Wabash Trailhead to Downtown via Bicycle

staubio · Post by **staubio** » Mon May 12, 2008 10:59 am

Hey all,

I'm looking to ride to Omaha over Memorial Day weekend via the Wabash Trace trail. When I lived in Omaha, I used to ride down to cross the river into Bellevue but that would put us over mileage for what we want to accomplish.

It looks like the Veterans (275) bridge is the most direct route from the trailhead. Is this bridge wide enough for safe passage for loaded cyclists? Is the road from the trailhead to the bridge do-able?

It'd be great if someone that has ridden the bridge could give me some perspective. Also, I might be looking for some tour guides if anyone of you rides. I've never spent much time in South Omaha and want to explore it more thoroughly on this trip.

Thanks in advance for your help.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Mon May 12, 2008 11:40 am

You will be looking at some heavy construction in the area as they are preparing to replace that bridge. It's "doable" but watch your tail.

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Mon May 12, 2008 1:57 pm

staubio - Actually, I think there's a better way to do it, but you'll still have a busy bridge to cross.

First off, this should help: http://www.activateomaha.org/downloads/ ... -15-08.pdf

As far as route, I'd take the Lake Manawa trail (which starts practically at the Trace trailhead), to the Western Historic Trail Center, then up the Riverfront trail to Harrah's. If this were November already, you'd have a great new ped bridge to cross the river at, but unfortunately, you'd need to use the 480 bridge now. Its not ideal (and probably a bit illegal), but I've done that several times, and am still here to talk about it. Its been a while since I've done the home (I live downtown) to Wabash Trace ride, but if I remember correctly think its 12-14 miles from downtown Omaha to the trailhead.

The Riverfront and Lake Manawa trails are both great. Well paved, good markings, and some nice sights. Some shaded parts, some out in the open - near flood canals.

PM me if you want a riding partner up here in town - I haven't explored South O much, but could be up for anything - I normally ride 30-50 miles/week, so a bit more than recreational, but not real serious.

icejammer · Post by **icejammer** » Tue May 13, 2008 2:58 pm

Since the weight limit is now 5 tons on the Veteran's Memorial Bridge, you won't have to worry about large vehicles in crossing the bridge, definitely doable, if you have the nerve for it. The 480 bridge is a little better option in my opinion, at least you have a little bit of shoulder room if you get crowded.

Post by **Brad** » Tue May 13, 2008 3:01 pm

icejammer wrote:Since the weight limit is now 5 tons on the Veteran's Memorial Bridge, you won't have to worry about large vehicles in crossing the bridge, definitely doable, if you have the nerve for it. The 480 bridge is a little better option in my opinion, at least you have a little bit of shoulder room if you get crowded.

Does the EB have a shoulder? I know it doesn't have much of one on the Westbound side because I have looked for a place to pull over and shoot a photo.

icejammer · Post by **icejammer** » Tue May 13, 2008 3:05 pm

Brad wrote:Does the EB have a shoulder? I know it doesn't have much of one on the Westbound side because I have looked for a place to pull over and shoot a photo.

No, not for a motorized vehicle, but for a bike you have a little room (not really a shoulder as much a couple feet between the concrete wall and yellow line.

Post by **Brad** » Tue May 13, 2008 3:10 pm

icejammer wrote:
Brad wrote:Does the EB have a shoulder? I know it doesn't have much of one on the Westbound side because I have looked for a place to pull over and shoot a photo.
No, not for a motorized vehicle, but for a bike you have a little room (not really a shoulder as much a couple feet between the concrete wall and yellow line.

Scary... I think I will wait for the ped bridge!

staubio · Post by **staubio** » Mon May 19, 2008 12:36 pm

Ben,

Thanks for the tips. I remember riding the Manawa trail in the past but didn't realize they were so well linked. That sounds like a great plan. I thought about the 480 bridge but ruled it out because of illegality of riding in the Interstate. That might be the best bet anyway considering it fronts all of the trails.

I'll have to come back to try the ped bridge. Omaha really needs it.

I'll definitely hit you up for a ride along when we're in town.