34 west..and then there's Omaha

[Boondox]

Primitive camp sounds good. Can't find Steer Creek though, even zooming all the way in on Google Maps. I'm assuming if I turn just past the Merritt Reservoir and take 16F, somewhere between the north shore of the lake and where it connects to NE20 I'll find the campground..?

Tmaximusv -- Your 92 to Dunning Rd back to 2 route has been marked on the map. Barley loves meeting new people, but we'd be a bit late for breakfast. I'll be starting in Red Oak IA that morning, so would probably pass thru your neck of the woods (Plains?) early to mid-afternoon.

[flyrodder]

Originally Posted by Boondox

Primitive camp sounds good. Can't find Steer Creek though, even zooming all the way in on Google Maps. I'm assuming if I turn just past the Merritt Reservoir and take 16F, somewhere between the north shore of the lake and where it connects to NE20 I'll find the campground..?

If you go north over the Merritt dam road then into McKelvie NF, you will eventually come to a "T" intersection (State Spur 16F), go south at the intersection. The campground is on the north side of the road; at most 2 miles.

Some explanation of McKelvie National Forest might be in order -- not really much "forest" there. Maybe 3000 total acres of trees out of about 116,000 acres. The areas with trees were largely, if not completely, planted. The campground has big ponderosa pines etc. But it is an excellent example of the unique Nebraska Sand Hills region where you can wander around.

[autolycos]

Originally Posted by Boondox

Primitive camp sounds good. Can't find Steer Creek though, even zooming all the way in on Google Maps. I'm assuming if I turn just past the Merritt Reservoir and take 16F, somewhere between the north shore of the lake and where it connects to NE20 I'll find the campground..?

Tmaximusv -- Your 92 to Dunning Rd back to 2 route has been marked on the map. Barley loves meeting new people, but we'd be a bit late for breakfast. I'll be starting in Red Oak IA that morning, so would probably pass thru your neck of the woods (Plains?) early to mid-afternoon.

One thing to be aware of: last I knew there is no reliable 24 hr gas between Arnold and Thedford. Anyone know of the current fueling status in Dunning and Halsey?

[tbirdsp]

Originally Posted by autolycos

One thing to be aware of: last I knew there is no reliable 24 hr gas between Arnold and Thedford. Anyone know of the current fueling status in Dunning and Halsey?

Funny - on my way up to the Black Hills in May '09 I ran out of gas on my KLR in Halsey, thought there was an open station there. Had to buy gas from the nice fella at the little motel there, out of his mower jug.

I think there was a nice new-ish BP in Dunning where 91 hits 2 ( which I rode right by )

4 year-old info, but I doubt things have changed in Halsey.

[Yossarian™]

There is a full service (as far as that goes in today's world) station at Dunning.

[Powershouse]

If you were to follow Hwy 12 along the Nebraska side of the Missouri River there is a nice campground with scenic overlooks in Niobrara.

[autolycos]

Originally Posted by tbirdsp

Funny - on my way up to the Black Hills in May '09 I ran out of gas on my KLR in Halsey, thought there was an open station there. Had to buy gas from the nice fella at the little motel there, out of his mower jug.

I think there was a nice new-ish BP in Dunning where 91 hits 2 ( which I rode right by )

4 year-old info, but I doubt things have changed in Halsey.

I know the one you're talking about, but I have no idea if they have card control pumps. They didn't in ' 05 or '06.

[autolycos]

Originally Posted by Yossarian™

There is a full service (as far as that goes in today's world) station at Dunning.

they updated their pumps? If so, Hallelujah. If not, that makes a long stretch, about 80-90 miles from Arnold to Thedford. Merna to Thedford is 120 that route, and Broken Bow is 130. Be prepared.

[Bshelton]

+1 for the sandhills being a nice ride

[Tmaximusv]

Originally Posted by Boondox

Tmaximusv -- Your 92 to Dunning Rd back to 2 route has been marked on the map. Barley loves meeting new people, but we'd be a bit late for breakfast. I'll be starting in Red Oak IA that morning, so would probably pass thru your neck of the woods (Plains?) early to mid-afternoon.

Tea and unwatering both of you then?

BTW, most of central NE has exactly two flavors of petrol: 87 and e10 89. If your bike is picky, plan on bringing some flavor enhancer with you.

[flyrodder]

Originally Posted by Tmaximusv

Tea and unwatering both of you then?

BTW, most of central NE has exactly two flavors of petrol: 87 and e10 89. If your bike is picky, plan on bringing some flavor enhancer with you.

And diesel............!

[inline4]

My recomendation is; follow the Missouri North from Omaha, toward Sioux City and then West around the top of NE.
Remember, the word is remote.

[zoid]

Originally Posted by inline4

My recomendation is; follow the Missouri North from Omaha, toward Sioux City and then West around the top of NE.
Remember, the word is remote.

That would be my choice. All of the routes suggested so far are remote, this one is the best in my opinion.

[Boondox]

Originally Posted by inline4

My recomendation is; follow the Missouri North from Omaha, toward Sioux City and then West around the top of NE.
Remember, the word is remote.

That's my route coming back. Thx

[autolycos]

Originally Posted by zoid

That would be my choice. All of the routes suggested so far are remote, this one is the best in my opinion.

Considering the Badlands is the destination, I just can't quite understand your logic as well as if it were, say, Denver.