Black Hills of South Dakota - Day 1

I knew I likely wouldn’t get much riding in before the start of the Trans Am trip this year so was happy to accept an invitation to join some local folks on the South Dakota tour put on by Adventure Cycling. We took two days to drive from Calgary to Rapid City SD. On Saturday morning we stopped for a bit at the Little Bighorn National Monument. We did a quick walking tour of the battlefield of “Custer’s Last Stand” and spent some time at the Indian memorial, which was exceptionally well done. A quick tour of the visitor center and then on to Rapid City to meet the group of about 60 cyclists and about 5 staff.

This is a camping trip, but they move our gear every day and provide all our meals. Based on dinner the first night we’re going to eat really well!  Our group of 5 from Calgary are the only Canadians on the tour.  Looks like a really good group and lots of very seasoned riders. Should be a good week!

Day 1 was 50 miles from Rapid City to Deadwood. It took almost 10 miles just to get out of the ‘burbs of Rapid City but once that was done we quickly got onto the quiet and scenic roads of Black Hills National Forest.

We did learn today that there are, indeed, hills in the Black Hills. Towards the end of the day we were on the Mickelson Trail for a bit; we’ll be back on it all day tomorrow. Of the 60 riders, I believe Joan and I were the only ones to stop in Deadwood - famous for being “the wickedest town” in the country in the late 1800s and the place where Wild Bill Hickok was murdered and Calamity Jane made her mark. We spent a few hours there - toured the excellent Adams Museum and visited the Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

All in all a great day, although it’s now 8:25 pm and we’re in the midst of a severe thunderstorm. Hope everything stays dry inside the tent!  Just lost the wifi so hopefully the blog will save......

Stats for the day:
Rapid City to Deadwood
51 miles = 83 km
4653 feet up, 3649 feet down.
Temps: 20C to 34C. Supposed to be cooler after the rain tonight.