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Which way is best direction to travel
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Dennis Chisholm from Pylesville, Maryland on 11/20/2025 11:14:49 AM:
Which direction is best to travel, Norfolk to Valentine or Valentine to Norfolk. Is there a grade or wind direction?
 
Paula DeWald from Fort Wayne Indiana on 11/20/2025 5:17:51 PM:
We haven’t ridden the trail yet but plan to do so next September after a wedding in Omaha Nebraska at the end of August 2026. From all I have researched it’s great and exciting and adventurous either way but easier riding West to East. Some riders like the
East to West and some riders locally ride it each way. The big thing I get from whatever you do it will be an adventure. True bikers love it and don’t find it boring. Meeting the local people seems to be a great aspect of riding this wonderful flat windy trail.
 
Kurt Kinbacher from Chadron on 11/21/2025 9:24:06 AM:
You lose about 2000 feet of elevation riding west to east. The wind direction varies but west winds are a bit more common. I've ridden both ways, and like them both. First time ride, start in Valentine. Or start in Norfolk and ride out and back.
 
Cody Dillon from Bassett on 11/21/2025 9:34:10 AM:
As to your question about which direction. Most riders travel from west to east because of our prevailing westerly winds. This way the wind will be at your back. I believe that there is only a 3% grade in the 187 mile trip from Valentine to Norfolk. Most towns or villages are located 10-20 miles apart and have small parks that you can use as rest stops along the way. Hope to see you out on the Trail. Enjoy !
216.73.216.153
 
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