Cedar Run OHV trail at Harlan County Lake

With the grand opening come and gone the new trail system is now fully open. Me and my team had a rare opportunity to help fund, organize and participate in the grand opening (May 1, 2010) of this expanded trail system. The trail now encompasses 470 acres of US Army Corp. of Engineer ground just south of Harlan County Lake in south central Nebraska. The two nearby towns Alma and Republican City should see an increase in tourism that will boost the local economy. Businesses large and small donated “seed” money to get the project off the ground. Major donors were people, organizations, and businesses that donated $200 or more to the project.

Our part in the big event consisted of organizing and running a “scavenger hunt” for all that attended. It was a lot of work but turned to be a fun weekend with good weather.

The day started out by setting up our bikes, tables, tents and banners as the rest of the people set up for Nebraska’s LT. Governor Rick Sheehy dedication speech and other presentations from local and state representatives explaining the long, tough road they traveled to make this area and event a reality.  It was a real experience to hear how the whole idea was conceived.  It took many local people, government organizations working together in near harmony as the vision came to fruition.   As a representative of Team MGR and a former resident of the area (I grew up farming and riding here) I was thankful to be a part of kicking off what I think is now an ATV destination in the central United States.

After all the dedication ceremonies the area was officially open.  Riders stopped by our tent to sign in and receive a punch card.  Riders headed out to find all seven of the hole punches on fence posts that I set out the night before.  Riders had to ride the entire trail system to find all of the punches.  Once all the punches were found they returned to the trail head to redeem their card and receive a prize for participating.  I would like to thank the sponsors that helped put up prizes for the give-away.

Prizes provided by:

ATV Magazine:  T-shirts and gift subscriptions

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: Gift cards, tools, goggles, hats, and other swag

Decal Works:  Gift cards, sticker packs, decals, and other swag

DT1 Filters:  Discount coupons for air and oil filters, stickers, and other swag

I periodically rode around the area to make sure the posts did not need some maintenance.  I never thought I would meet so many nice people at the event.  I got so many compliments on how nice of an event this was.  Every rider was courteous and respectful of this new riding area that was previously defunct and only about 100 acres.

If you are in the mid-west put this area on your list of spots to hit at least once in your life.  Bring your boat, fishin’ pole and water skis as there is more than just ATVing at the Harlan County Lake.

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