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Share your comments, questions, opinions, and advice on the Mickelson Trail.
 
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Camping
 -  + Is camping allowed at this trailhead?
Discussion started 02/19/24 9:58:36 PM by JohnMc_76 - 0 replies
JohnMc_76 from Taylorsville, CA on 02/19/24 9:58:36 PM
Is camping allowed at this trailhead?


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Luggage shuttle
 -  + Looking for a luggage shuttle to transport luggage from overnight stop to overnight stop. Do the bike shuttle services also offer this service. Post names, phones, etc. Group of 5 of us plan on doing ...
Discussion started 01/21/24 5:07:28 PM by Bob Bussey - 0 replies
Bob Bussey from Woodworth, La on 01/21/24 5:07:28 PM
Looking for a luggage shuttle to transport luggage from overnight stop to overnight stop. Do the bike shuttle services also offer this service. Post names, phones, etc. Group of 5 of us plan on doing the trail in late May - early June. Thanks.


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Advice for British visitors
 -  + Hi , My wife and I are visiting the Black Hills in mid June this year and want to bike the trail over 5 days, stopping in different towns alomgbthe way and taking our time. Question: Where is th...
Discussion started 01/18/24 12:39:49 PM by Mick - 1 reply (last reply by Eric at 01/18/24 3:33:58 PM)
Mick from Isle of Barra, Scotland on 01/18/24 12:39:49 PM
Hi ,

My wife and I are visiting the Black Hills in mid June this year and want to bike the trail over 5 days, stopping in different towns alomgbthe way and taking our time.
Question:
Where is the best place to hire a regular, not e, bike, with panniers etc for luggage? Plan to leave bulk of suitcase contents in car at start point then get a shuttle bus? back to car with bikes.
Hoping to do the whole route but doesnt have to start from Deadwood...could start halfway, do one section south, shuttle up to Deadwood then cycle back to our start point. Ideas?

 
Eric from KCMO on 01/18/24 3:33:58 PM
Here is a link to a group of local businesses that are trail related. I commuted from Kansas City with my bike, so I don’t have rental experience. I did use Black Hills Discovery Tours, but not as a shuttle. I hired them to drive/move my truck from Deadwood to Edgemont where it was waiting for me when I finished the trail. The owner, Bill, has been doing shuttles and regional tours for decades and if you call him he will be glad to give you good advice/options. In the link I noted that the rental place Bicycles & Boats may be a good option. It appears they are affiliated with Acme Bicycles in Rapid City where I stopped while driving from home to Deadwood. They had a supply of Bike Jerseys that were trail related ( it was a shop shirt with the addition of a trail map imprinted on a topo map of the area plus listed the trail heads) I called a bunch of places trying to find a Mickelson Trail bike jersey and theirs was the closest I could find. They were helpful on the phone and even texted me pictures of the jersey. Coincidentally the cross street adjacent to their shop was Kansas City Road which I didn’t realize until I arrived. Small world! You might talk to them about bike rentals also.
I rode the whole trail over 1 1/2 days starting in Deadwood and riding to Custer day one, 66 miles. I stopped at Crazy Horse Memorial which is a really easy detour because the trail goes under the road up to the memorial. Be prepared for a short climb via paved road to the toll gate ($10 per bicycle rider) then another short climb to the visitor center. There is a bike rack in the parking lot.
Day two was Custer to Edgemont, 45 miles, and took me almost 3 1/2 hours. It was pretty easy and I enjoyed the change in landscape from the Black Hills into more of a prairie landscape. Dead Horse Canyon was very scenic to the north of Edgemont.
Back to Bill and his advice: He said some people hire him for a ride to/from Dumont, depending on where they park or stay. This allows riders to avoid the steepest part of the trail which is uphill all the way from Deadwood to Dumont. By riding that section northbound they are riding downhill. Then they start the next day at Dumont and ride south, which is predominantly downhill for the rest of the trail. I’m going to include links to my Strava so you can see pictures and feedback from my recent experience. Also if you are on Facebook I suggest joining group “Mickelson Trail Black Hills SD” then search for my name Eric McCollom. Another good facebook group is Rails to Trails.
If you wanted to go to Mt Rushmore it is generally not a bicycle safe route due to narrow highways with distracted drivers. I will ride on highways myself if it can be done without too much risk of being run over.
https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/
https://strava.app.link/4uN2rGFgtGb
https://strava.app.link/HTmq1uHgtGb
Good luck!


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Advice for British visitors
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Direction
 -  + What is the best direction when doing the whole trail?
Discussion started 12/30/23 1:09:07 PM by Mary Kurz - 2 replies (last reply by Anne, Omaha, NE at 01/17/24 1:41:51 PM)
Mary Kurz from Portland on 12/30/23 1:09:07 PM
What is the best direction when doing the whole trail?

 
Eric from KCMO on 12/30/23 1:43:53 PM
Most people do southbound, because it is predominantly a gradual downhill route. The exception is the first 16 miles are uphill out of Deadwood and then crests before Dumont. I hired Bill from Black Hills Discovery Tours. Bill drove my truck to Edgemont where it was waiting for me when I finished riding the trail. This was a little expensive, but less than two shuttle tickets for you, your partner and your bikes. Plus, I didn’t have to ride the shuttle two hours back to Deadwood (if I had parked there) Bill said he has some clients who hire him for a ride to or from Dumont where they ride downhill to Deadwood then the next day start the southbound trek from Dumont to ride the rest of the trail.
https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/bike-shops

 
Anne from Omaha, NE on 01/17/24 1:41:51 PM
HI Mary! My brother and I did Deadwood to Edgemont last September (2023), spread over three days. That uphill climb out of Deadwood was brutal and we had other factors against us (cold temps and rain + our overnight packs added extra weight). We ended up not making it to our intended destination (Hill City) and instead called a shuttle to pick us up in Rochford. We had no problems the rest of the ride (day 2 was Hill City to Custer and day 3 was Custer to Edgemont).

When I do it again (and I will because it was so much fun and such a beautiful area!), I will not start in Deadwood, lol!

For reference, my brother and I are casual cyclists and we did not do anything special training-wise before our ride. During spring/summer/fall, I typically ride a couple times a week on trails near my home.


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Looking for a Map
 -  + I found a post 2-3 pages back from 2022 but didn’t see the answer I’m looking for. It mentioned there are maps at each trail head. How can I get a map before I arrive for our summer trip? I sent an em...
Discussion started 01/13/24 6:02:06 PM by Mitch - 1 reply (last reply by Anne, Omaha, NE at 01/17/24 1:31:14 PM)
Mitch from LincolnMO on 01/13/24 6:02:06 PM
I found a post 2-3 pages back from 2022 but didn’t see the answer I’m looking for. It mentioned there are maps at each trail head. How can I get a map before I arrive for our summer trip? I sent an email to SD State Parks but haven’t got an answer yet. TIA
If anyone is coming to MO for the Katy Trail, I just completed the entire trail out-and-back in September and can offer plenty of tips. There were two of us and we camped.

 
Anne from Omaha, NE on 01/17/24 1:31:14 PM
Hi Mitch! There's a PDF map on the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website here:
https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/mickelson-trail-map.pdf

This is the map we initially used when my brother and I rode the Mickelson Trail this past September.

Hopefully that is helpful for now. We got a nice brochure with map from our shuttle driver that we ended up using instead of this one from the GFP's site because it was larger and had a lot more info.

The Katry Trail is on my list of trails to ride someday!! :)


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Dangerous E-Bikes and Mopeds
 -  + Just got back from my trip up to the Trail. Poor management of the trail. E-Bikes going way over Class 1 or 2 speeds and even a MOPED near Deadwood. I showed the rider the sign where motorized bikes...
Discussion started 09/22/23 6:24:43 AM by Bill - 9 replies (last reply by Jim Hall at 12/02/23 8:10:07 AM)
Bill from Springfield, IL on 09/22/23 6:24:43 AM
Just got back from my trip up to the Trail. Poor management of the trail. E-Bikes going way over Class 1 or 2 speeds and even a MOPED near Deadwood. I showed the rider the sign where motorized bikes aren't allowed. He said his moped was approved by the Deadwood police as long as it didn't exceed E-Bike speeds. SMH if that's true. During my 3 days on the trail, I never saw a single trail steward asking for passes or telling people to slow down. If you are considering taking young children on the trail, I would advise against that. 80% of the bikes I saw in my 3 days were E-Bikes (and the one moped) and most were going way too fast. The non-policing of E-Bikes is ruining this trail for hikers and traditional bikers. I realize E-Bikes are the future (even for otherwise young, healthy riders). But someone is going to get seriously injured by a 60-70# e-bike going 25-30mph (or faster). Trail stewards need to do better.

 
DandyDon from Fairfield ,Ohio on 09/22/23 11:55:41 AM
Bill, you are absolutely correct!
This e- bike thing is quickly getting out of control. It's bad around here also. "No Motorized Vehicles Allowed" reads the signage on nearly all bike trails. Law makers have ok'd these e-bikes on trails-there beholden to bikes dealers, etc. Someone should have educated the law makers of the definition> "Motors run on electricity".

I don't have an E-Bike --I have a ME-Bike-I make it go.

 
Bill from Springfield, IL on 09/22/23 2:03:03 PM
DandyDon, I've been up to the Mickelson and the Black Hills 3 times. A beautiful trail for sure. But each time gets a bit worse. Most likely, I won't be going back. I realize that more people can ride the trail with the assistance of an e-bike. Riding our "ME-Bikes" takes too much effort. E-bikes get the trail more sold passes and that's the bottom line. But if they don't control the speed better than they are doing now, people will get hurt. I am going to contact the Deadwood police department to see if they actually approved Mopeds on the trail. I will post their reply here. Keep riding!

 
Dandy Don on 09/23/23 6:23:33 AM
Bill, I bikepacked Mickelson about 5 years ago and it's unique and beautiful. I do hope the local authorities govern the trail effectively. Bike On brother.

 
Bill from Springfield, IL on 10/03/23 9:48:06 AM
I spoke to John at the Deadwood PD today and he wasn't aware that mopeds on the trail have been approved by his department. So, I don't know if the grandfather with his grandson on the moped was told something else by a different person at the PD, or if he was just giving me a made-up excuse for being on the trail with a moped. Hopefully, the Deadwood PD would post something more specific to clear up this matter.

 
Pedal Power from Wyoming on 10/09/23 3:14:03 PM
The Deadwood Police Department does not have jurisdiction over the Mickelson Trail therefore cannot approve mopeds for the Mickelson.

South Dakota Game and Parks does need to do something about abuse of the trail by e bikes.

Seriously an e-bike on the Mickelson? But I guess they are here to stay with the amount of lazy folks out there.

I agree with the comment that an electric bike is still a motorized bike.

Proud of all those who still enjoy the Mickelson with a real bike.

 
Bill from Springfield, IL on 10/09/23 5:53:32 PM
Yes, I figured the gentleman was making it up. He claimed the PD had jurisdiction within the Deadwood city limits, but I doubted him.

During my 3 days on the trail (mid-week), I'd estimate that 80% of the riders were on E-Bikes. Very disappointing but I think the Trail likes the added revenue, so they aren't going away unfortunately.

My real concern is that many are Class 3 bikes, or Class 1 or 2 converted to Class 3 speeds. Very dangerous, especially if you have young children riding with you on the trail. Unless the Trail stewards crack down on E-Bikes, I probably won't go back and wouldn't recommend the trail to others if they have young children riding.

Finding nice bike trails that prohibit E-Bikes is getting harder to find coast to coast. Sadly.

 
BobR from Lead SD on 10/31/23 1:23:09 PM
Agree that class 3 and any type of moped, motorcycle should not be allowed. However for people who physical limitations I think that Class 1 & 2 e-bikes are fine. agree the class 3 should not be allowed. I do know that the trail does have people that monitor however i do not know if they have enough. I am pretty sure it is a volunteer position. trial is open to anyone to hike bike or ride horse back. guess you feel that bikes should be the only mode of transportation on the trail. i suppose a hiker that gets hit by a 30# mountain bike with a 175 pound person on it going 40 downhill or run over by a horse would not suffer any serious injury. personally I do think the trail could be monitored better. I also think that they should limit the number of passes. if ya don't come back we wont miss ya

 
john broomer from COLDWATER on 11/05/23 7:49:01 AM
really depressed by this report of so much motorized traffic...was going to visit from eastern Canada and also do Route of the Hiawatha but if both are plugged with sandal wearing helmet missing clowns on "motorcycles" there is no point...I'm 72 and ride high tempo gravel race bike and will do so into my 80's god willing...will stick to my local road rides of solitude.

 
Jim Hall from Huntington WV on 12/02/23 8:10:07 AM
E-Bikes are always the topic of conversation no matter the trail. I easily recognize the frustrations people feel and I do understand them. Most societies of the world contain some selfish people who ruin whatever the activity for the many, and that is sad. Most E-bikers I know complain of the "Spandex Brigade" who speed by with not a single "On Your Left." I wonder how many of the e-bike complainers are these same people? I hope not! My wife and I are soon to be in our 70's and I am type 1 diabetic. I wouldn't get 10 miles without my e-bike, but I'm reasonable sure the offenders are few. Regarding the "No motorized vehicles" signs, our government tries to protect the weakest, such as myself, with definitions such as defining any e-bike not greater than 750W motors as non-motorized. Federal law, the ADA, sets these guidelines. My E-bike is sometimes defined by them as a personal mobility device. I won't say we would never speed if there was a good reason, but I can tell you that we rarely exceed 10-12 mph. IMO, for every vehicle on the trail, the most important restriction is 15 mph, regardless of equipment, but weight should be considered to protect the trail surface. I regret that a few selfish people give the rest of us black eyes.


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Dangerous E-Bikes and Mopeds
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Shuttle Services from Edgemont to Deadwood
 -  + Are there any shuttle service that could take bicyckes and gear from Edgemont to Deadwood? Thank you!
Discussion started 10/24/23 2:00:54 PM by Mike Fink - 2 replies (last reply by Mike Fink at 10/25/23 5:04:20 AM)
Mike Fink from Fort Collins, Colorado on 10/24/23 2:00:54 PM
Are there any shuttle service that could take bicyckes and gear from Edgemont to Deadwood?

Thank you!

 
Eric from KC MO on 10/24/23 10:45:07 PM
This link has several companies that may be able to help you. I personally used Black Hills Discovery Tours and was pleased with the result. I hired Bill to drive my truck from Deadwood to Edgemont. It was waiting for me when I arrived. This was expensive for me as a single rider, but would be cheaper for several people. Give him a call, he’s been doing this for decades. Also, do not miss Purple Pie Place in Custer.

https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/bike-shops

 
Mike Fink from Fort Collins, Colorado on 10/25/23 5:04:20 AM
Thanks, Eric!


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Are there any bike shops that rent e trikes?
 -  + Looking for an e trike rental to ride the Mickelson Trail in 2024. Are there any bike shops that rent e trikes or recumbent bikes?
Discussion started 10/20/23 2:39:16 PM by bbhugs - 7 replies (last reply by Eric at 10/23/23 8:28:45 AM)
bbhugs from North Carolina on 10/20/23 2:39:16 PM
Looking for an e trike rental to ride the Mickelson Trail in 2024.
Are there any bike shops that rent e trikes or recumbent bikes?

 
anonymous on 10/21/23 8:18:25 PM
Hmmm...some of those e-trikes are kinda WIDE. I say let's be more inclusive and open up the Mickelson Bike Trail to include mopeds, small to medium horsepower motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts, and sub-compact automobiles.

 
Bill from Springfield, IL on 10/21/23 8:43:02 PM
I think you are on to something. During my recent trip, I already saw a moped running two miles south of Deadwood. Class 3 e-bikes too.
Might as well go to the extreme and ruin the trail for all traditional bikers and hikers. The trail stewards don't seem to care. They sure aren't policing their own policy. When someone gets severely hurt by a 70# ebike or moped going 30mph, maybe they will do something.

 
Eric from KCMO on 10/22/23 2:16:36 PM
Anyone familiar with the classic musical comedy movie The Blues Brothers? I don’t know what made me think of Illinois nazis, but here’s a description of one of the movie scenes. For those not familiar, John Belushi plays Jake. Dan Akroyd is Elwood.

In the 1980 cult classic film “The Blues Brothers,” Jake and Elwood are stuck in traffic as a Nazi rally blocks the bridge they need to cross. When they ask a nearby police officer about what’s going on, the officer shrugs, “Ah, those bums won their court case, so they’re marching today.” Jake replies, “What bums?” The officer shoots back, “The f**ckin’ Nazi party.”

“Illinois Nazis,” Elwood mutters, to which Jake groans, “I hate Illinois Nazis.” The duo then pushes the gas pedal to the floor, veering towards the Nazis, forcing them to jump off the bridge and into the river to avoid being hit.

 
Bill from Springfield, IL on 10/22/23 3:12:10 PM
So, anyone who has an opinion different from yours is a Nazi. Got it. How progressive of you. Maybe if you or someone you care about ever gets injured by an 80# e-trike, you might wise up. But I'm not betting that you will. Maybe go for a few walks around the block and you won't need help to ride a bike. Seems like you are soft in more ways than one.

As for me, if the stewards don't care and there are guys like you on this forum calling others Nazis, I'll find a more civil place to talk about the Mick.

 
DandyDon from Fairfield ,Ohio on 10/22/23 4:28:41 PM
Right on, Bill. Bicycle "A vehicle composed of two wheels held in a frame one behind another, propelled by pedals and steered with handlebars attached to the front wheel." (From Oxford Languages)

(Just Sayin)

 
Eric from KCMO on 10/22/23 4:50:15 PM
Maybe a Stripes reference would be better? “Lighten up Francis”
I’m not an e-bike rider, although I did rent one last year and rode from Johnston Canyon within Banff National Park, down the Bow Valley Parkway then the Legacy Trail to Canmore. Total 50 km. You should look up this trial seasonal closure and I will include a link below for you and others, so you get something out of this conversation. The e-bike was kind of fun, but I don’t think of it as the real exercise I get on my own power. There is no doubt that it is an activity and light exercise depending on the assist level used plus it is getting people out of the house and off the couch. I personally ride a gravel bike, it’s called a Cutthroat. It’s powered by me. E-bikes are here to stay and they are responsible for a tremendous increase in people out there on the trails. Those people want more trails and are going to help that happen and I welcome that. Are there some that ride too fast? Definitely, but that goes for streets and highways too. Do gas motorized vehicles belong on the trails? No, we can agree on that. Perhaps more people can learn trail manners/etiquette and speed limits….and remember these are shared use trails.
.
https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/cycling-bow-valley-parkway-banff/

 
Eric from KCMO on 10/23/23 8:28:45 AM
BBHugs I don’t think anyone in this thread is from South Dakota and none have answered your question. Here is a link to companies that offer trail related services. I took a few minutes browsing the rental companies and didn’t see trikes or recumbents offered as rentals…..it was basic e-bikes. I used Black Hills Discovery Tours to shuttle my personal vehicle to trails end. Perhaps give them a call….Bill is a good resource of all sorts of trail related information.
https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/bike-shops


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Snow and trail conditions
 -  + Hey! I'm going to bike the trail this Tues-Wed (10/17-18). I know there was snow earlier. Is the trail open? What condition is it in?
Discussion started 10/15/23 12:44:59 PM by Roger M - 0 replies
Roger M from Minneapolis on 10/15/23 12:44:59 PM
Hey! I'm going to bike the trail this Tues-Wed (10/17-18). I know there was snow earlier. Is the trail open? What condition is it in?


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Crazy Horse by bicycle
 -  + Any info on visiting Crazy Horse by bicycle from the trail? I know it’s about a half mile from the trail and it’s currently $10/rider, but their website doesn’t have any info about bike racks or stora...
Discussion started 08/11/23 2:48:03 AM by Eric - 2 replies (last reply by Eric at 10/02/23 12:15:46 PM)
Eric from KCMO on 08/11/23 2:48:03 AM
Any info on visiting Crazy Horse by bicycle from the trail? I know it’s about a half mile from the trail and it’s currently $10/rider, but their website doesn’t have any info about bike racks or storage….hopefully no one would mess with my bike or bags. I would like a few good pictures, a few minutes walking around and an Indian taco.

 
Mark G from Everywhere on 10/02/23 11:40:39 AM
I just did the Volksmarch there. Although I was not eyeballing anything for a bike, there is a few structures there like a Welcome Center that I'm sure has something to secure your bike to. Wish I was quick to think about that while I was there.

 
Eric from KC MO on 10/02/23 12:15:46 PM
I was there in August and there is a bicycle rack located in the parking lot and adjacent to the handicap parking spaces. The rack is clearly visible from the front entrance to the museum and clearly visible from the tram stop for those buying the pass to the mountain site….what I’m saying is bikes are in plain site if anyone is concerned about their bike being tampered with which seems unlikely.


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Backpacking
 -  + Has anyone backpacked the whole trail? I really want to try it & wondering how long it took to hike it? I know people have different walking speeds. Just trying to get an idea.
Discussion started 08/30/23 11:31:55 AM by Red - 1 reply (last reply by Rich Crim at 09/18/23 7:09:26 PM)
Red on 08/30/23 11:31:55 AM
Has anyone backpacked the whole trail?
I really want to try it & wondering how long it took to hike it? I know people have different walking speeds. Just trying to get an idea.

 
Rich Crim from Nemo, SD on 09/18/23 7:09:26 PM
I backpacked it last October SOBO and it took me 4.5 days. I am headed out again soon to do it NOBO but I am going to take 6 days this time to enjoy it a bit more. It was a great trip but I failed to deconflict with the Crazy Horse Marathon last year and had a miserable trip through Hill City up to Crazy Horse. Hundreds or thousands of runners took over the trail during that section. You should also be weary about water in the south portions. The cisterns get locked up depending on weather but last year it was around October 10th. I barely made it through the trek before they were locked. Up north there are plenty of creeks to filter water from.


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Backpacking
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Lost gloves
 -  + I lost my riding gloves on 9/8 in a pull out between Kirk Trailhead and Deadwood. They are red & black and I was wearing them over grey fingered gloves (cold mornings). They have special meaning to ...
Discussion started 09/10/23 8:15:34 AM by DS - 0 replies
DS from Sheridan, WY on 09/10/23 8:15:34 AM
I lost my riding gloves on 9/8 in a pull out between Kirk Trailhead and Deadwood. They are red & black and I was wearing them over grey fingered gloves (cold mornings). They have special meaning to me, so I'm reaching out in case someone finds them. Thanks!


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Lost men’s wedding ring
 -  + 9-2-23 , I lost my wedding ring between mile marker 89 & 90. The ring is white gold with 3 diamonds. Thank you. If you have found it please contact me. Leon Gillespie P.O. Box 711 Hill City, SD
Discussion started 09/04/23 5:25:51 AM by Leon Gillespie - 0 replies
Leon Gillespie from Hill City, SD on 09/04/23 5:25:51 AM
9-2-23 , I lost my wedding ring between mile marker 89 & 90. The ring is white gold with 3 diamonds. Thank you. If you have found it please contact me.
Leon Gillespie
P.O. Box 711
Hill City, SD


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Vehicle parking at trailhead
 -  + Is there day parking for vehicles while riding the Mickelson Trail ?
Discussion started 09/02/23 1:55:39 PM by mds - 1 reply (last reply by Eric at 09/02/23 3:52:05 PM)
mds from Buffalo, WY on 09/02/23 1:55:39 PM
Is there day parking for vehicles while riding the Mickelson Trail ?

 
Eric from KCMO on 09/02/23 3:52:05 PM
Yes, if there’s a lot, there’s parking. My truck was parked for 24 hours on the street in Edgemont at the city park for example.


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cycling both ways
 -  + Has anybody cycled north to south and back north? Is it boring or does the changed perspective make it enjoyable still? Are there any good roads for side trips along the Mickelson trail?
Discussion started 08/26/23 3:43:28 PM by mark from Winnipeg - 0 replies
mark from Winnipeg from Winnipeg on 08/26/23 3:43:28 PM
Has anybody cycled north to south and back north? Is it boring or does the changed perspective make it enjoyable still?
Are there any good roads for side trips along the Mickelson trail?


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To Fantail or Not to Fantail
 -  + I'll be bikepacking north to south starting in Deadwood in late August. We're taking our time, focused on getting a few nights of great Black Hills camping, so traveling heavier. The guidebook indicat...
Discussion started 08/13/23 9:34:39 PM by Sunnyhello - 2 replies (last reply by Sunnyhello at 08/15/23 5:26:29 AM)
Sunnyhello on 08/13/23 9:34:39 PM
I'll be bikepacking north to south starting in Deadwood in late August. We're taking our time, focused on getting a few nights of great Black Hills camping, so traveling heavier. The guidebook indicates a 17% grade, more singletrack like section between Kirk and Englewood. However between the guidebook and other sites, I'm seeing conflicting information on which direction to go from Kirk to avoid the heavy hike a bike. To avoid the steep section, do we go toward the Sugarloaf trailhead or straight on to Englewood? Are there any similar gotchas we might want to know about? Many thanks for info

 
Eric from KC MO on 08/13/23 10:24:14 PM
I want to know too! If it’s more scenic maybe a little hike a bike will be worth it……or ride the fantail then turn back north and ride both sections. Would that make the steep part generally downhill? I’m riding the 24th and 25th. Looking forward to replacing many calories at the Purple Pie Place in Custer.

 
Sunnyhello on 08/15/23 5:26:29 AM
Ok, it looks like taking the fantail avoids that section. As for doubling back north to hit it, you couldn't pay me to ride fully loaded down a 17% grassy grade. Maybe if I were running from from fire or zombies.


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To Fantail or Not to Fantail
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HARDEST ELEVATON
 -  + Hi! Myself and three other woman are coming out to ride soon. We are trying to navigate degree of diffiulty and mileage per day. What are the hardest areas(elevation climbs)? We are planning north...
Discussion started 08/08/23 8:05:01 AM by kRISTI - 5 replies (last reply by kRISTI at 08/08/23 7:46:01 PM)
kRISTI from CHICAGO on 08/08/23 8:05:01 AM
Hi!
Myself and three other woman are coming out to ride soon. We are trying to navigate degree of diffiulty and mileage per day. What are the hardest areas(elevation climbs)? We are planning north to south.
Anyone have any valuable insights? Tips? Recommendations? Thanks so very much for any input!

 
jaydee from 98312 on 08/08/23 8:46:48 AM
North to South direction is a good plan.
That said, I would recommend riding from Englewood to Deadwood since it is the most "difficult" section. By riding that section in that direction you will be mostly coasting on a downhill grade for about 8 miles. Once you finish that section, shuttle from Deadwood to Englewood and continue your ride south to eventually Edgemont.

 
Bill from Springfield, IL on 08/08/23 9:07:08 AM
I'm assuming you've seen the elevation map (link here: https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/mickelson-trail-map.pdf) that gives a pretty good description of the entire 109 miles. The first 5.9 miles out of Deadwood are probably the most difficult. After that it's mostly downhill into Hill City (approximate mid-point of the trail).

You'll have a slight climb out of Hill City for about 4 miles and then it's mostly downhill (or flat) all the way to Edgemont.

Since this is a former railroad line, the steepest gradient can't be more than 4% -somewhat like riding into a moderate wind. Of course, those climbing miles are offset by downhills on the other side.

Again, the link to the elevation map I included might be of help, if you haven't already seen it. Enjoy the ride.

 
kRISTI from CHICAGO on 08/08/23 11:11:32 AM
Thank you so much Jaydee and Bill! I really appreicate your input. Great information!!!!!!!

 
jaydee from 98312 on 08/08/23 12:04:10 PM
If riding peddle-assist bikes, Deadwood to Englewood is not "difficult".

 
kRISTI from CHICAGO on 08/08/23 7:46:01 PM
We will be riding Mountain bikes and Gravel bikes! Appreciate the tips!


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Mickelson Trail cycling jersey or T shirts
 -  + I’m looking for cycling jerseys from the Mick, or even South Dakota. I’d settle for a nice T shirt if no jerseys can be found….maybe a local bike shop has one. Where can I find these along the trail o...
Discussion started 08/06/23 8:49:44 PM by Eric - 1 reply (last reply by Yodd at 08/07/23 2:39:56 AM)
Eric from KCMO on 08/06/23 8:49:44 PM
I’m looking for cycling jerseys from the Mick, or even South Dakota. I’d settle for a nice T shirt if no jerseys can be found….maybe a local bike shop has one. Where can I find these along the trail or online? My Mickelson trip is being planned now and I am considering this month because September looks cold. Most of the cycling jerseys I own pay tribute to a bike or a hike I have traveled to complete. Currently I have jerseys for: Katy Trail, Bike Across Kansas (pending trip, but lots of rides over there) Arizona, Canada and Iceland.

 
Yodd from Saxton,Pa on 08/07/23 2:39:56 AM
I rode the trail 2 years ago and picked up a shirt from Granite Sports in Hill City. They had a nice selection of shirts and jerseys.


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Mickelson Trail cycling jersey or T shirts
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spring creek inn
 -  + My husband and I are heading eastward for a graduation next Spring...early May, 2024. I want to ride the Mickelson trail from Hill City to Dead wood. I can rent a bike in Hill City. Has anyone stayed ...
Discussion started 08/05/23 3:50:45 PM by Jude - 1 reply (last reply by Bill at 08/05/23 5:23:15 PM)
Jude on 08/05/23 3:50:45 PM
My husband and I are heading eastward for a graduation next Spring...early May, 2024. I want to ride the Mickelson trail from Hill City to Dead wood. I can rent a bike in Hill City. Has anyone stayed at the Spring Creek Inn or any other place in Hill City? Looking for recommendations.

 
Bill from Springfield, IL on 08/05/23 5:23:15 PM
My wife and I have stayed at the Comfort Inn & Suites on Old Hill City Road twice. Both times have been very good. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, and friendly staff. Last stay was summer 2022.

I've also heard good things about the Holiday Inn Express in Hill City, but I've never stayed there.

Sorry, I don't have any information on the Spring Creek Inn. I did read something about its cancellation policy not being very good, so you might want to verify that before making a reservation.

I'll be going back for a solo ride in September, and I'll stay at the Comfort Inn again only because my two prior experiences were very good. It's not the most economical in town (a little less than the Holiday Inn Express), but it's reasonable. If my September stay changes my mind about the Comfort Inn & Suites on Old Hill City Road, I'll update this comment. Have a great trip and a great ride!


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