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.

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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)

2026 Mammoth 450 - Day 4

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.

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By Paul Brasby

The Plan for 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 4 of the Mammoth 450. Medicine Creek Reservoir to Eustis

We had an early morning thunderstorm roll in while we were sleeping. Before long we were hanging onto our tents trying not to blow away from 60-70 mph winds! We all survived and so did our tents.

When we arrived in Eustis later in the day, we encountered not one, but two Trail Angels. The first was Adie, our waitress at the Pool Hall Bar and Grill. She was a hoot, made us feel right at home. She cracked jokes, told us the history of the place, and gave us recommendations on what to eat! The food was so good! Thank you so much for your hospitality and kindness you showed to us.

Our second Trail Angel was Jeff's niece Autumn. It was raining and we needed to run some errands around town. Someone in our group asked if Eustis has an Uber service. We laughed and said NO! Within 20 minutes, Autumn pulls up. Come to find out, she saw Jeff's FB post about his days ride to Eustis and called him. Jeff totally forgot that she lived in town. She hopped in her truck and drove down to see him at the city park. Then drove us all over and gave us a guided tour of her town. Who says there's no Uber service in Eustis? LOL. Thank you ladies for brightening up our day!

Paulette, Jeff, and Matt stream into the countryside for Day 4.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Have you seen my Gummi Worms?
(image by Jeff Bloom)

Talcum roads cut into the hillside.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Re-fueling at the Eustis Bar.
(image by Matt Gersib)

Premium fuel vanishes at the Eustis Bar.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Matt adds his mark to the brick wall in the Eustis Bar.
(image by Matt Gersib)

It's right here!
(image by Paul Brasby)

Now, that's a dessert.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Don't wave that too close to a hungry bikepacker.
(image by Matt Gersib)

Sheltered campsite in Eustis.
(image by Paul Brasby)

No rain or mud on this tent tonight.
(image by Jeff Bloom)

Eustis City Park shelter.
(image by Matt Gersib)

2026 Mammoth 450 - Day 3

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.

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By Paul Brasby

The Plan for 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.

Paul wrote, " Day 3 of the Mammoth 450 . . . Maywood to Medicine Creek Reservoir."

Addendum. I think the crew was working Paul pretty hard. His daily FaceBook reports are much longer when he rides with me. 😎

Jeff and Paul hit the road on Day 3.
(image by Matt Gersib)

Paulette and Matt enjoy the sunny skies on Day 3.
(image by Matt Gersib)

Jeff and Paul stop pedaling long enough for a picture.
(image by Matt Gersib)

Big rollers through big cattle country.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Re-supply in Curtis.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Matt stretches while Paulette packs up.
(image by Matt)

Paulette rolls along.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Memorial to a country church.
(image by Paul Brasby)

America the Beautiful.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Classic country homestead.
(image by Paul Brasby)

This one may need the artist's explanation.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Ridgeline views.
(image by Paul Brasby)

2026 Mammoth 450 - Day 2

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.

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By Paul Brasby

The Plan for 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.

We were trapped in our tents for hours this morning from severe thunderstorms. Matt had a stream running under his tent at one point. Finally crawled out of our tents at 1 pm. Due to the weather, we had to call an audible and take Highway 83 to Maywood. We had a great 10 mile ride. LOL.

Matt's tent footprint shows the amount of sand built up beside his tent.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Clean-up on campsite 4 before riding anything on Day 2.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Paul and Matt set the pace on Highway 83.
(image by Jeff Bloom)

Matt breaks out a wet tent at Maywood City Park.
(image by Jeff Bloom)

Drying out in Maywood at the end of Day 2.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Maywood City Park.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Rush hour in Maywood, Nebraska.
(image by Paul Brasby)

2026 Mammoth 450 - Day 1

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. 

Now, they have offered to share their experience. Here's a collection of their images from Day 1.

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First, let's show a picture of these intrepid bikepackers blazing the trail on the inaugural Mammoth 450.

Matt Gersib, Jeff Bloom, Paul Brasby, Paulette Kirby (L-R).
(image by Paulette Kirby)

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By Paul Brasby

The Plan for 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.

Paul wrote, "We had a great day riding in the hills. Looking forward to the rest of the week."

In the words of Jeff, "My day to suffer and the Epic flood of Wellfleet" and "He's trying to kill me," referring to Paul.

Very few structures along the way, and many of those look a bit weathered.
(image by Paul Brasby)

On Day 1, Jeff and Paul head into the hills, and toward foreboding skies.
(image by Matt Gersib)

Paul powers up Hansen Hill.
(image by Jeff Bloom)

Break from the heat on Day 1.
(image by Matt Gersib)

There has to be shade someplace around here.
(image by Matt Gersib)

Rolling, rolling, rolling.
(image by Jeff Bloom)

Welcome to Wellfleet Lake. End of Day 1.
(image by Matt Gersib)

Matt and Jeff enjoy the calm before the storm.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Wellfleet Lake view from the campsite.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Their campsite is suddenly creekside.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Water and sand streaming through camp.
(image by Jeff Bloom)

View from inside Matt's tent.
(image by Matt Gersib)