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)

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.

_____________________________________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________________________________

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)