Cowboy Trail West & The Best – Are We There Yet?
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To avoid having to ride in both directions, we figured out an inefficient, but more acceptable riding solution. David heads out on the Rushville end of the trail.
With about 9 miles left to ride on the Cowboy Trail West to complete the Nebraska portion of the GART (Great American Rail-Trail), we rose early to take advantage of the cool of the day. To avoid having to ride in both directions, we figured out an inefficient, but more acceptable riding solution. I rode the first six miles and David met me at a designated point with the Kia, where I jumped in the car and David took off on his bike to ride the remaining three miles to the point at which we'd stopped yesterday and I met him. I rode the three miles back from that point to the six-mile mark where David met me once more and rode his final distance to complete the route. The Nebraska GART is complete.
The end is in sight!
**See note below
Trail Miles: 9 Actual Miles: 10
Total Cowboy Trail Miles: 204.5 Total Actual Cycled Miles: 222.5
Now what? We're about to become tourists in Nebraska, determined to see what we can see. In the meantime, however, we wanted to share the highlights (and lowlights) of riding the Cowboy Trail.
The Best of the Cowboy Trail
Meeting people on the trail #1
Without a doubt, the very best part of riding the trail was meeting people, both locals and other cyclists, along the route. The local folks were open, trusting, friendly and sincere. We'd like to think that this is representative of our countrymen. Other cyclists were helpful, sharing and in the case of Ben and Christine, fun to meet and spend time with. We plan to see them again.
The last five miles of the trail into Valentine was a dream ride. A slight downward grade, a light, cool breeze on our faces, a smooth path, endless views, crossing the Niobara River via Nebraska's highest bridge, the sheer exuberance of speed as we raced to the 'finish line'. (Let's not count the flat tire at the end... spoils the image.)
Riding through small, rural Nebraska towns was such a pleasure. Each town had something unique to offer... something to be proud of... something to celebrate and we tried to discover it as we passed through. This is the heartland America... emphasis on 'heart'.
The tiny Newport Pool Hall
4. The tiny Newport Pool Hall was an oasis in the middle of nowhere. It operated totally on the honor system. What a refreshing change from gated communities, locked doors, barred windows and home security systems.
5. Town parks were wonderful. No matter how small the town, townspeople have set aside and maintained this public land for all to enjoy. These parks afforded us campsite hospitality and the opportunity to challenge ourselves to determine if we could indeed bike-pack and camp out en route. The answer is yes.
6. The satisfaction of completing something we set out to do. This was our first long bike ride and we plan to do more.
The lowlights??
Headwinds, heat, steady grades for miles on end, rough sections of trails, goatheads, flat tires... these were the tough parts. It's the tough parts, however, which made us appreciate the highlights all the more.
**A note...
Though we were elated to have completed the Nebraska portion of the GART, we found out subsequently that our GART map on the Trail Link app was out of date. Completion of GART trails is a fluid thing and subject to frequent changes. When sections are completed and opened, they're not always updated in the map immediately. We found out after leaving Nebraska that there's still ~100 miles to ride in the eastern part of the state. Hmmm... seems we'll need to return to Nebraska at some point... just not now.
Next time… let’s get touristy! Carhenge on the horizon.