2026 Mammoth 450 - Day 8

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.

For an introduction to the 450 mile route and their planned itinerary, go to 2026 Mammoth 450 - The Plan.  For daily photo galleries, go to Day 1; Day 2; Day 3; Day 4; Day 5; Day 6; Day 7.

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By Paul Brasby

The Plan for 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 8 of the Mammoth 450 . . .  Potters to Potters.

An unloaded loop ride. Trail Angel of the day was Kyle from Gothenburg who rode with us all day. Thanks for joining in on the fun, Kyle. It was great riding with you again.

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Matt Gersib)

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Kyle Vincent)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Matt Gersib)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Paul Brasby)

2026 Mammoth 450 - Day 7

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.

For an introduction to the 450 mile route and their planned itinerary, go to 2026 Mammoth 450 - The Plan.  For daily photo galleries, go to Day 1; Day 2; Day 3; Day 4; Day 5; Day 6.

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By Paul Brasby

The Plan for 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 7 of the Mammoth 450 . . . Gothenburg to Potter's Pasture.

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Matt Gersib)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

2026 Mammoth 450 - Day 6

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.

For an introduction to the 450 mile route and their planned itinerary, go to 2026 Mammoth 450 - The Plan.  For daily photo galleries, go to Day 1; Day 2; Day 3; Day 4; Day 5.

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By Paul Brasby

The Plan for 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 6 of the Mammoth 450 . . .  Johnson Lake to Gothenburg.

Our Trail Angel on this day was Joe.

We're standing in front of the 100th Meridian Museum in Cozad when a guy in a pickup truck zoomed up, jumped out of his truck, and stuffed a hundred dollar bill in my hand. He said, "I hope this helps, keep doing what you're doing" and hopped back in his truck and took off. He was our Trail Angel that day. We called him Joe, the hundred dollar man. We ate like kings at Pizza Hut that night, thanks to Joe.

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Matt Gersib)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Matt Gersib)

(image by Matt Gersib)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Matt Gersib)

2026 Mammoth 450 - Day 5

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.

For an introduction to the 450 mile route and their planned itinerary, go to 2026 Mammoth 450 - The Plan.  For daily photo galleries, go to Day 1; Day 2; Day 3; Day 4.

_____________________________________________________________________

By Paul Brasby

The Plan for 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 5 of the Mammoth 450. Eustis to Johnson Lake.

Our Trail Angel on this day was Mike, our camp host. He looked a lot like Uncle Jesse from the TV show Dukes of Hazard. Him and his dog drove slowly around the campground and at one point swung in to say hi. We talked about his days of him playing Santa Claus in his home town of Curtis and a little girl that got lost at the campground and was so excited that Santa Claus helped her find her parents. Later on, we needed dry fire wood to start a fire and I asked him if he had any. He said no, all his wood was wet, too. A few minutes later, he shows up with a bundle of fire wood in his side by side. Said he dug around in the back of the pile and found a dry bundle. We had an enjoyable night around a hot fire! Thanks, Mike.

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Matt Gersib)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Jeff Bloom)

(image by Paul Brasby)

(image by Jeff Bloom)