Just finished the trail last week
Steve H from Lincoln Ne on 08/02/2024 11:04 PM:
My son and I rode from Valentine to Norfolk last week. This is our second time riding the trail. Both times neither of us got any flats. I ride Schwalbe Marathon tires which have been pretty much bullet proof. My son rides regular gravel tires and innertubes with self sealing goo in them. I think the thing that saved us from flats is being concussion to walk our bikes anytime we get on and off the trail and check for thorns before we remount. The trail itself seems to be pretty thorn free but we did notes a lot of thorns in off trail area.
The trial was in generally good condition with several detours that are marked. Although, they did get some heavy rains this week so check for updates.
I recommend stopping at Ma's in Lake Wood for breakfast and the Bassett Lodge and Range Cafe for lunch in Bassett. There is also a little pool hall right of the trail(south side) in Newport that is free to use. We did the trip in two days, which is doable if you are in good shape and the wind cooperates. This is a little challenging and I probably would plan a minimum of three days if we do the trail again.
Alex from Lincoln on 08/12/2024 09:17 AM:
Thanks for making the trip and sharing your experience!
Trail Condition Valentine to Woodlake is grrat
Scott s from Newbury Park, CA on 09/15/2023 07:05 PM:
Heard about goatheads/sand burrs and flats. We had a very different experience, trail was cleared of burrs and a few loose sand but nothing bad. We did the 50 mile out and back, had lunch at Ma’s Cafe in Wood Lake 15 Sept. No flats (I have “slime filled tubes, full disclosure). We saw lots of goatheads on the side and a few encroaching the trail. I tried and succeeded in pushing them off but got covered with very sharp burrs. So advise to leave them, easy to see and ride around. Riding out of Ainsworth tomorrow, no fear.
Paul on 06/11/2024 07:40 PM:
We rode from Valentine just 8 miles east and returned. No shade and a lot of loose sand on a hard surface. Although we had 1.5 inch (38 mm) tires, I wish they were wider or had knobs. The tires were getting caught in the sand. Didn’t see any goat heads. The trestle over the Niobrara river was pretty cool.