US 83 -VFW Memorial Highway
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From: Illinois
US 83 -VFW Memorial Highway
Just returned home today after riding Nebraska's section of US 83. On the south side of I-80 at North Platte, Nebraska is a small park with a VFW memorial. When the route was put in it was named the VFW Memorial Highway.
I had done the N.D. and S.D. sections a couple of years back. This year I did the Nebraska section.
I went north from I-80 to US 20. A very worthwhile bike ride. It goes through the Sand Hills Dunes and through the Valentine Wild Life Refuge with a couple of scenic over looks. Also many roads into it with signs posted at the entrance as to the type animals and things that might be seen there.
At Valentine as you reach US-20 there is a scenic overlook to the historic Bryan Bridge. The balance of US-20 of the 70 miles from Valentine to rte 61 has five tiny towns. Merriman at the junction of 20 and 61 was big enough to have one gas station and two bars (got to have your priorities right). I topped off as 61 is a very lonely road back down though the Sand Hills Dune area.
Going west on 20 to state route 61 I noticed that many travelers had kayaks to use in the refuge lakes and the Merritt Reservoir in the Samuel R Mckelvie Nat. Forrest near Valentine.
61 is an old narrow twisting road back south to I-80 near Ogallala and Lake McConaughy. I think the lake was formed in the 30's with a Dam erected by WPA. The view of it on both sides is spectacular. Deep blue cold water. The road runs across the dam and is somewhat scary. It is narrow and about 200 feet high. It does not inspire confidence that it can hold back the massive amount of water. All was okay it didn't collapse and carry me away on the Freewheeler.
Reached I-80 and headed back home. Beautiful weather for the three day adventure. Another notch in my goal to ride many of the side roads in each state before I go. At 75+ I have many more roads to see yet.
I had done the N.D. and S.D. sections a couple of years back. This year I did the Nebraska section.
I went north from I-80 to US 20. A very worthwhile bike ride. It goes through the Sand Hills Dunes and through the Valentine Wild Life Refuge with a couple of scenic over looks. Also many roads into it with signs posted at the entrance as to the type animals and things that might be seen there.
At Valentine as you reach US-20 there is a scenic overlook to the historic Bryan Bridge. The balance of US-20 of the 70 miles from Valentine to rte 61 has five tiny towns. Merriman at the junction of 20 and 61 was big enough to have one gas station and two bars (got to have your priorities right). I topped off as 61 is a very lonely road back down though the Sand Hills Dune area.
Going west on 20 to state route 61 I noticed that many travelers had kayaks to use in the refuge lakes and the Merritt Reservoir in the Samuel R Mckelvie Nat. Forrest near Valentine.
61 is an old narrow twisting road back south to I-80 near Ogallala and Lake McConaughy. I think the lake was formed in the 30's with a Dam erected by WPA. The view of it on both sides is spectacular. Deep blue cold water. The road runs across the dam and is somewhat scary. It is narrow and about 200 feet high. It does not inspire confidence that it can hold back the massive amount of water. All was okay it didn't collapse and carry me away on the Freewheeler.
Reached I-80 and headed back home. Beautiful weather for the three day adventure. Another notch in my goal to ride many of the side roads in each state before I go. At 75+ I have many more roads to see yet.
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 25
From: Central Nebraska
SandHills and Flatlander riding
Was very happy to read IH 4X4's Nebraska ride. I travel the empty Nebraska highways frequently. They are not curvy mountain rides like I most enjoy but, the freedom of the open road in Nebraska can not be beat. If you know what to look for in Ranching Country you can find some great riding. There are two paved county roads between Hwy 83 and Hwy 91 cutting through the Valentine Nat. Wildlife Refuge. Great rides especially in spring. Only downside to getting more people riding in Nebraska is the helmet law that stops many from coming through the state. The small towns are welcoming and the beer is cold with great Steak. Thanks again.
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