Dougt from Castana, Ia on 9/24/2024 9:34:26 AM:
Your overnights will work fine. I usually stay in Long Pine vs. Ainsworth, but there are a lot more amenities in Ainsworth.
Detours aren't a problem. 4 of them are right next to highway 20, there's a wide shoulder, and most drivers even move over more. Awesome drivers here! Detour on the east side of Long Pine can go either way. On the way to Valentine we usually go left on the gravel to avoid the sun in our and drivers eyes in the early eve, but it's usually both rough and soft(sandy soil). On the return we take the highway option and that's good. None of the detours have signs on the highway(apparently the DNR can't do that for liability reasons?) so you have to watch for the right gravel to turn on. The site can tell you the length of the detour.
Bring plenty of warm clothes. Last year we went in Oct. One morning was 28 degrees! Have a great ride! I always say that the Cowboy Trail is an adventure! Tailwinds!