opedaler from NE Nebraska on 7/20/2023 7:26:37 PM:
Katy Kelly,
The Erie Canal ride went very well for us, no smoke until the last day when rain also made its presence known. Several accidents with the group on slippery bridges ,a couple fairly serious, for others however. Also one individual overheated and passed away in his tent during the night. A lesson for everyone who rides in heat and humidity.....stay hydrated, and rest when needed.
Still looking forward to doing the Cowboy trail. We've done portions of it quite often, but never the whole thing at once. It's a bucket list thing for us. Alex has convinced me to make the switch to tubeless slime however. I've been a diehard no slime guy, and had liners, thorn resistant tubes, and hard case tires all lined up, but a previous rider from western Ne (Gordon) told me nice try but you need to go tubeless so I guess we'll try it and see. I'll report how it goes.
I hope you enjoy your ride and Nebraska hospitality. Ride safe.