opedaler from NE Ne on 9/13/2025 7:22:04 PM:
I can't say as we've been limited to the eastern half of the trail this year. I will say my wife and I bumped into a couple of riders in Battle Creek that had started in Valentine and felt the trail was in good condition except for a couple spots of rather deep gravel. One was near Tilden that I mentioned above, and one was near Valentine. They did say no flats, but both had tubeless setups.
Unfortunately, a couple of our favorite spots are out of commission. One between Oakdale and Neligh (waiting for a bridge replacement) the other between Neligh and Clearwater (which most likely will never be reopened as the river has reclaimed this area).
I feel the need to give my opinion on riding this trail. Many trails have stunning landscape which one always finds enjoyable. IMO this trail is about the ride. You sort of get the feeling you are crossing the plains much like fur traders, wagon trains and cattle drives once did.....especially in the western part of the trail. I feel you need to really enjoy being on a bike to enjoy this ride, which I do. Not everyone does. Imo the scenery is beautiful in its own way. We have done many trails (Katy trail, Mickelson trail, Erie Canal, Great Allegany Passage/ C&O, paved trails in Florida, Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, Centennial in Washington State and probably some that I'm forgetting) Personally I feel I enjoy all of them for different reasons. The Cowboy trail is no different in that aspect, but it is certainly different in the type of trail it is. Anyone thinking of riding this trail might want to look at some pictures of the sandhills before striking out. I personally know of one lady who has ridden the trail many, many times and says she always feels invigorated after riding it. Best 100 miles? I guess it depends on what you like, but you should do the whole thing at least once.