Established in 2006, Dakota Bike Tours is full of Hidden Treasures. The Black Hills has some of the finest on-road cycling in the country, our accommodations all have unique character, and our tour guides are treasures in themselves. We did our first Colorado Tour in 2011 and will have two scheduled in 2012. Colorado is a perfect fit for us with ways to craftily design tours so our guest can successfully ride in challenging terrain without being hardcore. No, we are not saying our tours are easy, but we are proving that endurance riders that are experienced hill climbers can do 3500 ft of elevation in one day and still enjoy the evening. Because of our support and philosophy, you do not have to be fast, just steady and willing.
Another incredible hidden treasure, is the 109 mile Mickelson Trail in the heart of the Black Hills. It was inducted into the Rails to Trails Hall of Fame in 2010 and is truly world class. In fact, the Rails to Trails Conservancy team asked us to host them in 2011 and they were blown away by the fact that everyday had its own variety and unique beauty. They knew it would be good, but they did not anticipate it to be one of the best of the best. So although it is not paved, we will still incorporate it into two tours and also offer it up as a Private Tour upon request. In fact, we have an entire fleet of hybrid bikes to support the Mickelson Trail.
We are truly fired up about our 6th season. We thought we had something pretty special here at Dakota Bike Tours, but we did not know how special until 12 previous guests joined our first Heart of the Rockies Tour. Many of them want to return to ride our new San Juan Mountains’ Classic for 2012. Also, being selected by the Rails To Trails Conservancy to host them on the Mickelson Trail in 2011 was extremely gratifying and made our 2011 season a memorable one.
Another hidden treasure which is continuing to wow our guests is chef Books, Jim’s wife. She continues to come up with great meals and touches to make our guest experience special.
Again this year, we are blessed by our guide family and help staff. Ann got married and took a sabbatical but wants to come back in 2012. Mark really enjoyed the Heart of the Rockies Tour and will be back. Randy has dibs on the San Juan Tour and Dave will continue to guide the Monument Tour. Thanks go to Brandon for taking time off of his job to work on our bike fleet and for Curt, who volunteered his time on several tours. Without our guides and volunteers, who are truly our friends, Dakota Bike Tours would not exist.
We can’t wait for our 2012 tour season to begin and see familiar and new faces once again.
Jim & Glenna Books
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