Share ride from Northfork to Valentine

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Dave Hattis from Fort Collins, CO on 7/1/2026 8:40:37 PM:

I’m planning on parking in Valentine and riding east to Northfork. I anticipate arriving in Northfork around July 16 or 17th. I hope to cache my bike and gear in a safe location in Northfork ( recommendations welcome) catch a ride to Valentine, drive back to Northfork, retrieve my bike then head to Onawa, Iowa for the start of RAGBRAi.

The catch is the ride back to retrieve my vehicle. Any recommendations suggestions?

Chris from Helena,MT on 7/2/2026 9:15:15 AM:

Have you checked with North Fork Outfitters? They offer shuttle services to Valentine and could be a good option for leaving your bike.

Bullwinkle7 from Loveland,CO on 7/2/2026 2:38:45 PM:

There is a campground at the trailhead in Valentine, the camp host might be able to help you out about a safe place to leave your bike.

Dave Hattis from Fort Collins,CO on 7/3/2026 5:33:21 PM:

Thanks for the advice.

If anyone is coming out early for RAGBRAI and they are riding east to west on the cowboy trail, we could potentially coordinate vehicle retrieval.

Any thoughts on July riding conditions is appreciated. I anticipate hot and windy. I’m thinking early morning and evening riding if I can find shade for a long afternoon rest.

Will flathead’s be present?

Kurt Kinbacher from CHADRON, NE on 7/3/2026 9:37:38 PM:

There is a bike shop in downtown Norfolk (pronounced Northfork). They might be willing to store your bike. No harm in asking.

Chris Smith from Helena MT on 7/4/2026 8:29:51 AM:

Dave, riding early and late is a smart choice. Given the way towns are spaced along the trail about every ten miles, you shouldn’t have any problem finding places to hang out in the shade or indoors during the heat of the day. Most city parks have shelters and several have swimming pools so pack a suit if you want. If “flatheads” are the same thing as goatheads, we didn’t encounter any and only saw one plant that looked like it might be the species that produces them. Good luck!

Kurt Kinbacher from CHADRON, NE on 7/4/2026 12:13:07 PM:

Dave:
Yes, there are rattlers along the trail, but you hardly ever see one. All the towns along the way have good, shady spaces. On the trail itself, not much in the way of shade until you get to Neligh. Be sure to stop in at the Newport Poolhall. Happy riding.

Dave Hattis from Fort Collins,CO on 7/4/2026 6:10:40 PM:

Thanks for the advice.

I meant “goat” heads not flatheads, though screws on the trail are equally bad! I’m riding on 35 mm tires designed for both developed trail (crushed limestone, etc) and road. These are tubeless. Hopefully this set-up will be sufficient to avoid flats.

Is it permissible to camp anywhere along the trail?

Chris Smith from Helena MT on 7/4/2026 11:10:23 PM:

Dave, you cannot camp anywhere along the trail but almost every small town along the trail has a park or campground that’s easily accessible. Some are free, some cost $7 to $10. Some have showers. All are well worth it. If you read through other threads in this forum you’ll learn a lot. There are also several informative videos on YouTube you should check out.

You may find it challenging to ride 35 mm tires. There are several stretches of soft sandy ground so stay alert! My partner rode 700x50s. I was on 29x2.0s, which is the narrowest I’d ever consider for this trail.

Sandy from Loveland, CO on 7/5/2026 10:38:39 AM:

Dave, Riding on road tires on the Cowboy Trail is an interesting experience! Be ready at all times to hit soft sand pockets, they will test your skills to stay upright!

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