Eastern Nebraska – A great place to ride!
Nebraska! ???
I can't count the number of times that people have replied in astonishment when I tell them that I used to live in Nebraska and that in my opinion, on a per capita basis the cycling comes close to many Western cities in America.
And many people aren't aware of this fact but there are a lot of great cycling opportunities in Eastern Nebraska. For instance, in the greater Omaha area there are over 60 miles of bike lane and more than 180 miles of off road bicycle trails (almost all are paved,) and this number grows yearly. And with only a few exceptions the surface streets are very ridable, there is a large cycling population in Omaha so people are fairly used to sharing the road with an occasional cyclist.
But lets face it, the word cycling generally doesn't come to mind when people hear the name Omaha or Nebraska (Omaha Beef, The Corn Huskers, Ameritrade and Con Agra spring to mind) but that’s probably because they have never visited this oasis in the middle of an otherwise lightly populated farming and grassy plains region. It truly is a hidden gem, the people are friendly, the steaks are delicious ("The Drover" is my favorite steak house bar none, try the Whiskey Filet! many others seem to prefer the "Omaha Prime") and the Omaha cycling community is alive and well and growing constantly.
First however, be ready for the wind, they don't have the mountains or forests of the western U.S. but they make up for this shortcoming in wind. Most riding in the area is over flat to gently rolling terrain with an occasional monster hill thrown in for good measure but the wind is a constant companion.
Summer winds along city trails average about 10mph and are predominantly from the south (varying from southwest to southeast quite regularly.)
Note: I’m providing this information based on several years of personal record keeping, local weather information may contradict this data but you can trust my numbers, weather stations aren’t generally out in the open as are the trails. When riding on the rail trails mentioned below you will be sheltered from the wind much of the time, but not all.
Rail Trail Paradise
The area also has several notable Rail Trails, I'll mention a few of the more popular ones here:
Wabash Trace (length: 62 miles)
Across the river (approximately 5 miles SE from downtown Omaha) to the south east lies the northern trail head of the Wabash Trace rail trail. A 62 mile long scenic stretch running from Council Bluffs, IA south to Coin, IA. There are several old railroad bridges and quaint parks (perfect for an afternoon picnic) along the trail and small towns about every 10 or so miles, many of which offer food and beverages.
Be sure to stop in Malvern (about 22 miles from the Council Bluffs trail head) to relax in the shade of the quaint gazebo in the town park (adjacent to the trail.) If you’re hungry or just want a tasty ice cream treat, Pats (directly across the street from the park) is a favorite stop among local trail riders. Don’t forget to fill up on great tasting, ice cold water which is available from the hand spigot in the park.
In the summer the northern most section of trail is home to the Thursday night Taco Ride, anyone who shows up at the Council Bluffs trail head (normally between 5:00pm and 6:00pm) can ride with the group to the town tavern (they call it a steak house) in Mineola, IA (the Tavern is about 2 blocks west of the trail head.) The feel of this ride sometimes approaches that of a mini RAGBRAI, it may not be suitable as a family ride but couples and singles will have a ball.
Steamboat Trace (Length: 21 miles)
A scenic river valley trail located approximately 45 miles south of Omaha, the surface is made of hardened limestone screenings and is mostly flat, in some areas the riding will be through open wetlands or prairies and in other parts the trail hugs very scenic river bluffs. Middle sections of the trail can be rather rough and even dangerous at times due to washouts from flooding, check before you ride to make sure the trail is passable in the sections you plan to visit. When the trail is in good shape this is a very scenic and pleasant ride!
MoPac Trail (Length: 25 Miles)
Yet another gem of a rail trail within an hours drive of Omaha, running from Lincoln, NE to Wabash, NE the 25-mile crushed limestone trail passes through areas featuring a blend of prairie, woodland and agricultural scenery along a former Missouri Pacific Railroad corridor.
Cowboy Trail (Length: 161 miles currently complete, 321 miles when finished)
Located about 100 miles Northwest of Omaha, the Cowboy Trail will be the longest Rail Trail in the United States when it's finished and will stretch 321 miles across Nebraska. The trail will pass over 221 bridges and through 29 communities spaced 10 to 15 miles apart. Currently over 161 miles of trail are now open, including a continuous 143-mile stretch from Norfolk to Ainsworth. An additional 30 miles will be added connecting Valentine to Norfolk in 2007.
High points along the trail include its numerous long bridges offering spectacular views. East of Valentine you will find a quarter mile long, 148’ tall former railroad bridge that spans the Niobrara River. At Long Pine a bridge 595 feet long and 145 feet high spans Long Pine Creek.
Local Bike Shops:
The Bike Rack - 2 Locations, 1 in NW Omaha and Blues Bike Rack in Lincoln
This is a full service bike shop and the largest in Omaha, they carry all of the big brands. I have personally bought several bikes from these guys and they have been great to deal with. Their site has a lot of useful local information as well. (This bike shop is ideal for family, recreational, racing and touring cyclists)
Olympia Cycles - 2 Locations, 1 in Millard and one in North Omaha - 402-554-1940
These guys are the old timers in town and the place where serious touring cyclists and Bianchi fanatics go. Ed is a great guy, when all seems lost he can usually help you out.
(This bike shop is ideal for old schoolers, touring cyclists and Bianchi fanatics.)
High Gear - Located in LaVista, they are a relatively new shop and the only full service shop serving the south and southwest suburbs of Omaha (and the best trails are in this area in my opinion) Visit their online blog for specials and local information. These guys sell camping and backpacking gear as well and are great guys. (This shop is ideal for Mountain Bikers and the racing crowd.)
All of the above shops can more than satisfy your needs but I included demographic info as an aide to those new to the area.
So if you're looking for a relaxing and laid back place to ride, or just something a little different, you can't go wrong visiting this region. After your ride visit the Old Market in downtown Omaha for great food, cold lubrication and lively entertainment.
Enjoy the ride!
Gary
www.rollingroads.com
December 9th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Nebraska is indeed a great state! I’ve never lived there, but my mother’s family moved from Plainview to Colorado in the 1930s, and they never lost their loyalty to Nebraska. In my trips back to Plainview, where my mother wanted to be buried, I’ve found the state scenic, appealing, and friendly. I’ve been thinking of a bike tour across the state to Plainview, perhaps finishing in Omaha. What you wrote about the Cowboy Trail sounds appealing. I’d appreciate any route or other information that might help me.
Bob Julyan