Mikelson Trail, South Dakota

[p nut]

Upon the recommendation of a few members, I rode a part of the Mikelson trail in South Dakota. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I was only able to ride a very little portion of it (12 miles). But from the little I ride, it is a fantastic trail. Scenery was nice through most of it, as it hugs the freeway, but cuts back into the woods enough so that you don't feel like you're riding along a highway.

The bike I brought, I cross bike with 43mm RocknRoads was too much of a bike. The dirt path is very nicely graded and well packed dirt/gravel. I think ideal set up would be 32's or 28's. Maybe even 25's, although there were some very loose sections. It is also pretty flat, so well suited for my singlespeed, although I wish I had geared it higher.

The place I was staying in didn't have good access to much road riding (pretty much right off of HWY 16), so I was glad to have brought the cross bike. But next time, whenever that may be, I'll be taking the road bike with probably 28's for road and trail rides.

It is a beautiful part of the country and I enjoyed it very much.

Also, excuse the neon flat pedals. Knew I wouldn't get too much time to ride so didn't want to bring the SPD's. These are all I could find in the parts box.

[Wilkinson4]

Awesome. That is a target ride for me next year. Would love to start in Custer and do and out and back to Deadwood. Paceline group ride anyone?

mIKE

[HenryA]

Glad you liked it.
Its a real nice trail.

[cnighbor1]

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=4259&v=S

[commonguy001]

I've spent many miles on the Mick
Great riding and even better views
Glad you enjoyed!!

[Louis]

That looks so cool.

I know gravel just looks like it fits in better there, rustic country and all that, but imagine how much better your body (and bike) would feel after 109 miles (or even just 20) if it had been smooooth asphalt...

[makoti]

mIKE,

When you looking at? That does look like a nice trail & I've never been to SD. Ridden across ND, and I hope SD is a bit less windy. Or better with its direction.

[Wilkinson4]

Not sure but either early summer or early fall… I get 4 weeks vac a next year so I am for sure going to make every effort to get up there and start in Custer.

Yeah, no east and west. I have ridding in both states on a bike tour when I did Lewis and Clark. Hottest day ever was Pollack, SD. 108F and 90 miles or so! I ready someones account of their ride and they recommended a travel partner because of cougars! And not the good kind.

mIKE

[p nut]

The section I rode was right at the turn off towards Crazy Horse Monument and up to Hill City. Yeah, it's bumpier than asphalt, but I love a good day (or even an hour or two in my case) on dirt.

Crazy Horse Monument. Pretty cool to see. Slow progress, though.

[commonguy001]

Originally Posted by p nut

Crazy Horse Monument. Pretty cool to see. Slow progress, though.

My last time out there on a moto trip my buddy and I met a guy in Custer at dinner (Sage Creek Grill – yum!) who moved out there and helped develop the blasting program at Crazy Horse. Apparently his time there was short.

We asked him what he thought of the progress over 40+ years and his comment was “I’m more of a get it done kind of guy”…

[catchourbreath]

What's up with the self-pay thing ? You need to present a pass ?

[lookout2015]

Originally Posted by catchourbreath

What's up with the self-pay thing ? You need to present a pass ?

Yes, it's $3 / person / day