norfolk to Valentine and back in mid-late Sept. The plan is a couple of 80 mile days, a shorter 3rd day and checking out Valentine, then heading back the next day. Last year there were comments about a bridge being out between Neligh and Clearwater, and lots of thorns on the trail between Ainsworth and Johnston. Is that still true? Suggestions as to cheap, clean places to stay in O'Neill and Ainsworth on the way out, and maybe Basset or Stuart and Neligh on the way back. Any and all helpful information is appreciated!
Tree down between Long Pine & Ainsworth
- + A few days ago, someone reported a tree blocking the trail between Long Pine and Ainsworth, just east of where Road 435 intersects the trail. There is room to get past the tree by climbing over some ...
Discussion started 08/07/2018 08:45 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 08/07/2018 08:45 AM
A few days ago, someone reported a tree blocking the trail between Long Pine and Ainsworth, just east of where Road 435 intersects the trail. There is room to get past the tree by climbing over some branches to the side, but just be aware and prepared.
Thanks MB for the heads-up!