Cowboy Trail Forum

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riding the cowboy triail

Lori from Berthoud, Colorado on 05/05/2019 10:37 PM

We are planning to bike the trail over Memorial Day weekend, but after reading some of the posts, we are wondering if the trail is open after some flooding? We plan to begin in Valentine and work our way east. Look forward to an update. Thank you.

Lux from Lincoln, Nebraska on 05/15/2019 09:25 AM

Here’s a link to the latest information from the trail manager, Alexander Duryea:
http://outdoornebraska.gov/cowboytrail/

“The cowboy trail will not be entirely open from Valentine to Norfolk for quite some time due to the flood. We are on pace to open Norfolk to Battle Creek, Valentine to Long Pine, and some other sections by May 1st but if we have any further flooding it could delay the opening of those sections. I am working on a map that has open and closed sections that should be posted on www.outdoornebraska.gov/cowboytrail in a week or two. That map will be updated as we are able to repair sections of trail so check back there for updates. You will likely have to find detours around the closed sections. There are several bridges, more on the eastern end, that are out – they will be marked on the map. There are tons of great gravel roads that you can utilize for detours as well as the highway.”

Alex from Lincoln on 05/15/2019 11:55 AM

Hi Folks,

The map is live here: https://maps.outdoornebraska.gov/Trails/

It has not been added to our cowboy trail web-page yet but should be added soon. The map will be updated as we complete repairs but it probably won't be changing much in the next month. Utilized the highway shoulder or gravel roads if you have an appropriate bike for that to detour around the closed sections. And please stay off closed bridges, there are a few you will have to detour around.

-Alex

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Two Rivers Motel in Ewing

Cindy Sheets from Perkins, OK on 05/07/2019 01:09 PM

We camped at the Two Rivers Motel one night while riding the Cowboy Trail last summer. The owner, Vonnie, was hands-down the most hospitable person we met during our week-long ride. Despite being booked full, she allowed us to camp in her backyard, and she even provided firewood and use of her firepit. Such a lovely and interesting person! We're so glad we found that place.

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Cowboy Trail is Temporarily CLOSED due to Flooding

Alex from Lincoln on 03/14/2019 09:12 AM

Hi folks the Cowboy Trail in many areas is closed due to SEVERE FLOODING as of 3/14/19. I will post updates on here when I can get out and assess the damage.

Tim from Louisville Colorado on 03/19/2019 06:57 PM

Is the flooding bad, does anyone know if the trail will reopen after the flood? I'm planning on a ride this spring.

Dan from Evanston, IL on 03/20/2019 04:00 AM

I'm planning a ride across Nebraska in June. I assume (and hope for our Nebraska friends' sake) that the trail is open by then. But will its condition likely be such (e.g., pitting, deep holes) that it would be better to take a different route across the state? I know that this is speculative, but if someone has insights on this, I would be grateful to hear them. Thank you.

J Rowse from Louisville on 03/30/2019 03:59 PM

Watching..... hoping to ride trail in August

Karl from West Nyack, NY on 04/02/2019 11:04 AM

I am hoping to ride this in late May/early June, so I will be looking for updates also, I guess route 20 is also an option. How far west did the flooding go?

Nathan from Madison, WI on 04/08/2019 10:49 AM

Have been saddened to see how bad the flooding has been. We have been planning to ride the Cowboy Trail in early May, Valentine to Norfolk. Hoping that can still happen. We would also appreciate any local, first-hand updates as to status and trail conditions. Thanks!

Alex from Lincoln on 04/10/2019 11:58 AM

Hi folks,

In the next couple weeks I will post a map on www.outdoornebraska.gov/cowboytrail that will outline the open and closed sections of the trail. This map will be updated as we complete repairs and can open up more sections. Currently the trail is still closed from Valentine to Norfolk but sections could start opening by May 1. Several bridges were structually damaged and will be closed for some time, requiring detours around them. The map on our website will be the most up to date for current closures.

Anyone with questions can reach me at alexander.duryea@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5443.

PatTheExpat from Stockholm, Sweden on 04/28/2019 01:37 PM

I planned on biking the trail in early July and need to access updates but the site www.outdoornebraska.gov has not been accessible since I first started trying it about a month ago. When I check if there's a problem, by running the address through downforeveryoneorjustme.com, it states that the site "looks down from here".
Not sure if that's because of recent change in European privacy law, that some US sites still adapted to, or if it's technical. Any ideas?

Ray (webmaster) on 04/28/2019 03:27 PM

Pat, that website is definitely up. And when I use the tool that you mentioned, it says "It's just you. outdoornebraska.gov is up."

If you're still not seeing it, try a different browser. Not sure if that will make a difference, but that's always my first suggestion when a website dosen't seem to be acting right.

If that doesn't solve it, then I would guess the website is blocking you because you have a European IP address - but I don't know WHY it would do that.

I could not find any way to reach the webmaster there, but I submitted a question through their general "Contact Us" page. Will post here if I hear anything.

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Trail closure

Jonathan from Omaha on 04/24/2019 08:21 PM

How much of the trail is still open. How Far East can you currently ride the trail from Valentine.

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Bike Hire

Keith minnett from Cambridge UK on 04/02/2019 02:45 AM

Hi
Can anyone advise if there is bike hire available in the vicinity.
Thanks

Alex from Lincoln on 04/23/2019 08:54 AM

Hi Keith,

Call North Fork Outfitting - (402) 316-0157

https://www.nforkoutfitting.com/

They are located in Norfolk, NE.

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Parking

Cindy from Bartlett on 04/21/2019 08:00 PM

Where is a good place to leave your car in Norfolk while riding for several days?

Alex from Lincoln on 04/23/2019 08:49 AM

Hi Cindy,

The Cowboy Trail trail-head at Ta-Ha-Zouka park in Norfolk has a few dedicated spots for overnight parking. I've never had an issue leaving my vehicle there and it is patrolled by the local PD.

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28mm tires

Kirk on 03/06/2019 10:10 AM

We ride 28mm tires. Amy comments about riding the Cowboy trail?

Steve McGregor from Hannibal, MO on 03/06/2019 11:18 AM

I rode the Clement XPLOR USH 35mm tire(with Tire Liners for the Goatheads etc) and they were ok. A few places where it is sub-irrigated(up from Bassett to Stuart) and they sunk in a bit. My friend rode with Schwalbe Marathon tires (they sort of have built in liners, and they were maybe 40mm but I think still had a wider profile and she did ok with them. I ended up with one flat (a goathead through the side of the tire) just west of O'Neal, and then after we finished the next day Lisa's tire was flat from something, never could find it..

Alex from Lincoln on 03/07/2019 09:11 AM

28c is a little on the narrow side, I recommend cramming the largest tire you can that still fits and running that at a lower psi for a nice supple ride as the Cowboy Trail is not the smoothest at times. The looser trail surface zaps any efficiency gains you'd have with a narrower tire anyways so I opt for comfort on CBT.

opedaler from Northeast Nebraska on 03/24/2019 04:30 PM

We ride the trail all the time with 28's no problem.....with a couple of exceptions. 1) There is a stretch where horse riders don't always adhere to the "side-of-the-trail" mandate. If they have been on the trail when it is soft, it can make riding pretty miserable, and 2) after a flooding spring, such as this year,when they are forced to fill in sports with loose gravel/stone/rock it can be a bit challenging until the firming process is complete. It isn't as bad as the Mickelson Trail, if you are familiar with that, but it can still be challenging.

Typically, I would say "no problem" this year all bets are off.

opedaler from Northeast Nebraksa on 04/21/2019 03:41 AM

Sorry I accidently put an updated post in the wrong thread. Rather than repeat it, I'll just direct you there. The gist of it is......My wife does feel better with 32's on up, and agrees with Alex. For added comfort go up a notch from your 28s.....especially this year.

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trail conditions-thorns??

dougt from Onawa, Ia on 08/28/2018 11:30 AM

I'm planning to ride from Norfolk to Valentine and back the week of Sept 17. Some earlier posts mentioned bad thorns between Ainsworth and Johnston. Is that still the case? Any other comments on trail conditions or lodging greatly appreciated.
I'm planning on staying in O'Neill, the Bunkhouse in Long Pine($35!!!) and Valentine on the trip both ways. Any recommendations on lodging in O'Neill and Valentine?

How secure is parking in Norfolk for 5-6 days?

HOPEFULLY someone will respond to this post!

Jeni on 08/30/2018 09:28 AM

re the thorns: I was advised that I'd be okay if I just stuck to the middle of the path in the areas where it was so bad.

The parking in Norfolk sounds great. A patrolled lot, pictures of your car and your expected return date are sent to local law enforcement.

Nothing on the lodging, but best of luck to you.

dougt from Onawa, Ia on 09/02/2018 09:51 AM

Thanks for your response!! Other than you, posting a question on this site is like shouting into an empty canyon! Do you know anything about the detour off the trail west of Neligh and how far one has to go on the highway before being able to get back to the trail?

Cynthya from Salina, Ks on 09/02/2018 01:28 PM

My experience of trail is a year back. We picked up plenty of thorns, but no flats. Just a front tire we ended up airing up everyday. About two miles out of Clearwater going east you get detoured to highway. No clear mark back to trail. We were told first turn to your right. Excluding turns into private property. Maybe three miles? They need to put up a sign for bikers to know the turn.

dougt from Onawa, Ia on 09/03/2018 10:42 AM

Thanks for your info Cynthia!

Jon Stuthman from norfolk on 03/04/2019 05:20 PM

Parking at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk is free and patrolled by local law enforcement, haven't had any issues in the last 4 years. Give me a call at North Fork Outfitting 402-316-0157 if you need anything else.

opedaler from Northeast Nebraska on 03/24/2019 04:37 PM

We have always used bikes with liners and seldom had any problems. The past couple of years we have used hard-case 28's (no liners) and have had zero problems. Having said that, many of my friends have complained about flats (they used no liners, and had older tires) so carry tubes, or repair kits just to be safe. I've carried them for years and maybe used them once, or maybe twice. I threaten to take them out so I have more room for more candy bars but sure as I do.......

opedaler from Northeast Nebraksa on 04/21/2019 03:36 AM

About 28"s.....My wife told me after seeing my response that she agrees with Alex. Although we do, she feels MUCH more comfortable on 32's on up. 90% of the time she feels fine, but to be comfortable ALL the time, she would recommend a bigger tire. Mountain bikes aren't usually necessary, but you will see a plethora of them on the trail. After the repairs this year, I would agree, bigger is better.

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Trailer damage from recent flooding ?

Jay from Louisville on 03/28/2019 09:19 AM

Hi
Has there been any damage to trail front recent flooding????
Thx J

opedaler from Northeast Ne on 03/29/2019 06:48 PM

YES!........ Just like everywhere else around eastern Nebraska. I'm waiting to see if it will be even rideable this year. Lots of work needs to be done from what I can see.

J Rowse from Louisville on 03/30/2019 03:56 PM

What areas have seen damage? That you know of....
Thx J

opedaler from Northeast Ne on 04/01/2019 06:19 PM

I would wait for Alex's updated report. From the road ((hwy 275) it looks pretty tough on the eastern end. From what is visible I'd definitely not strike out until some repairs are done. Having said that, much of the trail is near a good road with a shoulder, so occasional detours will be tolerable, if that's all that's required.

We still do multiday group road rides with sags, but my preference is becoming more and more the "rail-to-trail" rides. Slower and a little more work, but much more pleasant and much, much safer. I sincerely hope the trail is repairable.

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Trail conditions

Beth from Michigan on 03/10/2019 01:34 PM

Husband and I enjoy tandem biking. What are the trail conditions and what is the surface of the trail made of? Asphalt? Dirt? Chipped stone? Thanks in advance for your input.

Cynthya from Salina on 03/10/2019 01:53 PM

The trail is a combination of all those surfaces. That and Sandy or lose gravel. It might be a real challenge for tandem riders. Be interesting to hear other thoughts.

Dougt from Onawa, Ia. on 03/10/2019 06:30 PM

Depending upon your tire choice it could be very challenging. Trail conditions get rougher on the western portion. I rode from Norfolk to Valentine and back last Sept and wrote a short review of the trip talking about accommodations and trail conditions. I did it on a mtn bike with tire liners and had no problems.

opedaler from Northeast Nebraska on 03/24/2019 04:42 PM

Just to add to what Cynthia posted....we have met several tandems on rides. Didn't stop and ask how it was going, but it appeared to me that they were leaving fairly deep tracks.

opedaler from Northeast Ne on 03/29/2019 06:51 PM

This is really sad as it was getting in good shape. In fact I preferred it over other limestone trails....the Wabash for example. I'm guessing it is going to be awhile now.

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