Eric from KC MO on 7/6/2025 2:43:14 AM:
Sounds like you have the experience and good bike choice. I did Deadwood to Custer on day one, plus a side trip up to Crazy Horse. That day was 66 miles, 3524’ of elevation climbed and 6:10 riding. The hardest part of the ride is the lengthy uphill segment out of Deadwood….12 miles maybe. In the Lead area there are two Mickelson trail routes. I suggest the shorter/steeper route going northbound because of the two short hills that are hike-a-bikes for some riders. Heading south take the longer flatter route closer to Lead.
My day two was Custer to Edgemont, 45 miles, 526’ climb, in 3:13. The initial climb from Custer was the only challenge. Deadhorse Canyon and just beyond it was a highlight before descending into the flats before Edgemont. The last few miles before town was pretty blah. I have RidewithGPS links if you want me to send later, but the trail is pretty straightforward. I imagine if you stay somewhere in Custer a night or two you could arrange to leave a vehicle longer. Do not miss Purple Pie Place.
For your consideration…I saw a recent YouTube video from a guy who found a way to ride to Mt Rushmore somewhat safely. He reduced the time on highway 244 from I think 9 miles to 6 miles. He rode out of Hill City taking Old Hill City Road to Palmer Gulch Road then south to the service entrance to the Mt Rushmore KOA. Then he got onto 244. This was interesting to me, so I did some map exploration and figured out one could ride even further east on Old Hill City then turn south on the Centennial Trail. It’s only one mile via trail to 244, then 3 miles to Rushmore with rideable shoulder most of the way. I was not able to figure out what the trail was like, but suspect it’s walkable at least. That video title is Cycling to Mount Rushmore, and it’s by Dave Kline. Not sure when I will return to ride the Mick again, but want to ride this, the Needles Highway and the Wildlife Loop Road at Custer State Park.