Last month, I wrote about a new backcountry bikepacking route in and around the Loess Canyons of Nebraska created by local legend Paul Brasby. See, Paul Brasby's Mammoth 450. At that time, Paul was out there with a group of friends taking on everything wrought by that route and the elements.
Now, Paul has offered to share that experience here, starting with an introduction to the 450 mile route and his planned itinerary for their 9 day adventure. Not surprisingly, his itinerary became fluid, as a series of severe thunderstorms hammered the prairie. Also not surprisingly, his images are stunning.
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Riders out there on the inaugural Mammoth 450.
(image by Paul Brasby) |
By Paul Brasby
Welcome to the Mammoth 450 Loess Canyons Gravel Adventure. This is a "greatest hits" loop of the best gravel/dirt roads in the Loess Canyons in south central Nebraska. Many of the roads that you'll traverse were visited by early gravel adventurers in races like Odin's Revenge, Buffalo Bill Rough Rider, and Potter's Race Day events.
The Loess Canyons are a unique landscape of tree-covered canyons mixed with long and short grass species in the valleys and high ridge lines. It's a rugged region due to its silty soil that can erode quickly under pressure from the changing weather. This is cattle country, but the area is also renowned for its rolling hills of rich, dark green grass in early summer and its rusty red colors in the fall.
This route also takes you past Archie's dig site on Day 2. This is the site where the world's largest mammoth was discovered. Today, Archie is on display at the University of Nebraska State Museum at Morrill Hall in Lincoln.
Riders also pass through many rural towns with re-supply and camping opportunities. There are plenty of state and local lakes to camp at as well, including an opportunity to stay at Potter's Pasture MTB Recreational Area. Check out
Potter's Pasture FaceBook Page.
Typically, the best time to ride this route is in late May, June, September, and the first two weeks of October. Additionally, a tubeless tire setup and plenty of sealant are highly recommended.
Our inaugural ride consisted of four riders, Matt Gersib, Jeff Bloom, Paulette Kirby, and me. This was our planned itinerary, presented as one model on how to ride it. That said, you do you! There is no "right" or "wrong" way to ride it. Some cyclists are faster or slower relative to our average speed and daily distance. This just gives you a baseline in terms of what's possible.
On a cloudy Sunday afternoon in late June, we met up at Pal's Brewery in North Platte. We'd planned for two and a half days of food before re-supply in Curtis at the midpoint of Day 3.
Day 1 (58 miles - Pal's Brewery to Wellfleet Lake)
Get those legs ready to climb on Day 1! Expect steep climbs, a watershed divide crossing, beautiful canyon roads and canals. Along the way, we'll ride by the Castle House with exotic animals. Water is available on route - see map for locations. Campground amenities, including water and pit toilets, are available at Wellfleet Lake, although there are no electrical outlets. No other re-supply opportunities are available on Day 1, so plan accordingly. Camping is free, but there is a donation box on site.
Day 2 (47 miles - Wellfleet Lake to Maywood City Park)
A very scenic climb out of Wellfleet. Don't forget to look behind you. You'll ride by Archie's dig site, enjoy some two track and winding canyon roads. Water is available on route - see map for locations. There are no other re-supply opportunities on Day 2 until you arrive in Maywood. Camping is available at Maywood City Park, including water, power, and bathrooms. Most amenities are available in town - see map for details. FYI - the grocery store in Maywood is unreliable and all they have is snack food and pop. Plan to re-supply in Curtis for the next two days of riding until the end of Day 4. Camping fee is $10/tent.
Day 3 (65 miles - Maywood to Harry Strunk Lake, Shady Bay Campground)
Hills and Amish country in the morning and farm land in the afternoon. Water is available on route at Curtis and Stockville - see map for locations. Campground amenities available (power and shower house nearby). Re-supply opportunities at Curtis C-store and grocery store. Camping fee is $15 for 2 tents.
Day 4 (52 miles - Harry Strunk Lake to Eustis)
Rolling through prairie canyons and the challenging Farnam Hills. Water on route is very limited, aside from the C-store one mile off route in Farnam. If the C-store is closed, water can be found behind the store at the Library, near the front step - see map for locations. Camping is available at Eustis City Park. Enjoy a cold beer at the Darn Small Bar and be sure to stop by the Eustis Pool Hall for a meal. Full amenities available. Camping is free.
Day 5 (42 miles - Eustis to Johnson Lake Campground)
Great vista views and a bike path that follows the lake. No water or other re-supply opportunities are available until you arrive at Johnson Lake. Chill out at the lake or enjoy a burger and beer at Big Johnson's Brewery across the street. A well-stocked C-store is available nearby, as well. Campground amenities available, including power and shower house nearby. Camping fee is $5/tent or $15/night.
Day 6 (40 miles - Johnson Lake to Gothenburg, Blue Heron Campground)
Riders will start out crossing the dam, including a few miles on the bike path, before playing peek-a-boo with the canal system before dropping down into Cozad for lunch. Afterwards, you'll work your way to Willow Island Road and enjoy several miles riding under the shade of cottonwood trees. Water is available at Cozad - see map for locations. Blake's Fast Fuel C-strore is next door. The campground includes amenities including power at the campsite, with a shower house and laundry room nearby. Full amenities available in both Cozad and Gothenburg. Before leaving Gothenburg, plan for 3 days of food before arriving back at North Platte. Camping fee is $10/tent.
Day 7 (58 miles - Gothenburg to Potter's Pasture Recreational Area, New Camp)
A good day of canyon riding with big vista views, two watershed crossings, canal roads, and a stop at the Depot Winery for gourmet pizza and drinks for a late lunch or early dinner. Afterwards, you'll ride 10 or so miles to Potter's Pasture for the night. Water is available on route at Farnham C-store, or City Park, or Depot Winery - see map for locations. Campground amenities available, including power and outhouses. Polar bear showers from a garden hose are also available. Camping fee is $10/tent.
Day 8 (43 miles - unloaded day loop from Potter's Pasture)
Leave your gear behind and ride light! A challenging, but beautiful loop awaits. With three watershed crossings, a trestle bridge sighting, the challenging Grunden Hills, and Government Pocket Road. Water is limited on route, so plan for it! There's a horse tank with clean water out of a pipe - see map for locations. No re-supply opportunities on route, but a few farm houses is running low on water. Camping fee is $10/tent.
Day 9 (45 miles - Potter's Pasture to North Platte, Pal's Brewery)
A few miles of gravel, then a paved road will take you to Jeffery Reservoir for a beautiful lake view. Afterwards, you'll drop down to the Platte River Valley and head for North Platte. No water or re-supply opportunities available until Maxwell, one mile off route at a C-store - see map for locations. Once in North Platte, follow the bike path through town to Pal's Brewery to finish out your ride! Showers are available at the North Platte Rec Center, located at 1300 McDonald Road, 2.5 miles form Pal's Brewery. Shower fee is $1.
Total - 451.1 miles, with 18,062 feet of elevation gain
Click the icons on the map for more specific information. The red sections on the route indicate the location of the Minimum Maintenance Roads (MMR). Be advised that MMRs get muddy when wet!
That pretty much sums it up! If you're interested and have any questions, please contact me.
Have a great adventure!
