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Planning for July '26


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Dale Schrimshaw from Broken Arrow, OK on 3/10/2026 1:36:20 PM:
Looking at a ride around mid July. I'm pushing 88 and ride an e-trike. I do not camp. Ideally I'd like to arrange a shuttle West to East or East to West. Best I gather from the forum that is not an option. That said, I'm thinking hotels in Valentine, Ainsworth, Stuart, Ewing, and Norfolk. I'm thinking out and back rides of 30 to 60 miles round trip from those locations. Drive to next hotel location and do another out and back set.
Comments or suggestions would be appreciated. You could text me at 9186256715 or email schrdal@gmail.com

 
DougT from Castana, Ia on 3/10/2026 9:07:58 PM:
Sounds like a workable plan. From Valentine to Wood Lake there are no services available. Arabia is just a sign along the trail, so plan accordingly. You'll probably be going to Wood Lake for the turn around point, and there's a nice little park right along the trail with RR and elect to charge your bike. Also a cafe along the highway that I think is usually open. The only service in Johnston is the EL Bow (or something like that)Bar. Nice bar, nice people, and they serve food. There is a park along the highway in Bassett with water, I'm not sure about elect, but there are lots of services in town. The only spot in Newport is a little pool hall. No one there but it's always open and water there and snacks on the honor system. After that you're in good shape going east. What's your range on an e-trike? I'd guess 30 miles or so? I applaud your spirit of adventure to do this at 88 man! What kind of speed are you hoping to average? It's a great trail but you probably won't see many people on it. Tailwinds, brother!

 
Dave from Sacramento on 3/11/2026 1:13:04 AM:
Plan for extreme heat and absolutely no shade, too!

 
Dale Schrimshaw from Broken Arrow, OK on 3/11/2026 8:18:20 AM:
Thanks to DougT and Dave for info, comments, and suggestions. Doug asked about range and speed. I carry two batteries. Depending on trail conditions, wind, and elevation change I can do 60 to 90 miles between recharges. As for speed, probably a 10 to 12 mph average. Trail conditions influence speed. Still working on layovers and turn arounds.

 
Kurt Kinbacher from Chadron, NE on 3/11/2026 11:52:05 AM:
As far as lodging, many choices in Valetine. The Comfort Inn is right at the Trailhead. In Ainsworth, I recommend Rodeway Inn. Stuart, I think there is only one choice. Many good options in Northfolk. Happy Trails.

 
Alex from Lincoln on 3/18/2026 8:54:53 AM:
Great to hear you're interested in coming out to ride the trail. Class 1,2, and 3 E-Bikes ARE permitted on the trail! Your plan sounds good but if you are not aware there is a vendor that offers a supported ride experience called Bubba's Pampered Pedals. They go in early June this year I believe. Just wanted to offer that as an option. https://www.bubbaspamperedpedalers.com/cowboy-trail-nebraska/

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