Steve H from Lincoln Ne on 8/2/2024 11:04:43 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.