The ride was awesome. I did it in two parts. I started in Hill City and rode up to Crazy Horse, then back to Hill City.
On Sunday, I started in Deadwood and road 13 miles up the trail then back. I would have ridden farther, but I had a little too much night life in Deadwood Saturday night.

Colorado Dale is right though, the trail has different personalities depending on where you are. I really thought the ride out of Deadwood was the best. It was a pretty good climb till you get past Sugarloaf trailhead, then it levels out till Englewood and then climbs again. But the countryside is beautiful all the way.
As far as the surface goes, I never did have any problems with my 1.5" tires. There were a couple spots that had some deep pockets, but nothing to worry about...
It was just a great ride. Next year I'm going to try and do Deadwood to Hill City, overnight there and the ride back.
It's a great trail to ride!