NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/498175
that, you try to find a ditch and hope that no one sees your bum. In one section, there was no ditch, so we had to tinkle behind a historical marker. There was no wind and the Sandhills was exceptionally stunning that morning. The damp smell of spring was in the air, birds chirped all around us, and the green land gently rolled ahead as far as we could see. I love the Sandhills for its quietness, a silence that is so different from anywhere else. Some miles past Wood Lake, Jamie and I encountered large writing etched into the trail's surface that said, "Hi Jamie + Jenny + Friends!" Although mysterious, it was a welcomed message that lifted our spirits and told us that we were getting close. It wasn't until later that we found out it was Kelly Corman and his wife Jen from the Bassett office who wrote the words. When we finally reached the bridge over Valentine, Jim, Carine, Bob and our rides home were there waiting for us. After photos, hugs, high-fives and soaking in the views over the vast Niobrara River Valley, it became apparent that our unbelievable 195- mile journey together was coming to an end. I looked forward to sleeping in my own bed. I looked forward to not having to ride another 30 miles on an uncomfortable bicycle seat. I looked forward to being able to shower every day again. But I did not look forward to parting with my new friends, who were the best Cowboy Trail companions a person could ever hope for. Riding in the car back to Norfolk and watching the miles and miles of trail from a moving vehicle – so effortlessly – and replaying what happened there was like an out-of- body experience, which was most bittersweet. Almost a year later, I still don't miss the bike, but the memories of laughter, learning and camaraderie still tug at my heart strings. I miss the exceptional kindness that we met, from all the people who fed us and filled our water bottles, who shared their history with us, and welcomed us into their lives, if only for a brief moment by the trail – a true testament of Nebraska "Nice." I deeply cherish this journey, for it provided a rare opportunity for strangers to know one another in a most meaningful and dearest way. ■ Additionally, the author would like to thank Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Northeast District staff for their humor and support on this bicycle trip. 28 NEBRASKAland • MAY 2015 Stava, Kropatsch, Trautwein and Bachmann enjoy the view of the Niobrara River Valley at the end of the Cowboy Trail in Valentine.