The day begins next to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office on E State Farm Rd, just south of North Platte.

The stage concludes at Johnson Lake State Recreation Area.

North? South? Who needs those divisions. The Platte River unites today, but the mile-wide, inch-deep waterway will remain a constant presence as we move across the country--as it was for so many pioneers headed in the opposite direction. 

OK, maybe the north/south distinction matters. While the Oregon Trail generally followed the south side of the Platte, as we do, most of the urban development occurred on the northside. The towns of North Platte, Maxwell, Brady, Vroman, Gothenburg, Cozad, and Lexington are strung like gems regularly along the historic Lincoln Highway. All of that civilization means cars, exhaust, and pavement; on the south side, we'll enjoy a mix of canal tracks and quiet backroads, and a few noteworthy sites, like Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Chester Island wildlife area, and Gallagher Canyon. The stage concludes by looping around Johnson Lake. Grab a pizza at the nearby minimart and then find a picnic bench lakeside to celebrate the completion of this long ride.

Support: A support vehicle will be available for assistance throughout the day. 

Take Heed: TBD