Great pictures!
The Black Hills are one of my favorite places to visit and I love riding out there. Was also out there in June during the big rains they had early and did the Gold Rush 110 out of Spearfish prior to spending a week camping outside of Custer.
Next year my wife wants to do the full Mikelson on our tandem after the Gold rush.
Originally Posted by
indyfabz
There were some really rough spots when I rode it in June due to the abnormally high rainfall totals the area had been experienced. There were even a few short stretches approaching the southern terminus of Edgemont where the surface was completely washed away from water running off a steep slope. Even with a full load I could easily walk those short stretches. The grades are also not as gentle as your average rail trail. The climb south from the Engelwood trail head is 5 miles at over 2% average. But the trail is worth the extra effort.
Later in the trip I stayed in Custer for three nights and did day rides. One of those rides was SD 49 up to Sylvan Lake then Needles (SD 47) clockwise to U.S. 16A back to SD 49. Great ride and not as difficult as going counterclockwise.
Photos from my entire trip, which was a loop from Rapid City:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/105349...57655263744881