Mickelson Trail Forum

I have a class 2 ebike however I am able to remove the throttle from the bike and disconnect it totally, which if I read the law correctly would make it a class 1 bike because all other items are then within the requirements for a class 1 bike including motor and being pedal assist only at the point when the throttle is removed. Renting bikes is very costly there. I did that last year. If I remove the throttle and just put regular bike grips on and have everything else meet class 1 requirements can I use it the on the trail?

That's an interesting question that I've never seen before on this forum. The short answer is no.

Here is what I found in regard to the law:

In the U.S., e-bike classes are defined by the bike’s design and motor assist features, NOT by whether you’ve removed a component. Removing a throttle from a Class 2 e-bike does not automatically make it a Class 1 e-bike — the classification is based on the bike’s original configuration and intended operation.

Here’s how it works:

Class 1 e-bike: Pedal-assist only, no throttle, motor cuts off at 20 mph. No motor power without pedaling.

Class 2 e-bike: Has a throttle (can propel without pedaling) plus pedal-assist, both capped at 20 mph.

Key point: Federal and state regulations treat the bike as the class it was designed for. If you remove the throttle, the bike still has the same motor and pedal-assist system. If it still provides pedal-assist up to 20 mph, it remains a Class 2 under the classification rules — even without the throttle.

The “throttle” is just one feature; the class is defined by the assist type and speed limit.

Practical implications:

Legal standing: If you remove the throttle, you may gain more trail access, but you’ll still be riding a Class 2 bike in legal terms.

Bottom line: Removing the throttle from a Class 2 e-bike won’t change its official class — it will still be classified as Class 2. If you want the broadest trail access, you’d need to buy a pedal-assist-only bike (Class 1) rather than modifying a Class 2.

ALL THAT SAID, I guess it depends on how strict the current law is enforced. Technically speaking, you'd still be riding a Class 2 bike, but you might get away with it. I wish they would make the law/policy a lot clearer for everyone. In their minds, maybe they have. IDK.

You know, you make a good point. I have had regular bikes go by me (without warning) just as fast as the e-bikers that ran over me. I think the one difference is the weight of some e-bikes. I'm guessing the bikers that hit me were on 70# bikes and they had those huge fat tires. Both guys were pretty hefty in addition to the weight of their bikes. Of course, I don't know for sure because the two guys (teens really) didn't even stop to help me. I think that added to my frustration.

I will say once I was able to drive myself over to Rapid City, the care I got there was magnificent. And to answer Pat above, I do hope to get back to South Dakota and the trail this year, or next. It's definitely one of my favorite states.

Anyway, I don't have the answers to this e-bike thing on the trail. I'm old-school (and old, too!), so I'll never have an e-bike. I like the feel in my legs after pedaling 50-100 miles a day. Sore, but a good sore.

I know e-bikes are where the industry is going. You can't stop progress. If we can find a way to make it safe for everyone, then my personal experience doesn't matter that much. And, for sure, regular bikers can be dangerous, too.

The Mickelson Trail is so perfect and so beautiful that it would be nice if you could ride the whole trail knowing everyone is looking out for everyone else.

Thanks for your input. And thanks to Pat for inviting me back. I like fishing, but I'm better at riding!

getting mixed information on ebike, we have a level 2 ebike ( with throttle) are they permitted on the trail?

No, only Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on the Mickelson Trail. The South Dakoto legislature passed a law prohibiting all other e-bikes. You can read the details here:

https://kbhbradio.com/house-passes-bill-limiting-mickelson-trail-to-class-1-e-bikes/

The governor signed the bill a month after the House passed it.

https://kbhbradio.com/rhoden-signs-bills-including-school-cash-mandate-mickelson-trail-e-bike-limitation-911-surcharge/

Violations would fall under the state’s lowest class of misdemeanors, punishable by a maximum of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

The state law says only level 1. There are sings at each trail head that state “only level one”. I would love to say obey the laws but I ride the trail every week, just road 70 mile yesterday. There is no one checking and I have never had an issue with anyone on an e-bike. There are problems in town but not on the trail. Those of us on gravel bikes are always going faster than the e-bikes. Go for it! The only safety issue on the trail are joggers with earbuds and dogs not on a leash.

Yeah, "GO FOR IT" sounds like great advice until you accidentally run over a child and/or hurt someone with your ILLEGAL bike.  Then I'm sure Pat will help you pay for the lawyer you will surely need...especially after you've ignored all the posted signs.

I say all this because I was injured on the trail by two e-bikers (Class 2 btw) and wound up at the emergency room in Rapid City because the urgent care facility in Hill City was closed.  

Yeah, I'm jaded because the injuries I acquired are still with me six years later and will never go away along with the scars to my neck and face.  The fact that my bike required $1000 in repairs was just icing on the cake.

GO FOR IT.  Hell, why do we even need any laws?  It's Thunderdome out there.  Just do whatever makes YOU happy.  Forget the consequences to others and especially to some young child you run over with your 70# e-bike. 

Sorry for the rant.  I didn't sue the last time.  I won't make that mistake again. 

Wait?  What?  Pat from Spearfish won't help you pay for the lawyer you WILL need.  Who could have guessed that?

I am sorry that you had a bad accident, but the Facts remain, e-bike accidents on the trail, though not tracked are listed by local authorities as “very rare”. If we keep banning every thing that can possibly harm us we won’t have a trail. There are barely enough people using the trail now to justify its costs. This law has hurt local rentals and eliminated many people from the trail. I have ridden the trail atleast 40 times a year for the past 25 years and the only accidents I have witness have been caused by dogs. And small children. I don’t think we need to ban either.

I DO APOLOGIZE for taking out my rant on you.  I know you were just trying to give some friendly advice.  So, excuse me for my bad behavior. 

It's like I get triggered when I hear about Class 2 or 3 e-bikes on the trail, HAHA. 

Accidents are "very rare" UNTIL they happen to you, or maybe someone you care about.

I worry that we are fast becoming a "ME, ME, ME" society regardless of what laws are passed.  When I choose only the laws I will obey and you choose only to obey the laws you like, chaos is the ultimate result.  

I'm assuming the South Dakota legislature passed the bill, and the governor signed it based upon evidence and good reasoning. 

If we don't like a law, we should work to change it...not ignore it at the possible risk to others. 

As to "I don't think we need to ban dogs and small children..."  Okay, but the current law DOES ban Class 2 and 3 e-bikes.  That's the difference.  Work to change the law if you feel it needs to be changed.

I will admit that my EXTREME BIAS is due to the accident I had.  All the medical bills and deductibles were on me and my insurance.  Why?  Because the two twenty-somethings that ran over me wouldn't even stop to help me even though they saw the condition I was in.  Blood streaming down my face with my bike in pieces.  Cuts to both sides of my face with scars that won't go away.  (Had I not been wearing a helmet, the injuries probably would have been even worse.) 

I didn't have a cell signal between Deadwood and Hill City, so I couldn't call for help. The few people I met on the trail didn't have cell service either.  Had to slowly walk my bike over 10 miles to Hill City.  Thankfully, it was mostly a downhill grade. When I got to Hill City, urgent care was closing and they told me I needed to drive myself 30 miles to Rapid City.

The effects are still with me in many ways.  My neck has never healed to where I feel like riding more than a few miles, let alone go bikepacking.  I also enjoyed hiking in the Sierras and the injury to my back doesn't allow that.

I probably need to remove myself from these Mickelson Trail alerts!  This topic comes up EVERY year, and I rant about it EVERY year.  Since I'll probably never be able to ride the trail again, I get triggered for no reason.

But I do worry about other people (especially seniors and young children) getting run over by 70# e-bikes with a 200# rider going 25-30mph.  I'm not a scientist, but that math sounds like a recipe for serious injury.

You don't need to reply.  We'll just have to agree to friendly disagree on Class 2 and 3 e-bikes on the trail.  I will say if they aren't going to patrol the trail and enforce the law as it is currently written, they should just repeal the law.

The only advice I would give anyone is that if you do choose to ignore the law and all the posted signs...and you injure someone...well, personal injury lawyers like to make money. Lots of it.

All the best to you.  Stay safe out there. I do hope I get to ride the trail once more before I die.

Mark, I hope you will continue to share your story on the forum. Though I don’t care for the law it is still important that people are aware of risks. It is never a bad idea to share safety concerns. I do hope you can have a more complete recovery, and I hope you come out to the Black Hills again. We have great fishing too.

Mark,

Sorry you had that experience. I have a class 2 ebike that cannot exceed 19.8 MPH when using the throttle. That said I have had non-electric bike pass me going much faster than that and without given any notice they were coming up from behind. I have a friend that has a class 2 three-wheel bike because they have MS but like going on the trails. Those too are set not to exceed 19.8 mph but I rarely see him over 8mph. To me its a shame there are no exceptions for handicap people like that. I understand the safety needs on the trail but every person using the trails should keep safety in mind whether you are walking it or riding it. I would also like to remind people when riding it on any bike to let people you are approaching that you will be coming up on their left. People with pets please use leashes. I hate getting bit by startled unleased dogs. It is just commonsense folks.

We love the black hills and trail but it looks like we cannot enjoy the trail any more!!!

Exemptions for Senior Citizens

There are no specific exemptions for senior citizens regarding the e-bike law on the Mickelson Trail.

All riders, regardless of age, must adhere to the same regulations, which only permit Class I e-bikes.

Implications
Senior citizens who wish to use the trail must use a Class I e-bike to comply with the law.

This uniformity in the law means that age does not influence the type of e-bike allowed on the trail.

The last time I was in Hill City and Deadwood there were a couple of places that rent Class 1 e-bikes. Since the new law passed, there may be more places offering to rent Class 1 bikes. I'm not sure. Here is a link to some of them:

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

Hi, I am looking to book a shuttle with Crossroads Bike Tours from Edgemont to Deadwood on August 8th or 9th and wanted to see if anyone was interested in joining to share the cost. Are there other good shuttle services that cost less?

Hello - We have rented a Shuttle to pick us up at 3pm on Tuesday June 9 from Edgemont transporting us to Deadwood. We have room for others. Please let me know if you would like to join us (and help pay).

Just curious if you have any takers on joining in on your shuttle this early summer. Cost share would be beneficial.

Curious if you have found fellow bikers to share cost on shuttle transportation? I may be interested.

Hello - We are still looking for anyone interested in traveling back from Edgemont to Deadwood on Tuesday June 16. My email is wiscmari@aol.com.

We will ride trail for the first time next week. I am told water is at each trailhead in the summer. Is this the case for June 1?

We are roadtripping and plan to ride the Mickelson from Deadwood to Edgemont over 2 days. Our vehicle will be left overnight unattended with all of our gear/clothes/food.

We were thinking about leaving the vehicle in Edgemont and getting shuttled to Deadwood the morning of. I have looked at the Edgemont campground, Cowboy Inn, and the Edgemont trailhead.

Is there anywhere you'd recommend to leave our car overnight that would be safest? Or would leaving it in Deadwood and getting shuttled back after our ride be a better option?

I have never left a car overnight in Edgemont, but it is a very small town and they are used to having vehicle stay there because of the trail. Deadwood has a very good parking area for the trail and has regular police patrols. I do not think Edgemont would even have a police department. They are probably patrolled by the county Sherriff. I would not be afraid of either but if the cost and logistics with a shuttle are the same I would prefer Deadwood as a parking place. Overall crime is low out here but teens can be just as bored and stupid in small towns as in big cities.

A group of us (3-4 people) are planning to ride the Mickelson Trail at the end of August. We'd probably prefer to camp but I'm having trouble finding campgrounds that would work for our preferred mileage. We will be on mountain bikes and want to do only about 30-35 miles each day. What suggestions can you make for camping? If camping isn't doable, what suggestions do you have for lodging every 30-35 miles down the trail? We'll be going north to south.

Sharon, this may have been mentioned before but in the Black Hills dispersed camping is allowed with a few exceptions (near camp grounds, around lakes and right along the trail. You just need to make sure you are not on private land. I have used trail heads for water and bathroom facilities then just find a spot about a quarter mile or so away and 50 yards off the trail for camping. You could then find a designated camp ground every couple of days.

Thanks for the reply!

Will be riding the trail in Sept. Our plan is to spilt the ride up into 3 days. Day 2. Custer to Mystic. Day 3. Mystic to Edgemont. My question is, is it better to start in Deadwood to Mystic or Mystic to Deadwood? Witch one is easiest as for as the elevation goes?

I'll be 71 and my riding partners will be 66. We all have multiday rides under our tires, mostly rails to trails. This one seems to have a bit more grade than some of the others. How would it compare coming out of Cumberland going up the Eastern Dived? Deadwood to Cumberland.,

You will enjoy the ride no matter what way you go. I am a little confused by your route. Custer to Mystic is northbound, Mystic to Edgemont would take you South back through Custer. If you start in Deadwood, the hardest climb will be done first. It is really not bad, and it is so beautiful you will like the fact you are going slow. Once you reach Dumont it is very easy ride to Mystic, Not all down hills but mostly. South from Mystic through Hill City is again easy, then a slight climb toward Custer. Custer to Edgemont is down hill, but open and you will deal with wind.
I prefer north to south but I like down hill. My Son has the KOM on Strava for both ways, and he prefers south to north so he can get the windy sunny section done first. No matter how you ride, it is great. September is a great time of year to be on the trail.

My mistake, day 3 would be Custer to Edgemont.

Is there a preference on witch trail to use coming out of Deadwood at Kirk RD or the one that follows Whitewood creek at Yellow Creek road? Is one more scenic than the other? Kirk RD seems to be the easier grade.

The route that follows Kirk road is slightly easier. At the switchback there is a pretty good climb and the views in that section are nice. That is known as the “high Line” because that train went up to Lead. The route following the creek is much more scenic. There are a couple of bridge crossings and the last section before the trails meet is very steep, but it has been improved the last couple of years. The trail continues to climb from there but it is gradual and there is water and a vaulted toilet at Englewood.

Hi Pat, below are my notes from your comment about the trail heading south out of Deadwood. Is this correct? Which section would you recommend? We are flatlanders from St. Louis, 39 & 45 with OK fitness (a bit overweight but we don't let that stop us!).

-Whitewood Creek section: more scenic, bridge crossings, but very steep climb at the end

-Kirk Road/Whitetail Creek section: nice views, slightly easier, but a pretty good climb on the switchback

Thank you :)

If I were coming from out of town and only riding once, I would follow the creek. It is more scenic and the steep part is short enough that if you walked some it would not take that long.
Just so you know what I am talking about. After leaving Deadwood the next official trailhead is the Kirk road trail head. It is at this trail head you take the trail to the left. If you go right (or straight actually) you will continue following Kirk road. You will love the trail in September. I hope you have a great time, maybe Ill see you on the trail.

I was wondering if the trail is clear of snow for a run in about 2-3 weeks. It has been such an odd winter.

yes I too have the same ? Snow/Ice how good or bad is it now 1'st week of April? You may LOL @ my stupidity if I am totally unrealistic to think bike travel is available.

Can anyone recommend a "reputable" shuttle company that can pick up 2 folks and bikes in Hill City and drop off in Deadwood on a Monday morning in June?

We are looking to ride the trail on our horses in mid-June (avoiding the Big Mick).

Wonder if anyone has information about places with horse accommodations?

Would it be possible to ride a Recumbent trike on the Michelson Trail?
It is NOT power assisted in any way. A trike has a wheelbase ( width between rear tires) of approximately 36"

Yes, recumbent bikes are allowed on the Mickelson Trail, as the trail is open to traditional types of bicycles and E-bikes (Class 1 only).

The trail is designed for various types of non-motorized vehicles, including traditional bicycles, mountain bikes, AND recumbent bikes.

The trail has a crushed limestone surface, which is suitable for recumbent bikes. The trail is accessible to people of all abilities, making it a good option for recumbent bike users who may need a more comfortable riding position.

While most of the trail is easy to navigate, some sections may be more challenging due to inclines or rough patches. Users should be aware of their bike's capabilities.

Recumbent bikes can be a great choice for enjoying the scenic views along the Mickelson Trail.

I haven't seen a lot of recumbent bikes on the trail during my rides, but I have seen some. Enjoy the ride. And do watch out for unlocked E-bikes. Don't ask me how I know...

We planning a 4 day 3 night trip on the Mickelson. I’d thinking night one in Hill City, night two in Custer after detour to Mt. Rushmore and night 3 in Hot Springs. How is the the ride from Minnekahta to Hot Springs via route 18. We are a party of four and a little concerned with traffic

Dave, hwy 18 has a good shoulder to ride on, cars will be passing you fast and it is open to wind so being on it in the morning or later afternoon is better. 43 years ago I rode from Batavia to North of St Charles daily for work, and I feel safer in traffic out here than I ever did back there. The people out here are very courteous for the most part. if you stop for a drink don't be surprised if trucks pull over to make sure you are OK. I hope you enjoy your ride.

Hello - We are planning a trip to bike tge Mickelson Trail from June 14-16.
Should we plan on starting in Deadwood or Edgemont? I have read Deadwood is best to start and then go South.
If we start in Deadwood, which bike rental company would you suggest?
IF we start in Deadwood, where should we stop along the way? Where should we spend the night?
How do we get back to Deadwood from Edgemont (we are not planning on riding both ways)?
Thanks for any relevant info. M and S

Personally, I think North to South (Deadwood to Edgemont) is the way to go. The last 45 miles from Custer to Edgemont is virtually downhill - not flat, but downhill for sure. If you start with those 45 miles going uphill to Custer, it takes more work. IMO.

If you start in Deadwood, it's 48 miles or so to Hill City, the highest point of the trail at 5,000 feet. The first 16 miles and the last 7 into Hill City are uphill, but the other 25 miles are downhill. That's assuming you want to do the trail in two days. That does leave you 60 miles from Hill City to Edgemont on day 2, but mostly downhill. If you could go another 16 miles on day 1, you could make it to Custer leaving you only 44 miles to finish on day 2.

There are several nice hotels in Hill City and it's a nice town to stay in. We usually stay at the Comfort Inn & Suites on Old Hill City Road, but there are other nice hotels to select from. I'm not familiar with the hotels in Custer, but there are some there. Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn, etc.

I've never tried to break up the ride into 3 or 4 days, so I'm not sure where I'd stay if I broke up the miles that way. I am partial to an overnight in Hill City due to the good restaurants there.

I always take my own bike, so I can't help you with the bike rentals.

I've never used the shuttle services, but there are many you can find with a quick Google search. Here's one: https://www.touringintheblackhills.com/

Good luck.

This is a good elevation and distance map of the trail showing you the Mile Posts and what is at each one. You can see the (mostly) downhill section from Custer to Edgemont if you are going southbound.

https://www.scribd.com/document/92691828/Mickelson-Trail-Guide

Thanks!

Are motorized trikes, E- trike aloud in Mickelson trail?

I don't think the recently passed law regarding the Mickelson Trail distinguished between E-bikes and E-trikes. At least in my reading of the legislation, I couldn't find any difference.

As long as your bike meets Class 1 restrictions, I think you'd be okay.

Class 1 is:

1. Maximum assisted speed 20 mph
2. Maximum motor power 750 watts, or less
3. Throttle not permitted

Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed since the new law was passed.

If I'm wrong about that, I hope someone will correct me. Thanks.

I verified with the office that class 2 E-bikes are permitted as long as you disconnect the throttle.

I'd be interested to know what office told you that. The PRECISE text of the bill SB 79 only allows for Class 1 E-bikes.

No mention - not a single one - is made for exceptions for Class 2 E-bikes with a disconnected throttle.

Why? Because most would keep the throttle connected until they got caught hoping they would not be. If the legislature wanted to make cutouts for Class 2 or even Class 3 bikes, you would think they would write that in the bill.

I'm not questioning your comment. But I'd like to call the same office that told you that to see why they think the bill means something contrary to the actual text of the bill. If you could list that office's phone number here, it might allow us to clear this up for everyone. Thank you.

Starting to plan a scouting high adventure and considering the Michelson trail because of it's accessibility. We will have a support vehicle.

Are there any recommendations for camping locations?

We will likely have 15 people or less, broken into separate crews to manage congestion on the trail. Goal is to ride the entire trail in 5 days

I know nothing about planning for a group but I can tell you some things that could help. You will often see groups of 10-15 people from one of the rental shops on the trail. Obviously any group will have faster and slower riders, as long as everyone knows where they are going it would not be an issue together or spread out. There are many private and public camping sites on or within a mile of the trail. Also it is ok to camp anywhere in the Black Hill National forest. With the exception of being near designated camping areas. Five days should be easy for any level riding ability. Because it is an old rail grades there are no steep sections. I known there is a major event ride sometime in June and mid summer there is the Mickelson Marathon but for the most part the trail is very underutilized. I hope you're plans work out and you can come and enjoy this beautiful area. Don’t forget to visit Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Spearfish Canyon, Devils tower and the Bad Lands. There is a lot to do here.

Does anyone CURRENTLY offer a service of driving your personal vehicle to the other end of the trail? The various shuttle services don’t mention this on their websites. I have firsthand experience using this service with Black Hills Discovery Tours in 2023, however the owner Bill has since retired and sold the business. In case this isn’t clear: I was a solo rider and he drove my truck from Deadwood to Edgemont. It was waiting for me when I pedaled into town the next day. I did something Bill had not experienced, I purchased a real estate type lockbox and I secured it to the bed of my truck. Bill placed my keys in that lock box when he dropped my truck off. This gave me some comfort since the truck sat overnight. This service cost about what it would take two riders to be shuttled with their bikes, so it was kind of pricey, but it was worth it for me so I didn’t have to ride the shuttle a few hours back to the start point. Originally I planned to return that lockbox to Amazon, but decided I would keep it for future use.

Looking for Hotels within biking distance to the trail.
You would think it would be easier to find!
Looking for spots that we can go both directions from so stay two nights and then move.
40 miles total up and back each day.
Can start on either end.
Thanks,
JVG

JVG, You could stay in Lead, do the Deadwood/Lead loop one day then go to Rockford and back another. Then stay in Hill City. Go North to Mystic and back then south toward Custer and back. You could do the same thing from Custer.
Lead, Deadwood, Hill City, and Custer are tourist towns, there are many hotels, B&B’s, cabins…..
You could also do one way rides and use a shuttle.

You will enjoy
Pat

Pat,
Thank you so much!
Any ideas on Hotels right near the trail?
Joe

JVG, all of these towns are very small. There are hotels within 2-3 blocks. If you use the trip planner here on the webpage it will list housing for each trail head.

Thinking of biking the trail next year. What is the best time of bike to use for this trail?

My two cents is a gravel bike or similar. The Katy is overwhelmingly flat, so you’ll be pedaling a lot. Prior to my first Katy trip a physical therapist coworker who was a cyclist asked me if I like spin cycling classes. I told her of course not…she definitely had a good point about cycling on rail trails. It’s relatively smooth since it’s crushed rock, so your rolling resistance is not as good as pavement, but much easier than gravel. A medium width tire is sufficient for cushion compared to skinny road bike tires which would likely be uncomfortable for you, plus they are more susceptible to flats. I also own and ride a mountain bike, sometimes I will have my family drop me off at my closest MTB trails and when I’m done I ride the MTB back home. This is when I realize how much more effort and energy it takes riding it the short three miles home compared to my gravel bike. The weight and lower gearing of the MTB on the Katy would be miserable in my opinion. To me, like what you’re asking, you want the right tool for the best experience.

You will enjoy the trail anytime. I like the late summer and fall the best but mid summer is nice too as long as you are not in the southern part of the trail in the hot afternoon. The trail is ideal for a gravel bike, 38-45mm tires. But MTB is fine too if you’re taking it easy and stopping to enjoy the views. 10-12 mph is a very casual average speed (that is combined up and down hill in northern section). 14-16mph average is a good fun training ride for me. Plenty of water and facilities on the trail. There are a couple of running races during the year other than that it is very under utilized. Hope you make it out, it is a great ride and great place to visit.

My ADHD brain got the best of me and I failed to recognize your question was a Mickelson post. Sorry about that. I’m in both the Katy and Mickelson groups. My bike suggestion for a gravel remains, probably even more so….that very long climb out of Deadwood is a low grade, but it lasts for 12+ miles. Also, if you are a southbound rider consider taking the left fork at the Kirk trailhead in Lead (pronounced Leed) It is shorter but there will be two very short but steep hills because this is a secondary trail (not original) that was added in the Lead area. This option is a bit more scenic. Some riders don’t like the steep sections, but is only an issue riding southbound.
If you’re not aware the Mickelson Trail goes under the driveway leading up to the Crazy Horse Memorial. It’s an interesting stop and the museum is free, HOWEVER they will charge you to ride up there just as they would a car. There is a bike rack in the parking lot in a wide open visible area if you’re concerned about bike security. Note that it’s on a busy path between the lot and museum entrance so a lot of people will pass by the bike rack (so perhaps secure any item on your bike that might be valuable)
Do not miss Purple Pie Place in Custer. Chalet Motel was very nice.