Historical Trails Cycling
P.O. Box 80961
Lincoln, NE 68501-0961

Tom Armstrong tom@historicaltrailscycling.com
402.499.0874
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Featured Tours
Oregon Trail Tour
We will travel 2300 miles in 37 days, cycling along the Platte, Sweet Water, Green and Snake Rivers. More Info
 
Lewis and Clark Tour
Cycle the trail forged two hundred years ago by Lewis and Clark’s Corp or Discovery. More Info …
 
Wilderness Road Trip
 
 

 

 


Oregon Trail Bike Tour 2011 - Click Here for Tour Application

Full Tour from Independence to Oregon City: $3900 (June 5 - July 11, 2011)
or choose from the tour legs below:
Independence, MO to Kearney, NE
June 5th - June 10th, 2011 $675
Independence, MO to Casper, WY
June 5th - June 18th, 2011 $1600
Casper, WY to Boise, ID
June 19th- July 1st, 2011 $1400
Boise, ID to Oregon City, OR
July 1st - July 11th, 2011 $1300
Casper, WY to Oregon City, OR
June 19th- July 11th, 2011 $2500
 
Oregon Trail Bike Tour Pictures - 2004 - 2008 - 2009 Tom's Solo Trip
Before there was the automobile, before the bicycle, long before the Interstate, there was the Oregon Trail. This crude network of rutted traces that stretched from the Missouri River, to the Willamette River Valley in Oregon, became the Mother Road that gave growth to a young country. From the late 1830’s, to the moment the golden spike was driven into the last railroad tie at Promontory Point in Utah, the Oregon Trail was the lifeline between civilization and the unknown. The Oregon Trail became synonymous with adventure for hundreds of thousands of pioneers. Wagon ruts worn deep into the earth, and names of early travelers scratched hastily into the rocks and ledges, are still visible today.

You are never far from history along the O.T. as museums abound along the trail.

Join Historical Trails Cycling as we cycle the Oregon Trail and witness the beauty experienced by the early travelers. We will cycle the paved back roads lined with wild flowers through the plains. Climb the Rockies and cross the Great Divide in Wyoming. We will follow the Snake River through Idaho, ascend the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon and descend in the shadow of Mount Hood to the land of Milk and Honey.

This is a fully supported camping tour with indoor facilities some nights, and tenting under the stars on others. Motels are available (personal expense) at most overnight locations. Friendly, experienced support staff will transport your luggage, create delicious meals, keep your bike working, and make sure you have the greatest experience of your life.

Feel the excitement as you near the Willamette River Valley bathed in lush vegetation.

 

Independence, MO to Kearney, NE - June 5th - June 10th, 2011

Type: Fully Supported Camping/Meals
Departure Dates: June 5 - June 10, 2011
Level: Easy/Moderate
Start City: Independence, Missouri
Duration: 6 Days/6 Nights
End City: Kearney, Nebraska
Distance: 66 miles daily average
Price: $675

Bright and early on Sunday morning we will cycle through the restful heart of downtown Kansas City. As we cycle west through the green rolling hills of the Great Plains, history becomes as abundant as the wild flowers along the highway. In Marysville Kansas, we will visit an original Pony Express office and stable. Crossing into Nebraska we will see our first wagon ruts of the O.T. at Rock Creek Station. This is also the site where the infamous Wild Bill Hickok allegedly shot and killed a man, but was later acquitted by a jury. We will visit Pioneer Village in Minden Nebraska, and see the collection of American history Harold Warp spent his life collecting. Then we will arrive at Fort Kearney along the Platte River, where the early traveler could rest and restock their supplies, just as we will do.

Click Here For Tour Application


 
Independence, MO to Casper, WY - June 5th - June 18th, 2011
Type: Fully Supported Camping/Meals
Departure Dates: June 5- June 18, 2011
Level: Easy - Moderate
Start City: Independence, Missouri
Duration: 14 Days/14 Nights
End City: Casper, Wyoming
Distance: 66 miles daily average
Price: $1600


After a day-off in Kearny we cycle west on what became known by the early pioneer’s as the Great Platte River Road. Shaded by tall cottonwoods and stands of cedar trees, the Platte River is home to abundant wildlife, including, wild turkey, white tail and mule deer. Bald eagles and hawks are often seen soaring above hunting their next meal. Riding along the Platte River valley, the early travelers kept their eyes fixed on the horizon to catch their first glimpse of towering Chimney Rock and Scott’s Bluff. The sight of these mammoth rock formations meant the easy part of the trip was behind them. Cycling into Wyoming, the Rocky Mountains come into view as we stop for a visit of Fort Laramie, one of the oldest forts along the trail. We will camp near Register Cliff, where hundreds of names scratched deep into the rock cliff were left by passing travelers. Here, ruts chiseled five feet deep into limestone beds mark the trail of an endless stream of wagons headed west. Casper offers a nice reprieve as we enjoy a day off before embarking on the mountains.

Click Here For Tour Application

 

 
Casper, WY to Boise, ID - June 19th- July 1st, 2011
Type: Fully Supported Camping/Meals
Departure Dates: June 19- July 1, 2011
Level: Moderate to Challenging
Start City: Casper, Wyoming
Duration: 12 Days/12 Nights
End City: Boise, Idaho
Distance: 68 miles daily average
Price: $1400


After a day off in Casper everyone is rested and ready for the Rockies. From Casper we will continue cycling along the beautiful Platte River as it cuts its way through the snow covered mountains. We’ll stop for a break at Independence Rock, as many of the pioneers had and make a quick hike to the top to enjoy the view. Here the meandering Sweetwater River becomes our guide and companion through the towering Granite Mountain range. We will begin our ascent to cross the Continental Divide along the Popo Agee River outside Lander. Climbing past brilliant Red Rim Canyon we near the historic South Pass City before reaching and crossing the Great Divide. We descend into the Green River Valley of southwestern Wyoming and pass through Fossil Butte National Monument in southeast Idaho. Hot Springs and the cool Portneuf River await our arrival in Lava Hot Springs for a much-deserved day off. The beautiful Portneuf River Valley will lead us to Pocatello and onto American Falls and the Snake River. As we cycle along the Snake River we will ride through the beautiful Thousand Springs region and camp at the historic, Three Island Crossing, before arriving in Boise.

Click Here For Tour Application

 

 

Boise, ID to Oregon City, OR - July 1st - July 11th, 2011

Type: Fully Supported Camping/Meals
Departure Dates: July 1 - July 11, 2011
Level: Moderate - Challenging
Start City: Boise, Idaho
Duration: 10 Days/10 Nights
End City: Oregon City, Oregon
Distance: 62 miles daily average
Price: $1300


The fragrance of sweet onions will escort us from Idaho as we climb along the banks of the Snake River and enter into Oregon. In historic Baker City we will enjoy a day off and get a chance to visit the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Ascending the majestic Blue Mountains we’ll ride through the high country to the lush forests of the Cascades. In view of Mount Hood we will cycle the “Old Barlow Road,” (fortunately now paved) down the mountain to the Willamette River Valley, and the End of the Trail.

Click Here For Tour Application


 

Casper, WY to Oregon City, OR - June 19th- July 11th, 2011

Type: Fully Supported Camping/Meals
Departure Dates: July 1 - July 11, 2011
Level: Moderate - Challenging
Start City: Boise, Idaho
Duration: 10 Days/10 Nights
End City: Oregon City, Oregon
Distance: 62 miles daily average
Price: $2500


After a day off in Casper everyone is rested and ready for the Rockies. From Casper we will continue cycling along the beautiful Platte River as it cuts its way through the snow covered mountains. We’ll stop for a break at Independence Rock, as many of the pioneers had and make a quick hike to the top to enjoy the view. Here the meandering Sweetwater River becomes our guide and companion through the towering Granite Mountain range. We will begin our ascent to cross the Continental Divide along the Popo Agee River outside Lander. Climbing past brilliant Red Rim Canyon we near the historic South Pass City before reaching and crossing the Great Divide. We descend into the Green River Valley of southwestern Wyoming and pass through Fossil Butte National Monument in southeast Idaho. Hot Springs and the cool Portneuf River await our arrival in Lava Hot Springs for a much-deserved day off. The beautiful Portneuf River Valley will lead us to Pocatello and onto American Falls and the Snake River. As we cycle along the Snake River we will ride through the beautiful Thousand Springs region and camp at the historic, Three Island Crossing, before arriving in Boise.

The fragrance of sweet onions will escort us from Idaho as we climb along the banks of the Snake River and enter into Oregon. In historic Baker City we will enjoy a day off and get a chance to visit the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Ascending the majestic Blue Mountains we’ll ride through the high country to the lush forests of the Cascades. In view of Mount Hood we will cycle the “Old Barlow Road,” (fortunately now paved) down the mountain to the Willamette River Valley, and the End of the Trail.

Click Here For Tour Application