Trail musings

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Crow from Lincoln, Ne on 11/21/2012 11:35:21 AM:

I am wondering if the less than stellar conditions on the Cowboy Trail are accidental or a plan to eventually discontinue this trail? I know the ranchers and farmers in the area use the trail as a farm road for animals and equipment and would probably cheer if the trail was abandoned. If people like me don't ride the trail because of the poor condition of the trail, does that give everyone involved reasons to stop funds for the trail? It seems a mystery to me that those responsible for this trail don't see the economic advantages to surrounding communities. Just look at the success of the Katy, the Mickelson and the Wabash Trace trails. Just wondering. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Anonymous on 12/11/2012 7:15:23 PM:

What sections are really bad? I was thinking about trying to ride the whole trail as an out and back this summer starting in Norfolk.

Crow on 12/16/2012 2:37:41 PM:

Hi Anonymous, Perhaps the question might be what trail sections are good? As you can read, others attempting to ride this trail usually end up riding the roads instead of the trail. The trail is paved from Norfolk for a few miles and that is nice but other than that it is not too good. I haven't been back to the trail since the Spring 2012, so maybe there have been improvements. I had a goal of cycling the entire trail but now will focus on the other Rails to Trails. Good luck and let others know of your experiences on the trail next summer.

DD from Colorado on 1/15/2013 10:32:30 PM:

Same. I was planning to do the trail end-to-end last summer, but it doesn't seem that the trail has the support. I'm not looking for a paved trail, but do not want to trip where I'm not wanted. Did the GAP-C&O Canal ride - what an experience! And the people I met were great. Looking at the Erie Canal trail this year. Everyone, there are many other trails to go on.

Russ from Indiana on 1/17/2013 11:09:26 PM:

It is a good trail but I rode on and off US 20 and Us 275 for better speed. The state was working on the trail near O'Neill with that red gravel. It is flat but you better have kevlar tires. I had Bontrager Hard Case tires on my bike but got a flat on my Burley Bugger from the Texas Sandburr--even with kevlar tires on it. There's good people there and good camping. You might want to ride a short distance

Dave Kohrell from Lincoln on 3/3/2013 1:23:30 PM:

Working on blog article while my son wraps up a slide deck from our June 2012 adventure. A group of 14, 11 on bike completed the whole trail in June for Boyscout Troop 7.
The trail was very rough from Valentine to Ainsworth - we changed about 12 flats that day - many on the same bikes. There were only 2 bikes that made it w/out a flat over our 4 and 1/2 days.
The communities and ranchers were very accomodating. We camped over night at Ainsworth, Atkinson, Ewing and Battle Creek. It was an outstanding experience. In our group were five boys ages 11-12 - they held up well. A couple got some sag wagon support on Day 2-4.
My son and I are planning a repeat next summer - this time w/ Kevlar, Double Tubed, Guard tires. While choppy, Valentine to Ainsworth can be done. Plus you won't need chiropractic care for awhile! ;-)

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