Road Bikes and % of grade on traIL
- + Is the trail smooth enough for road bikes?
Is the average grade of the trail only 2% to 3%
as it is a former railroad route? I would like
to ride the Trail and camp along the way.
Discussion started 04/27/2018 12:21 PM by Steve C - 4 replies (last reply by Cynthya at 05/01/2018 09:14 PM)Steve C from Redmond, Or. on 04/27/2018 12:21 PM
Is the trail smooth enough for road bikes?
Is the average grade of the trail only 2% to 3%
as it is a former railroad route? I would like
to ride the Trail and camp along the way.
Cynthya from Salina, KS on 04/27/2018 04:31 PM
The trail is virtually flat. My kind of level. We rode Ranz recumbents and camped in city parks all along the trail. You will find holes in the trail to dodge and there are stickers though we did not get any flats. We aired up the front wheel on one bike at the start of each day towards the end of ride. The ride can be challenging but we enjoyed the ride and encourage you to try it. The Cowboy Trail has great potential, if folks will make use of it.
sSteve C on 04/29/2018 11:36 AM
Thank you for the answer. We will be riding
ICE Adventure Recumbents. With the exception
of the stickers it sounds nice!
Patty from Dayton TN on 04/30/2018 04:15 PM
My sister ad I are planning to ride the Cowboy Trail in the beginning of October. Is this a good time to do this - weather wise? Also, are there any ma and pa motels along the trail - maybe 40 miles apart?
Cynthya from Salina, KS on 05/01/2018 09:14 PM
Check the listings on The Cowboy Trail for places to stay. The further west you go, less likely. October??? Could be taking a chance. Weather could be nice it snow could blow.
Horse riding/camping
- + Wanting to ride this trail on horseback this summer. However, I see nothing helpful about camping facilities for horses, watering, grazing etc. Anyone have any advice?
Discussion started 04/27/2018 07:02 AM by Robert - 0 repliesRobert from Greeneville TN on 04/27/2018 07:02 AM
Wanting to ride this trail on horseback this summer. However, I see nothing helpful about camping facilities for horses, watering, grazing etc. Anyone have any advice?
Share a Shuttle, Valintine to Norfolk Apr 30, 2018
- + Two of us are looking for others to share the Norfolk Outfitter shuttle on Apr 30 to help reduce the cost per person. If you are planning to shuttle that day let me or the outfitter know if you can s...
Discussion started 01/18/2018 05:11 PM by Mac - 6 replies (last reply by Heath at 04/26/2018 05:21 PM)Mac from Mesquite, NV on 01/18/2018 05:11 PM
Two of us are looking for others to share the Norfolk Outfitter shuttle on Apr 30 to help reduce the cost per person. If you are planning to shuttle that day let me or the outfitter know if you can share the shuttle.
tim from Centennial on 01/22/2018 02:44 PM
I just spoke to Tony at Outfitters. Tony is going to shuttle me and my bike April 30 from Norfolk to Valentine, then I'll cycle back to Norfolk. Will see you along the way!
Heath P. from Colorado Springs on 03/09/2018 03:57 PM
HEY! I've been training to do a 1 day ride across the trail myself. I'd love to split the cost. I agree with starting in Valentine as its "downhill" mostly.
Mac from Mesquite on 03/09/2018 09:04 PM
Heath, we have since changed our plans and a friend is picking us up to join us on another ride. Call Tony at North Fork Outfitters, 402-316-0157, as I think he has another guy shuttling to Valentine that day.
North Fork Outfitting from norfolk on 04/04/2018 06:41 PM
Hey Tim, please contact me or Mac about the shuttle on the 30th! Thanks...402-316-0157
North Fork Outfitting from norfolk on 04/04/2018 06:43 PM
Heath, get in touch with any of us about April 30th Shuttle to Valentine! Thanks
Heath from Colorado Springs on 04/26/2018 05:21 PM
Hey guys I wont get out there for a few more weeks now thanks to work :( if you guys do it please let me know and make sure to Strava!!
Cowboy trial use.
- + Just learning about the Cowboy Trail. Wondering would I be able to travel this trail with my small 24 foot Winnebago RV?
Discussion started 04/25/2018 02:39 PM by Mike Turner - 1 reply (last reply by Cynthya at 04/25/2018 05:27 PM)Mike Turner from Oak Harbor, Wa. on 04/25/2018 02:39 PM
Just learning about the Cowboy Trail. Wondering would I be able to travel this trail with my small 24 foot Winnebago RV?
Cynthya from Salina, KS on 04/25/2018 05:27 PM
If you mean finding places to park while riding a bicycle on trail, shouldn't have any problems. We drove a RoadTrek 200 Popular. Parked at a trail head, city park or RV park and rode west one day, east the next and leapfrogged the trail from Valentine to Norfolk. Many accommodating city parks. A couple nice RV parks and nice folks.
Average distance per day
- + About how many miles are a good average on gravel/touring bike?
Discussion started 04/22/2018 09:40 PM by Mark - 3 replies (last reply by Stephen McGregor at 04/23/2018 09:14 AM)Mark from Tulsa, Ok on 04/22/2018 09:40 PM
About how many miles are a good average on gravel/touring bike?
Cynthya from Salina, KS on 04/22/2018 10:45 PM
We rode August 2017 on Ranz recumbents with 1.50 tire size. Our best day was 40 miles. Most days varied 15-30. We rode on The Cowboy Trail except for a detour to highway for 3 miles because of bridge washout east of Clearwater and 1/4 mile in front of coop by Ainsworth(local advised of bad stickers along that section). Weather can slow you down. We got caught in a torrential downpour one day. A lot depends on the individual and conditions at the time .
Mark from Tulsa on 04/23/2018 08:23 AM
Thanks for the information
Stephen McGregor from Hannibal, MO on 04/23/2018 09:14 AM
Lisa and I averaged 50 miles per day. And that was probably 2/3 effort. The first day out of Valentine, we stopped in Johnstown at noon had lunch at the L'Bow Room and then went to the rodeo til 4 (it was 100 degrees that afternoon). When we got to Ainsworth we were 50 miles on the dot. And had an hour or so of riding time left if we'd have wanted to. I'd seen no problem with 50 miles and probably a 75 day if conditions were right. I rode my GT-105 with Clement USH gravel tires on it, and worked out well (I did put tire liners in prior to the trip.
Washout
- + I was looking into the possibility of biking and camping along the trail and I see some people saying a chunk of the trail was washed out some time ago. Has it been repaired?
Discussion started 04/15/2018 07:54 AM by N - 4 replies (last reply by Ed at 04/22/2018 04:28 PM)N on 04/15/2018 07:54 AM
I was looking into the possibility of biking and camping along the trail and I see some people saying a chunk of the trail was washed out some time ago. Has it been repaired?
Cynthya from Salina, KS on 04/15/2018 08:26 PM
We rode The Cowboy Trail in August 2017. A local in Clearwater said the bridge over The Elk Horn River, on the trail between Clearwater and Neleigh washed out about 2 miles out of town. Sure enough. The Trail was blocked off. We rode a short distance north to highway and rode about 2 or 3 miles before turning off to the south. There is no sign to indicate the turn. We did get back on the trail and it was a good ride the rest of the way to Neligh. This washed out in 2010, I think, so they are in no hurry to fix. Don't let this deter you from the ride.
Ed from Seaside on 04/16/2018 08:08 PM
Hi Cynthya. Boy oh boy a big thanks for your detailed update on that washout. I'm planning on walking the trail next month and that's really good to know...kinda suprised though...last trails I walked were the GAP & the C&O Canal trails...along them the business, community, city, countu, & state support is tremendous...a great walk. Again thanks.
Ed
Cynthya from Salina, KS on 04/18/2018 02:25 PM
Ed, Sounds exciting and walking you shouldn't have to worry about stickers and flat tires. ?? Be sure to check mileage between towns. Valentine to Wood lake would be a long day. No real good camping in that stretch. The rest of the trail is pretty accommodating. Post your experience. Always enjoy reading comments. Good trailing! Cynthya
Ed from Seaside, Or on 04/22/2018 04:28 PM
Thanks!!! I push a stroller/cart so I don't have to worry too much...In shape i could possibly push (real need and big push) 100 miles or 7 - 8 days...with water being a real concern...but don't think I have to worry on this trail!
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Washout
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=890&tonly=1
BEST TIME
- + is the first week in october to late do the full ride from Norfolk to Valentine? What are the temps usually like? Thanks
Discussion started 04/20/2018 02:10 PM by FATBOY - 0 repliesFATBOY from IOWA on 04/20/2018 02:10 PM
is the first week in october to late do the full ride from Norfolk to Valentine? What are the temps usually like? Thanks
- + I walk the french Camino last May it was 500 miles. I was wonder how this trail would be to walk. The map dosn't show the miles between town. Everyone walks with a back pack,with everything they need ...
Discussion started 04/06/2018 07:46 PM by Bill aApenwall - 1 reply (last reply by Cynthya at 04/09/2018 01:32 PM)Bill aApenwall from White Lake Michigan on 04/06/2018 07:46 PM
I walk the french Camino last May it was 500 miles. I was wonder how this trail would be to walk. The map dosn't show the miles between town. Everyone walks with a back pack,with everything they need for the walk.
Cynthya from Salina, KS on 04/09/2018 01:32 PM
It is a trail you could walk. If you check on The Cowboy Trail site you can find a mileage chart that gives distance between towns and services available.
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Camping along the trail.
- + Is tent camping allowed along the trail, or is that all private property.
I am planning on bike packing and not necessarily camping in town.
Thank you.
Discussion started 03/29/2018 10:41 AM by Paul M - 3 replies (last reply by Cynthya at 04/07/2018 11:30 AM)Paul M from Nederland,CO on 03/29/2018 10:41 AM
Is tent camping allowed along the trail, or is that all private property.
I am planning on bike packing and not necessarily camping in town.
Thank you.
Andy from Denver on 04/06/2018 09:39 PM
Many of these small towns have city parks and/or camping pads in the same park. Some of them have formal camp areas. I've been going back and forth on google maps and think with a little planning, camping out should be no problem every night.
Donna from Kansas on 04/07/2018 09:17 AM
My sister and I walked the Camino de Santiago, this is great news if we can safely hike the Cowboy...
Cynthya from Salina, KS on 04/07/2018 11:30 AM
Donna,
We saw and visited with 3 folks biking on the trail east of Valentine. Did not see many along the trail after that. As we got closer to Norfolk saw others, but still not heavily traveled at the time we were there, August 2017. We rode recumbents. Some challenges: some rough trail, weeds, stickers, BUT no flats! We made the trip and it was with the effort.
Cynthya
Cowboy Trail Pedal and Paddle 2018 Adventure Race
- + Here's an interesting event that's coming up this summer (June 2 2018):
The Cowboy Trail Pedal and Paddle 2018 Adventure Race: bike from Norfolk to Meadow Grove or Battle Creek along the Cowboy...
Discussion started 02/21/2018 06:27 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 3 replies (last reply by North Fork Outfitting at 04/05/2018 03:52 AM)Ray (webmaster) on 02/21/2018 06:27 AM
Here's an interesting event that's coming up this summer (June 2 2018):
The Cowboy Trail Pedal and Paddle 2018 Adventure Race: bike from Norfolk to Meadow Grove or Battle Creek along the Cowboy Trail, then return by kayak on the beautiful Elkhorn River! 17 mile race (Meadow Grove) or 10 mile leisure trip (Battle Creek)
Pre race meeting and Spaghetti Social in the Veranda at Divots Friday evening!
Details: https://www.nforkoutfitting.com/upcoming-events
Marna from Belle Fourche, SD on 02/21/2018 09:22 AM
Could you please send the link again. I could not get to it from the one sent. When googled, I could only get last years event.
Thanks!
Marna
Ray (webmaster) on 02/21/2018 10:58 AM
The link above is correct. If it's not working for you, then you can try nforkoutfitting.com and click on the "Events" link. And if that doesn't work, you could try their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NorthForkOutfitting
Good luck and happy trails!
North Fork Outfitting from norfolk on 04/05/2018 03:52 AM
Hi all! I see that Marna has found our registration page...if anyone else has problems, you may call 402-316-0157 for info as well! nforkoutfitting.com
Disappointed
- + My wife and I came to Velentine for several days with plans to ride the Cowboy Trail...thinking it was a classic rail trail like the Mickelson or Katy. Sadly, it is not. The State of Nebraska has a po...
Discussion started 09/29/2017 08:22 PM by Craig - 8 replies (last reply by Cynthya at 04/03/2018 03:55 PM)Craig from St George, UT on 09/29/2017 08:22 PM
My wife and I came to Velentine for several days with plans to ride the Cowboy Trail...thinking it was a classic rail trail like the Mickelson or Katy. Sadly, it is not. The State of Nebraska has a possible gem and the Valentine bridge is worth the trip itself but the trail is a bummer. The gravel/chat is too deep and is not a great surface...you are in fear of washing out constantly. There are also many goat heads and other thorns. These could easily be managed with a little spraying and maintenance. However, the biggest drawback is that ATV and farmers/ranchers now us the trail as there personal highway. There is significant washboard starting 8 miles a South of Velentine...so bad we finally gave up our plan and returned to Valentine. The ATVs and farmers have even ripped out the barriers intended o prevent motorized vehicles. The state could do,ve this but otherwise this trail won't get much use. It's sad to see such a great idea, with considerable investment made so far, be such a disappointment for lack of a few things. Complain to the state...but don't waste your time on the Cowboy Trail at this time.
art reisman from boulder on 09/30/2017 09:15 AM
We rode a little bit east of there. Here is my blog post on the subject. Yes the trail could be a little better. It is such a great right of way it needs some community support but the area is so sparsely populated east of Valentine it is not likely to happen
https://travelreporter.wordpress.com/2017/05/30/the-cowboy-trail-and-sand-hills-nebraska/
Diisaacs from The Foothills of Northern Colorado on 10/04/2017 11:20 PM
I appreciate the heads up and I hope your disappointment along with the rest of us resonates to the community. It would be pleasing to be able to have both those who appreciate these trails so much and those who have adjoining land, work together for the common good.
Gerald Wilgus from Frankfort, MI on 02/11/2018 06:56 PM
I had just learned about the Cowboy Trail today so looked it up. As bicyclists as well as kayakers we were thinking it would be nice to ride the Cowboy and kayak the Niobrara. This thread is not encouraging.
Trail surface makes a big difference since we ride recumbent trikes and three wheels on a soft surface is a bit hard to push. And landowners showing and demonstrating disdain for the trail isn't encouraging.
Stephen McGregor from Hannibal, MO on 02/12/2018 08:43 AM
I didn't experience any of the "locals" not wanting us there. Spoke with several ranchers and farmers all wanting to know where we were going how long etc. One rancher took us from the LBow Room in Johnstown to the Rodeo(that'd been our plan since the afternoon heat hit 100).
The trail is mostly well taken care of and you can hope out onto the highway anytime you want(with a few small exceptions),I have a blog here of our three day ride last Labor Day weekend, and some video at my YouTube channel with some idea of what the trail looks like.
We had a great time, and I encourage you to go (PS, my friend had Swchalbe Tires with puncture guard put on her bike and I had Teflon liners in my Clement XPLOR USH tires).
K.D. Holland from Ada, OK on 04/01/2018 06:59 PM
I have ridden the Katy Trail 2x’s and enjoy the solitude. Hope they get this trail going
Cynthya from Salina on 04/01/2018 10:15 PM
We rode the trail August 2017, on Ranz recumbents. The Trail surface was not ideal, but rideable. Some places were rough and weedy, but we rode from one end to the other and back, camping along the way in city parks. We met nice people. Yes, the trail could use some work, but give it a try. People need to get out and ride. Ride and share the experience and make the trail happen!
Jack on 04/03/2018 12:00 PM
Allowing motorized vehicles on these trails is the kiss of death in attracting visitors. Thought about this trail because of its length but if motorized vehicles are using the trail I have no interest in it.
I've bicycled trails in CA, PA, WI, GA, MO, UT, AZ, WV, MD.
The Katy in MO is decent, many in WI are nice but the best is the GAP/C&O. It is very well maintained, offers great camping spots, many small towns, beautiful scenery along rivers and the only motorized vehicles are for maintenance.
It is also served by AMTRAK with walk-on service for bikes. Met visitors from other states and countries who have made the trip because of the trail's reputation. The small towns and businesses along the GAP/C&O are booming, restaurants-bike shops are expanding and so are housing options. Do it. I plan to do again with my sons as we did a couple of years ago.
Cynthya from Salina on 04/03/2018 03:55 PM
Jack, Your thoughts are well taken. I am ready to bike the GAP. I have only done a small portion of The Katy. That was my first experience with rails-to-trails. I enjoyed it because it was flat and no traffic. When we rode The Cowboy, there was evidence of motorized traffic. On one occasion I looked back and saw an ATV coming up behind my husband. Another time I saw a rider approaching the trail and it was obvious they were used to accessing The Trail at that point. When they saw us coming,they quickly turned and went another direction. I am glad we rode The Cowboy Trail. It has great possibilities and I hope people read these comments and realize what an oppportunity for riders and the state of Nebraska this trail offers.
Share a Ride April 30, Norfolk to Valentine
- + We are looking for anyone who wants to share the cost of the North Fork Outfitting shuttle on April 30th from Norfolk to Valentine. If you want to share the shuttle email me at macmail1252@gmail.com<...
Discussion started 03/30/2018 05:01 PM by Mac McPherson - 0 repliesMac McPherson from Mesquite, NV on 03/30/2018 05:01 PM
We are looking for anyone who wants to share the cost of the North Fork Outfitting shuttle on April 30th from Norfolk to Valentine. If you want to share the shuttle email me at macmail1252@gmail.com
Mac
A few more thoughts
- + We rode The Cowboy Trail August 2017. Some of the online comments were not positive. Some of the information we got before starting in Valentine were not too encouraging, but we started out any...
Discussion started 03/16/2018 07:28 AM by Cynthya - 0 repliesCynthya from Salina on 03/16/2018 07:28 AM
We rode The Cowboy Trail August 2017. Some of the online comments were not positive. Some of the information we got before starting in Valentine were not too encouraging, but we started out anyway.
The bridge across the Niobrara River was totally awesome.
We met a father and son team from Germany on The Trail. We talked with some other folks who hosted a camper riding The Trail from Israel. How neat was that!
The Elbow Saloon in Johnstown serves up a great hamburger and the folks there were very friendly. One of the many highlights of the trip.
There were the chucks holes to look out for, weeds and sickers, but we enjoyed the ride. We meet some really great folks and ate some good food along the way.
Hopefully the trail will get finished to Chadron and we will be there to ride that as well.
You have a gem that folks should enjoy. Maybe a few though edges, but well worth the ride.
Inman
- + We spent time under the church awning, moved to the park on a rainy day this past August. The next day we found the grocery store. Wish we had been there the day before. Would have been a better place...
Discussion started 03/11/2018 06:26 PM by Cynthya - 0 repliesCynthya from Salina on 03/11/2018 06:26 PM
We spent time under the church awning, moved to the park on a rainy day this past August. The next day we found the grocery store. Wish we had been there the day before. Would have been a better place during all the rain and lightening. We picked up a snack and visited with the proprietor of the store. Nice folks!
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Inman
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=861&tonly=1
O'Neill
- + We stocked up on groceries at the store. Very nice park with restroom and showers. We spent two days here. Met some other folks riding the trail also.
Discussion started 03/11/2018 06:21 PM by Cynthya - 0 repliesCynthya from Salina on 03/11/2018 06:21 PM
We stocked up on groceries at the store. Very nice park with restroom and showers. We spent two days here. Met some other folks riding the trail also.
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O'Neill
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=860&tonly=1
Stuart
- + They have a very nice park and camp ground. We stayed 2 days. Visited their White Horse Museum. Very interesting. Nice folks!
Discussion started 03/11/2018 05:23 PM by Cynthya - 0 repliesCynthya from Salina on 03/11/2018 05:23 PM
They have a very nice park and camp ground. We stayed 2 days. Visited their White Horse Museum. Very interesting. Nice folks!
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Stuart
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=858&tonly=1
Newport
- + Nice little pool hall here. Snacks and drinks on honor system. Visited with a nice local and found out this bit of information.
Discussion started 03/11/2018 05:19 PM by Cynthya - 0 repliesCynthya from Salina on 03/11/2018 05:19 PM
Nice little pool hall here. Snacks and drinks on honor system. Visited with a nice local and found out this bit of information.
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Newport
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=857&tonly=1
Bassett
- + This information is a little past due. We rode this section of the trail in August of 2017, however, we rode through a 1/4 mile strip of green thistle weed. You could see a little bare ground, we pic...
Discussion started 03/11/2018 05:05 PM by Cynthya - 0 repliesCynthya from Salina on 03/11/2018 05:05 PM
This information is a little past due. We rode this section of the trail in August of 2017, however, we rode through a 1/4 mile strip of green thistle weed. You could see a little bare ground, we picked up no stickers, but we were a little unsure. Didn't want to carry bikes across big ditch to highway and it was a ways back to intersection. Weeds are dead now, but new growth maybe coming along.
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Bassett
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Ainsworth
- + Big thorns on the trail about a half mile west of town. However, they are only on the trail in front of the agricultural supply business, about 500'. You can use the highway and bypass them. No oth...
Discussion started 10/25/2015 08:18 PM by Maynard - 1 reply (last reply by Cynthya at 03/11/2018 04:39 PM)Maynard from Oklahoma City on 10/25/2015 08:18 PM
Big thorns on the trail about a half mile west of town. However, they are only on the trail in front of the agricultural supply business, about 500'. You can use the highway and bypass them. No other hazards noted between Ainsworth and Johnstown.
Cynthya from Salina on 03/11/2018 04:39 PM
Amen to that. We were advised, by a local, to jump out on the highway at that point, as she had had multiple flats on her bike riding past that area. So glad she shared that information. Yes..the ride between Ainsworth and Lone Pine is a good one.