Black Hills Classic Tour

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6 days, 5 nights - Sunday through Friday

Moderate to Challenging, rider's choice
On and Off Road
Hybrid or Cross Bikes recommended for Mickelson Trail
Bike rentals available

Sunday, Arrival - We will pick people up at the Rapid City Airport at 2:00 p.m. and meet those with cars at Palmer Gulch Resort near Hill City at 3:00 p.m.  Cars will remain at Palmer Gulch Resort for the duration of the tour.  We will shuttle every one (50 minute drive) to the the Black Hills Hideaway Bed and Breakfast (7 miles south of the historic town of Deadwood) nestled on 67 wooded acres of peace and solitude surrounded by Black Hills National Forest. We will fit people with their bikes and those who wish to take a short ride can do so. You will be served a delicious outdoor dinner by our hosts, Cathy and Ned Bode.

• Monday, Spearfish Canyon Tour - Standard route is 31 miles (mostly downhill with a few famous exceptions) and easily lengthen by 14 to 20 miles.
  • Following breakfast you will ride from Dumont on the Rochford Road 10 miles (may wish to jump in the van to avoid a 4 mile uphill grade) to the start of Spearfish Canyon for a 19 mile spectacular ride downhill through giant canyon walls.
  • Stop for a short nature hike at the Latchstring Inn including a delightful waterfall.
  • Ride to city of Spearfish for lunch following completion of the 32 mile standard route. Those desiring additional mileage will ride the St. Onge loop of 14 - 20 miles in a beautiful transition zone between the hills and prairie. Others will go to Deadwood with options to visit Takanka, "The Story of The Bison", a Kevin Costner tribute to Native Americans or will try their luck at one of many casinos in Deadwood..
  • After completing the St. Onge loop or visit in Deadwood, you will return to the Hideaway to get ready for an evening out in Deadwood.
  • Dinner at Jakes, a classy restaurant (casual wear is ok) in Kevin Costner's Midnight Star Casino.
  • Those who wish to return early and have a quiet night at the Hideaway can do so and those who wish a night out on Deadwood will also be accommodated.
  
  
  
• Tuesday, Tour Mickelson Trail - Standard route is 32 miles but easily shorten to 25 miles of all downhill by a quick ride in the van..
  • Depart from Dumont trailhead on the Mickelson Trail for a gentle 32 mile bike ride (2/3 downhill) along a world class rails to trails bike path to Hill City. (Van support is available to avoid the 7 mile up hill section if desired).
  • Stop in Rochford at the Moonshine Gulch Saloon for a great rest stop while marveling at the history of this well known watering hole.
  • On to Hill City where art galleries and fine boutique stores abound as well as great lunch spots such as the Alpine Inn and Bumping Buffallo Saloon.
  • Push on for last 7 miles (for a 39 mile day) to Palmer Gulch resort or jump in the van to celebrate completion of one of the most popular sections of the Mickelson Trail.
  
  
  
• Wednesday, Mt. Rushmore Loop - Standard route is 35 miles or easily shorten or lengthen by 7 miles
  • Following coffee and fruit or muffin, you will depart for an early morning 6 mile bike ride to Mt. Rushmore where breakfast will be served while gazing at the faces of the four presidents.
  • After staying at Mt. Rushmore as long as you like, the tour continues downhill before turning onto the Iron Mountain Road to asecend an elevation gain of 700 feet in 4 miles. Those who wish to avoid this uphill climb will will jump in the van and travel to the top to descend a 5 mile thriller on the backside of this famous route. Seven miles further takes the rider to Keystone for lunch. Following lunch, the tour travels a delightful back country road to return to Hill City.
  • Those who want 7 additional miles will ride their bikes back to Palmer Gulch Resort and those who do not, will jump in the van at Hill City.

  
  

• Thursday, Crazy Horse Memorial Loop - Standard route is 27 miles and easily lenghthen by 7, 12, or 19 miles at the end of the day.
  • Following breakfast, we take a scenic back road route to gain access to the Mickelson Trail to head for Crazy Horse Memorial where most people will wish to spend a considerable amount of time viewing and learning about the largest active mountain carving in the world involving a rich Native American history.
• The route continues to the town of Custer for lunch.  After lunch, we will continue on the Mickelson Trail through beautiful meadows and rock outcroppings to the village of Pringle in South Central Black Hills. 
• This completes the standard route and many riders will choose to take the van to Sylvan Lake Lodge.  But, the hardy cyclisit can return to Custer by road and then up a steep climb to Sylvan Lake Lodge to end a rewarding 46 mile day.
• Dinner will be held in the lodge's grand dining room with a view of Harney Peak.

• Friday, Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop Tour - The full route is 42 miles which all riders will cover in its entirty by bike or by riding in the van serveral times (for about 10 miles) to avoid several challenging hills and ridge climbes. We designed the route this way because the Wildlife Loop is a must do to see buffalo and other wildlife regardless if one is on a bike or is in the van. It is typically a finale to the tour.
  • Following a superb breakfast buffet, the route follows the classic Needles Highway (mostly downhill) with many stops along the way..
  • You will continue through the heart of Custer State Park with Legion Lake as a choice rest stop.  Some will opt in the van to avoid a 3 mile, 200 foot climb over the Mt. Coolidge pass prior to stopping for a delicious lunch with great western atmosphere at Blue Bell Lodge. 
  • Following lunch remains a 22 mile spectacular ride via the Wildlife Loop to the Game Lodge where the tour ends.  Again, the support van is available to help avoid 3 ridge climbs and shorten the bike ride to everyone's comfort level.
  • We will shuttle everyone back to their cars at Palmer Gulch Resort, to their motels in Rapid City or to the Rapid City Airport in time for a 5:00 p.m. departure or later.