MICKELSON TRAIL RAMBLER
Come ride the unforgettable Mickelson Trail, a 114-mile-long, gravel-surfaced rail trail, which was named for the former state governor who helped create it. This rail trail cuts through the heart of the Black Hills with more than 100 bridges and four tunnels. This trip is moderate, and can be done on a road bike with wider tires. Due to the shuttle requirements, the trip is limited to 10 people.
Day 1. May 19 Arrive in Custer, which is around 350 miles from Denver. Check into our hotel by 5 p.m. where there will be happy hour, followed by a group dinner.
Day 2. May 20 We start riding on the George S Mickelson Trail, we head south riding downhill to the farming community of Edgecomb. We will get a shuttle ride back to Custer, where you can enjoy a late lunch on your own. Dinner on your own after a happy hour at the hotel. (44.5 MILES)
Day 3. May 21 After a shuttle to Rochford this morning, we will cycle back to Custer. On our way, we will pass by Crazy Horse, a massive carving in the side of a granite wall. Begun in 1948, the work in progress is slated to be 500’ high by 600’ wide. Crazy Horse is the Lakota Sioux warrior responsible for defeating George Custer’s army in 1876. Lunch on your own. Dinner on your own after a happy hour at the hotel. (39.5 MILES)
Crazy Horse Memorial, the world's largest mountain carving. Lakota leader Crazy Horse led a war party to victory against Federal Government troops at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. This fascinating memorial has been under construction since 1948 and receives no government funding. It's so large that if Mt. Rushmore could be moved, it would fit inside Crazy Horse's shoulder!
Day 4. May 22. A free day to explore. Lunch on your own. The choice is yours: a visit to Mount Rushmore National Monument where the heads of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt are carved into the mountainside. You can spend several hours at the Crazy Horse Memorial, take a ride on the wildlife loop at Custer State Park. You can either ride or drive the Wildlife Loop, highlights include the Needles Highway, named for the stunning rock formations. On the loop, the wild burros are so tame that they stick their noses into car windows looking for snacks. You’ll also pass by a prairie dog town, the habitat for the animal that resembles a squirrel more than a dog. And you’re bound to see bison.
Another option is to hike Black Elk Peak this morning. At 7,242 feet, Black Elk Peak stands prominently as the highest point in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Standing sentinel over the Black Hills, Black Elk Peak is topped by a stone fire tower that provides a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape.
Meet later today for a special jeep tour of Custer State Park, followed by a chuckwagon dinner.
Day 5. May 23. We will drive our cars to the town of Deadwood, where the shuttle will pick us up and deliver us to the Rochford Trailhead. This section of the trail includes numerous bridges and tunnels and runs through one of the most beautiful areas of the Black Hills back to Deadwood, where during the gold rush years, it was known for lawlessness, drinking and gambling. While wandering down main street with its casinos, make sure to stop and have a look at the No. 10 Saloon, in which Wild Bill Hickok met his maker after being shot while playing poker. Lunch on your own. Group dinner at a local restaurant. (40 MILES)
Day 6. May 24. After breakfast, you may choose to do a short road ride or continue to sight see as there is much more to see . . . or head for home. One route to consider on your journey home is to stop by Devil’s Tower National Monument, an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. It is considered sacred by Northern Plains Indians and indigenous people. It’s 80 miles from Deadwood.
Trip Details
Start/Finish: Custer, South Dakota, Finish: Deadwood, South Dakota
Included: Daily breakfast, two group dinners, daily happy hours, jeep safari tour and chuckwagon dinner in Custer State Park, shuttle service.
NOTE: Price does include national or state park fees.
TRIP COST: $820 PER PERSON – Single supplement: $475
Registration
To register, please mail a $400 deposit check payable to Cyndy Klepinger along with DBTC liability waiver and registration/medical form (found on the DBTC website) to: Cyndy Klepinger, 5401 East Dakota Ave #9, Denver, CO 80246. Final payments will be due no later than May 1, 2019. Remember that registration funds are non-refundable, but may be transferrable. Direct questions to: matilda8@msn.com, or by phone (303) 394-4962.
