Is it best to go from Valentine to Norfolk? Is it too hot to consider going Aug 1-7th?
- + Planning to ride the Cowboy trail Aug 1- 7th. Is it best to start at Valentine and end in Norfolk? Is is going to be so hot I should reconsider?
Discussion started 06/29/2021 12:06 PM by Judie - 4 replies (last reply by Dave at 07/19/2021 08:55 PM)Judie from Leonard, MI on 06/29/2021 12:06 PM
Planning to ride the Cowboy trail Aug 1- 7th. Is it best to start at Valentine and end in Norfolk? Is is going to be so hot I should reconsider?
Alex from Lincoln on 06/29/2021 01:10 PM
Average temp seems to be about 87 degrees for the high in the beginning of August but anything is possible in NE. Could be 100 or it could be 60. Keep an eye on the extended forecast and if it looks like it'll be a hot week you can adjust your plans accordingly. Usually folks plan what works logistically better for them. Technically Valentine to Norfolk is downhill elevation wise and prevailing winds sometimes help that direction.
Dougt from Onawa, Ia on 06/29/2021 01:49 PM
I go out and back each year, starting at Norfolk. Did it a couple of weeks later last year but this year will be on the ride the same time as you. If you're conditioned I wouldn't think the heat would be a problem, but be sure to carry lots of water on the west side because services are sparce. Last year there were two of us, each carrying a couple of 28oz water bottles and that wasn't enough on the west end. East of Valentine we came upon a windmill in a field pumping into a tank and we stopped and filled up on cool water, not really caring if it was pure or not. I'll carry 3 water bottles this year. Take precautions to avoid flats because 3 of the 4 years that I've done it I've had goat head thorn issues. If you're worried about the heat maybe wise to start at the east end where there are more services and towns and get acclimated as you head west.
Judie from Leonard,MI on 07/13/2021 02:01 PM
Thanks for the information. I'm planning to get to Valentine Aug 13 or 14 and ride part of the trail.
Dave from Sacramento CA on 07/19/2021 08:55 PM
I rode from Valentine to Bassett today, my first time on the trail, and I will say that the almost total lack of shade is a big factor. It wears on you and gets you hotter than you realize, even when the temperature is one you are used to riding in.
Also, I only saw one other rider all day, in 65 miles on the trail, so make sure to prepare wisely so you don’t end up stranded in the sun. There are motorists and businesses in many areas, but others are isolated.
Storm Damage
- + The trail between Norfolk and O'Neill was hit with another storm over the weekend. Please report any damage here - https://arcg.is/1HPvbv
Discussion started 07/12/2021 08:08 AM by Alex - 1 reply (last reply by Alex at 07/12/2021 01:56 PM)Alex from Lincoln on 07/12/2021 08:08 AM
The trail between Norfolk and O'Neill was hit with another storm over the weekend. Please report any damage here - https://arcg.is/1HPvbv
Alex from Lincoln on 07/12/2021 01:56 PM
Update - Norfolk to Battle Creek is now passable. Battle Creek to Meadow Grove has many downed trees blocking the trail in areas. Still assessing west of there. Cleanup will likely push into next week.
Valentine trail conditions
- + What are the conditions for cycling the trail from Valentine East and West?
Discussion started 07/11/2021 06:05 PM by Louisville - 0 repliesLouisville from Louisville on 07/11/2021 06:05 PM
What are the conditions for cycling the trail from Valentine East and West?
North Fork Outfitting in Norfolk
- + Its January 2021 and I just saw your postings on the 2020 group ride from Valentine to Norfolk. How did it go? Doing it again in 2021? How can I track that next ride? Would love to join up. Thanks!
Discussion started 01/09/2021 09:42 PM by Ed Marino - 3 replies (last reply by Tony Stuthman at 07/08/2021 07:18 AM)Ed Marino from Eaton, CO on 01/09/2021 09:42 PM
Its January 2021 and I just saw your postings on the 2020 group ride from Valentine to Norfolk. How did it go? Doing it again in 2021? How can I track that next ride? Would love to join up. Thanks!
opedaler on 02/24/2021 10:49 PM
I don't think they went. We signed up, but did not receive further notifications. It's still on our bucket list however. I really hope they include a canoeing trip at Valentine. We haven't done that for years but it is a very good, relaxing time. Probably nothing until the pandemic is over is my guess.
Tony Stuthman from NORFOLK on 07/08/2021 07:15 AM
sorry, missed this thread...we did cancel the ride due to the pandemic. I am in the early stages of planning a group ride next season, 2022, thinking of early September. Follow us on facebook at North Fork Outfitting, or our website nforkoutfitting.com.
Tony Stuthman from NORFOLK on 07/08/2021 07:18 AM
and as for the float trip, probably be in Norfolk...lol!(Check out our page North Fork Outfitting on FB!
hoteling the trail
- + is it possible to do the entire trail staying in hotels and eating in restaurants? Is there a recommended strategy to do this (which places to stay each night etc.)? Ideally a 4 or 5 day itinerary. ...
Discussion started 05/11/2021 04:19 AM by kt22mike - 5 replies (last reply by Tony Stuthman at 07/08/2021 06:56 AM)kt22mike from Cape Cod on 05/11/2021 04:19 AM
is it possible to do the entire trail staying in hotels and eating in restaurants? Is there a recommended strategy to do this (which places to stay each night etc.)? Ideally a 4 or 5 day itinerary.
Any shuttle services or buses to get you back to the beginning of the ride?
Jess from Omaha on 05/11/2021 04:50 PM
It's definitely doable but you will likely have one long day.
Valentine to Basset - 64
Bassett to O'Neill - 48
O'Neill to Neligh - 41
Neligh to Norfolk - 35
Valentine has a brewery, restaurants and is a nice place to start and your first day could be a long day to Basset which has a nice down town hotel.
I would also make sure to stop in Atkinson, they have a developing nice town and a nice brewery and pizza restaurant.
Newport has a nice self service pool haul on main street. Johnstown has a nice bar with food.
Another option would be:
Valentine to Ainsworth - 47
Ainsworth to Atkinson - 48
Atkinson to Ewing - 40
Ewing to Norfolk - 54
All of the towns mentioned have hotels listed and a lot of the towns listed have food but you will want to verify.
Have fun
SherryO on 05/11/2021 05:29 PM
The interactive map is very good. You can tailor your trip for your fitness level and side trip interests. Don’t rush it because the best thing about the trail is the interaction with some of the nicest, salt of the earth, people you will ever meet.
SherryO on 05/11/2021 05:35 PM
The interactive map is very good. You can tailor your trip for your fitness level and side trip interests. Don’t rush it because the best thing about the trail is the interaction with some of the nicest, salt of the earth, people you will ever meet.
Gilbert Pena from raleigh on 06/20/2021 01:28 PM
I will be riding the trail real soon with this schedule:
* 29 June - Dropped off @ Econolodge Valentine
* 30 June - Valentine to Ainsworth 47 - Rodeway Inn
* 1 July - 48 miles to Atkinson - Sandhills Guest House
* 2 July - 40 miles to Ewing - Two Rivers Motel
* 3 July - 54 miles to Norfolk - Picked up @ Trail Head!
I am bringing a beach cruiser with fat tires!
I am looking forward to a fun ride!
Tony Stuthman from NORFOLK on 07/08/2021 06:56 AM
guess I missed this earlier. If you haven't completed your ride yet, I offer shuttle between Norfolk and Valentine. Total cost with tax is $401.25 for 1-4 riders, and $50 per additional rider.
my number is 402-316-0157 North Fork Outfitting.
New gravel
- + Just an FYI. There is new gravel that has made the sect from Norfolk to O’Neal very difficult. Deep sand and gravel. We are going across the country and this was a huge disappointment. We are on grave...
Discussion started 06/22/2021 06:45 PM by Will Fisher - 8 replies (last reply by Cynthya at 07/06/2021 12:55 PM)Will Fisher from Marinette Wisconsin on 06/22/2021 06:45 PM
Just an FYI. There is new gravel that has made the sect from Norfolk to O’Neal very difficult. Deep sand and gravel. We are going across the country and this was a huge disappointment. We are on gravel bikes with 38mm tires with packs . we came across two women that were giving up after falling several times. We finally finished on highway 20. I made a call into the trail manager Alex to express my disappointment but never heard back.
Peter Sheridan from Santa Rosa California on 06/23/2021 08:47 AM
I agree. Worst trail conditions I have ever experienced in all the trail riding I have done. It's inexcusable.
Gap trail, Katy trail, c&o trail and Alps to Ocean and Otago in New Zealand have none of these issues. Why can't these people get it right?
Ah Jeez from Iowa on 06/23/2021 09:38 AM
How long is the stretch of new gravel? I am heading to Valentine tomorrow to ride the trail back to Norfolk. I am riding recumbent and this could be a game changer for me. It surely isn't loose gravel all the way from Norfolk to O'neill.
Peter Sheridan from Santa Rosa California on 06/23/2021 01:18 PM
Somewhere between Neligh and Norfolk the sand traps got the best of me. It was about 20 feet long and about 6 inches deep. After a few maneuvers I got stuck and stoped dead and went over. The rest of the trail is good to moderate. You have to stay alert for the drifts of sand and small sand holes. You'll have to get out and push through a few places if you're not used to it.
Alex from Lincoln on 06/29/2021 02:51 PM
Thanks for reporting these conditions. A unprecedented flood in 2019 had deposited a lot of silt on the trail and eroded the base material in a number of areas which is likely the cause of these soft spots. We made a bunch of temporary repairs to re-open the trail so folks could use it until a permanent fix could be done. If you recall the exact location of any of these areas please report them here: https://arcg.is/1HPvbv
West to east from Boulder co on 07/03/2021 10:37 AM
We are in Bassett riding west to east on 700x38mm tires. The reported goat heads are not out yet. There are brushy parts of the trail and some gravel patches but for strong riders with good bike handling skills everything east of lone pine is a good ride. There is a detour around a section of closed trail east of lone pine.
opedaler from Ne nerbraska on 07/04/2021 01:13 AM
The cowboy trail has been fraught with issues since its opening, and the flooding is just one issue imo. Another has been lack of interest from riders. There is the "If you build it they will come" crowd, and then there is the "We will fix if we see interest" crowd. Both have legitimate concerns imo. When it was first opened it was in pretty good shape imo, but it was frustrating to see so many taking the highway anyway. We rode from Norfolk to Neligh and back and only saw one other individual......a bird watcher on foot.....on the trail. It is my sincere hope that covid will bring out some more outdoors people to such a fun pastime.
As for us, retirement is giving us the chance to try some new trails.......Coeur d'Alene, Hiawatha, Mickelson (we've done that one before), Katy, and the Mopac, Homestead and Standing Bear in Nebraska. We'll have a better chance to evaluate after this year.
Biker4 from Papillion, NE on 07/06/2021 11:54 AM
Thank You opedaler for your comments. I agree with your thoughts-
riders still taking the highway. One thing that is wrong is the negative comments other riders post as to repairs done to the trail but not posted on their completion . Riders do not want to go half way through an area they heard was to be repaired but not posted as completed ie trail sign for completed work or updates posted at trailheads.
I have ridden all of the trail you listed and more. When doing so talking to other riders they have a bad opinion of the cowboy trail with bridges out, loose gravel, goat heads poor sign instructions as well as slow repairs. I live in Papillion and have not tried to ride the trail since the flood and was hopping to ride late this year if I hear better reviews on the trail. WHO DO YOU BELIEVE?
Cynthya from Lewis,KS on 07/06/2021 12:55 PM
As I have said in previous posts, my husband and I rode this trail in 2017. It was challenging at times, but still rideable.
We rode Ranz recumbents (V and Formula LE) with 20 " wheel on front and 26" on back. We got off the trail at Ainsworth just before the Co-Op. A local person told us that the stickers were really bad along that area. The only other highway riding we did was where we had to get off at Clearwater because the bridge was out (and it is still out), due to the flooding that they had years ago.
Getting a rails to trail up and going is a lot of work. You have to have people that want to do a lot of hard work as well as all the paperwork and struggles dealing with people not on board.
Any of these trails that are up and running and have really good conditions have been there because of dedicated interested people who have put in a lot of hard work.. not to mention maintenance.
It's the old rock and hard place...Make a trail and they'll come...maybe. Fix it and they'll come ...maybe.
Problems or no...I hope someday to ride The Cowboy Trail again. Things are never easy... but if people wait for easy..it will never happen!.
Bassett City Park in Bassett
- + Not a park. There is some grass with cactus near the high school. No bathrooms no tables there is water. Stay at the Bassett lodge if you spend the night here. It’s awesome.
Discussion started 07/03/2021 10:28 AM by West to east - 1 reply (last reply by Dougt at 07/04/2021 10:04 AM)West to east from Boulder co on 07/03/2021 10:28 AM
Not a park. There is some grass with cactus near the high school. No bathrooms no tables there is water. Stay at the Bassett lodge if you spend the night here. It’s awesome.
Dougt from Onawa, Ia on 07/04/2021 10:04 AM
There is a nice park in Bassett. You have to leave the trail and ride south to the edge of town. It's right across the highway. Water, open shelter w/picnic tables, several buildings.
Bassett City Park in Bassett
- + Not a park. There is some grass with cactus near the high school. No bathrooms no tables there is water. Stay at the Bassett lodge if you spend the night here. It’s awesome.
Discussion started 07/03/2021 10:28 AM by West to east - 0 repliesWest to east from Boulder co on 07/03/2021 10:28 AM
Not a park. There is some grass with cactus near the high school. No bathrooms no tables there is water. Stay at the Bassett lodge if you spend the night here. It’s awesome.
Trail conditions
- + Nebraska needs to up their game. My son and friend just biked Lincoln to Black Hills and they hated the Cowboy Trail due to goatheads and a range of poor trail conditions...ended up doing mostly highw...
Discussion started 06/28/2021 08:53 AM by KW - 1 reply (last reply by Cynthya at 06/28/2021 10:20 AM)KW from Lincoln on 06/28/2021 08:53 AM
Nebraska needs to up their game. My son and friend just biked Lincoln to Black Hills and they hated the Cowboy Trail due to goatheads and a range of poor trail conditions...ended up doing mostly highway. They were worried Mickelson Trail would be similar but it was great and they loved it. Some of the camping options in towns along the Cowboy Trail were pretty weak too. For example, why have a campground but lock the bathroom?
Cynthya from Lewis,KS on 06/28/2021 10:20 AM
Bet the locked bathroom was in Woodlake? We experienced that. We rode back in 2017 and it was mostly ridable. We did get off the trail at Clearwater for a spell because the river washed out crossing. There was one bridge had a big hole washed out at bridge 184 (I think) potential for a bad wreck. We did ride all of the trail except for the part there at Clearwater. Wasn't always easy. Either we were lucky in respect to goatheads or maybe not as bad the year we rode? No flat tires but we generally stopped and carried our bikes across the roadway because it seemed like there were more goatheads at those crossings. We always checked our tires before we started again. Things you really shouldn't have to do to have an enjoyable ride. That could be a great trail. I suppose part of problem is maybe they don't get enough traffic, but hard to get traffic when people hear how much trouble they can potentially have. Even with all those troubles I hope to be able to go back and ride again someday... I would really like to see the trail finished to Chadron, but I suppose that's a long ways in the future, if ever.
shuttle a vechile
- + Want to ride oneway... Any suggestions on shuttling our car from Valentine to Norfolk ?? Would plan to ride the last week of june 2021.. Thanks..
Discussion started 05/25/2021 06:51 PM by Hal Wayne - 5 replies (last reply by Peter Sheridan at 06/28/2021 08:47 AM)Hal Wayne from Denver on 05/25/2021 06:51 PM
Want to ride oneway... Any suggestions on shuttling our car from Valentine to Norfolk ?? Would plan to ride the last week of june 2021.. Thanks..
Charles on 05/26/2021 09:59 PM
My friend and I recently used a uhaul for transportation. We rented one in Oneill, left our cars and put the bicycles in the uhaul. We then drove to Valentine and turned in the uhaul. An option to consider!
Tony Stuthman from NORFOLK on 05/27/2021 06:59 AM
North Fork Outfitting in Norfolk offers shuttle service. 402-316-0157
Total cost with tax is $401.25 for up to 4 riders.
Hal Wayne from Denver on 05/31/2021 01:05 PM
Did check with North Fork Outfitting, they would charge $401 for one person oneway even if you meet them at Valeentine for their return trip back to Norfolk, that was without any gear my body only..
Tony Stuthman from NORFOLK on 06/27/2021 08:23 PM
that is actually the price for up to 4 riders with bikes and any gear/ trailers etc...about $100 each with tax....
Peter Sheridan from Santa Rosa California on 06/28/2021 08:47 AM
We used the shuttle to Valentine. Tony picked us up in Norfolk at our hotel and droped us off in Valentine at our hotel. It was a Three hour ride with all our gear. Some people on this forum seem to be a little out of sorts with this but really it's the normal for all other shuttles here and everywhere else. Tony was also a good source for info on the trail.
- + Hi all - the Cowboy Trail area got hammered pretty good by the storm yesterday. Please help by reporting any downed trees, flooding, etc. here: https://arcg.is/1HPvbv
Discussion started 06/24/2021 11:01 AM by Alex - 0 repliesAlex from Lincoln on 06/24/2021 11:01 AM
Hi all - the Cowboy Trail area got hammered pretty good by the storm yesterday. Please help by reporting any downed trees, flooding, etc. here: https://arcg.is/1HPvbv
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=10952&tonly=1
Dogs?
- + Does anyone know if dogs on leashes are allowed on the Cowboy Trail? Or is it prohibited since horses are on the trail as well?
Discussion started 06/21/2021 07:14 AM by Miriam - 1 reply (last reply by Alex at 06/21/2021 08:21 AM)Miriam from Columbus, NE on 06/21/2021 07:14 AM
Does anyone know if dogs on leashes are allowed on the Cowboy Trail? Or is it prohibited since horses are on the trail as well?
Alex from Lincoln on 06/21/2021 08:21 AM
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6', but yes they are allowed.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
Dogs?
https://bikecowboytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=10950&tonly=1
Spring Valley Park in Newport
- + This campground seems abandoned - we scoped it out in May 2021.
The grass was mowed, but the water was off and that bathrooms were locked. The nearby house seemed abandoned and the buildings were near...
Discussion started 05/23/2021 06:19 PM by Charles - 2 replies (last reply by Luke at 06/16/2021 01:57 PM)Charles on 05/23/2021 06:19 PM
This campground seems abandoned - we scoped it out in May 2021.
The grass was mowed, but the water was off and that bathrooms were locked. The nearby house seemed abandoned and the buildings were nearly falling over.
The other commenter is correct about the pool hall - its located directly south of the trail in the middle of Newport. They have various snacks + cold drinks for sale using the honors system. I called a phone number on the vending machine outside and was told that I could camp behind the pool hall and that there was water in front of the city hall nearby. There didn't appear to be any restrooms, but there were a few homes that seemed occupied nearby.
Cynthya from Lewis,KS on 05/23/2021 09:30 PM
Agree about The Eight Ball(I think it is called). We were there in 2014...did not realize you could go in. We were back the next day and a local told us it was open and honor system. It is a nice little place...but as stated...no facilities.
Luke from Omaha on 06/16/2021 01:57 PM
+1 for the Newport Pool Hall. Good spot for camping w/water just down the road by the community center and church. Melissa and Shawn have a special thing going there, and talked to us about plans to possibly install a restroom near the pool hall for bike campers. I hope travelers stop and support the pool hall and their efforts. Was truly one of the highlights of our trip.
Neligh to Norfolk
- + A few miles out of Neligh there is a detour. It's the section that veers away from the highway and a missed scenic opportunity. Connect back to the trail where it becomes visible from the road. The st...
Discussion started 06/14/2021 06:52 PM by Peter Sheridan - 0 repliesPeter Sheridan from Santa Rosa California on 06/14/2021 06:52 PM
A few miles out of Neligh there is a detour. It's the section that veers away from the highway and a missed scenic opportunity. Connect back to the trail where it becomes visible from the road. The stooges that work on this trail set a sand trap for me this morning that I couldn't get out of. Despite having fairly good mountain bike skills six inches of loose material and about twenty feet of it got the best of me and I went down before I could unclip. Surprisingly the rest of the trail is solid and quick going. Don't know why the trail conditions are so inconsistent. Neligh to Norfolk is pretty scenic with river views at the end. Lots of opportunities for food and water along this section.
O'Neill to Neligh
- + Trail conditions in this part are good. A few stretches have the red rock fines laid to thick. I don't know what possessed whomever to do this. Somebody should get a tractor and scrape it off. It will...
Discussion started 06/13/2021 08:20 PM by Peter Sheridan - 0 repliesPeter Sheridan from Santa Rosa California on 06/13/2021 08:20 PM
Trail conditions in this part are good. A few stretches have the red rock fines laid to thick. I don't know what possessed whomever to do this. Somebody should get a tractor and scrape it off. It will never sink in to the base. The parts with the grey rock are the best with only a thin layer on top of the base. You can make good time on this. Ewing has a market but it's closed on Sunday. Up the road there is a Hiway Mart with snacks and drinks. You can see it from the trail on the left. After Clearwater there is a detour pointing to the highway. The trail bridge is out. There is no signage on where to get back on the trail. The best thing to do is ride on the road till you see the orange pylons where the trail used to be. This part has been washed out by the river. After you pass these look for the next dirt path back to the trail and your on your way to Neligh in about two miles.
Spring Valley Park in Newport
- + Has anyone camped here? I could not find any information anywhere which shows it is OK.
Discussion started 04/19/2021 01:58 PM by Martin Bassani - 3 replies (last reply by Shawn at 06/13/2021 10:08 AM)Martin Bassani from Louisville, CO on 04/19/2021 01:58 PM
Has anyone camped here? I could not find any information anywhere which shows it is OK.
Alex from Lincoln on 04/21/2021 08:58 AM
Have not camped there before. I have camped at the park in town next to the little shelter they have.
Cynthya B from Lewis, Kansas on 04/21/2021 09:43 AM
There is a small pool hall... The Eight Ball (I think) . Snacks and memorabilia. The camping may only be a small city park. Facilities??? There is nice camping in next town east, Stuart. It has been four years since we rode the trail.
Shawn from Newport on 06/13/2021 10:08 AM
You can camp at the Newport Pool Hall.
Bassett to O'Neill
- + Trail conditions were good all the way. We had a headwind almost the whole way and gave up and got on the highway about ten miles before O'Neill. This was the part that someone mentioned had goatheads...
Discussion started 06/12/2021 09:39 PM by Peter Sheridan - 1 reply (last reply by Tony Stuthman at 06/13/2021 07:09 AM)Peter Sheridan from Santa Rosa California on 06/12/2021 09:39 PM
Trail conditions were good all the way. We had a headwind almost the whole way and gave up and got on the highway about ten miles before O'Neill. This was the part that someone mentioned had goatheads so I can't comment on that. The road parallels at this point so we didn't miss anything and made better time. West to East is better but no guarantee that the winds may change. The Newport Pool Hall has water, drinks and snacks for cyclists. Stuart has a good grocery store with benches on both sides of the street to eat your lunch. Atkinson has a covered picnic area with cold water at the spigot.
Tony Stuthman from NORFOLK on 06/13/2021 07:09 AM
Hi Peter! Love the updates! It was great seeing you folks riding the trail Friday! Thanks again for using our shuttle! Hope the rest of your trip goes great!
Valentine to Bassett
- + Rode the trail today from Valentine to Bassett. The trail conditions were great with the wind at my back. I ride with full panniers on 32cc Panaracer gravel king sk and had no problems. The trail is h...
Discussion started 06/11/2021 08:27 PM by Peter Sheridan - 1 reply (last reply by Peter Sheridan at 06/12/2021 09:28 PM)Peter Sheridan from Santa Rosa California on 06/11/2021 08:27 PM
Rode the trail today from Valentine to Bassett. The trail conditions were great with the wind at my back. I ride with full panniers on 32cc Panaracer gravel king sk and had no problems. The trail is hard pack with 1/4 rock fines. In some places the fines drift into small piles but are not a problem if you pay attention. Heading west at Long Pine the bridge is out. Detour to the highway and pickup the trail where you can find it on the left after the silos. The highway is great with little traffic, very polite drivers and lots of clean shoulder to ride on. About half way on the trail you will find that Johnstown has a picnic shelter, toilets and water.
Peter Sheridan from Santa Rosa California on 06/12/2021 09:28 PM
Someone mentioned earlier that you can connect to the trail after the detour heading east by heading out to the highway and turning right on 440th Rd.
Favorite segment of Segment of Cowboy trail
- + My buddy and I are returning home in late August via Nebraska and are planning a full day to do part of the Cowboy Trail. We would like to pick out a 60-70 mile segment and cover that in an out and b...
Discussion started 03/05/2021 07:19 PM by DrGus78 - 3 replies (last reply by opedaler at 06/09/2021 08:50 PM)DrGus78 from Atlanta, Ga on 03/05/2021 07:19 PM
My buddy and I are returning home in late August via Nebraska and are planning a full day to do part of the Cowboy Trail. We would like to pick out a 60-70 mile segment and cover that in an out and back. Since neither of us have been there any recommendations on favorite parts of the trail, places to see, lodging and places to eat would be appreciated.
Thx
Gus
Alex from Lincoln on 03/08/2021 08:40 AM
The trail between Valentine and Long Pine is typically considered the most scenic. Valentine to Johnstown and back would be about 72 miles. There's a fun bar in Johnstown called L-Bow-Room to have lunch at. There's lots of great things to do in Valentine as well like tubing/canoeing down the Niobrara.
Tony Stuthman from NORFOLK on 05/27/2021 08:07 AM
Lots of great things to do in Norfolk too! We've got tubing and kayaking on the Elkhorn River and the North Fork River Trail, as well as an amazing new downtown Riverpoint Shopping and Entertainment District!
opedaler from Ne nebraska on 06/09/2021 08:50 PM
Don't miss the canoeing/tubing/kayaking in Valentine. We've done that long before there was a cowboy trial. Outfitters there are very user friendly.
EDIT: I wouldn't recommend canoeing over the fourth of July......especially if you have youngsters along. It's very, very busy and there are a lot of college kids during that time frame......plus the kids might see some things they shouldn't.
Goathead Thorns
- + For all those that cycle through, there are goatheads between Atkinson and Neligh. We went on the road for this section. We are on narrow tires and the loose gravel around Tilden made us work hard.
Discussion started 06/09/2021 05:49 PM - 1 reply (last reply by opedaler at 06/09/2021 08:41 PM)Anonymous from Ben Gericke on 06/09/2021 05:49 PM
For all those that cycle through, there are goatheads between Atkinson and Neligh. We went on the road for this section. We are on narrow tires and the loose gravel around Tilden made us work hard.
opedaler from Ne nebraska on 06/09/2021 08:41 PM
We've been riding round trips between Norfolk and Tilden and have had no problems, but I did stop a couple riding the trail from Valentine to Norfolk. I talked to them west of Neligh. They were currently on the shoulder of 275 because of a wash-out detour between Clearwater and a little west of Neligh. I gave them a heads up that there would be another detour between Neligh and Oakdale. They were from Alaska and it appeared they had extensive trail experience. They had wide tires and were loaded down pretty well, but also also mentioned thorn issues. Their problem was solved by going tubless and it eliminated the need to ride the road outside of flooding detours. They did carry tubes for emergency use, but had not had to use them as the slime plugged the holes sufficiently. I'm not sure how wide their tires were, but they were considerably wider than the 40mm we've been using on all limestone trails currently. It seemed to eliminate the soft surface problems some have mentioned.