jono_

I'm from Winnipeg, Canada, where my regular ride is about 60km with about 15m of climbing, according to Strava. I'm looking for some lumpier and more scenic riding within a day's drive or so. Has anyone done any road riding in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota (either South or North Unit)? Looks like there's some good riding there from Strava and Google Maps but I was hoping someone here might be able to tell me if it's worth the trip.

I understand there's good mountain biking in the area too but I don't have one of those in my stable.

indyfabz

Never been there, but I believe in the South Unit E. River Rd. and the Scenic Loop Drive are the only paved roads in the park itself. You can see them on Street View. Looks nice. I was considering doing CANDISC a while back, during a year when it went to the park. The show in Medora is supposed to be fun.


North Unit appears to have only one road (Scenic Drive). Street View shows it as paved.

jono_

I believe you're right about paved roads, except for a short (less than a mile, it seems) climb up to Buck Hill off of the south east portion of Scenic Loop Drive.

I'm fine with riding some dirt roads and gravel if necessary, but the Scenic Loop on its own (once in each direction maybe) is a good start for a ride. I'm a bit worried about running into a herd of bison, but that comes with the territory I guess.

indyfabz

Just don't approach them if you do. Rode by a bunch in Wind Cave N.P. and Custer S.P. in the Black Hills a few years ago. They are pretty tame unless they feel molested. More protective when with calves. They kill and injure far more people than bears in Yellowstone. Despite the warnings plastered all over the park, people invariably want a picture next to the giant, docile seeming "cow." Bad idea. Their heads are like wrecking balls.

valygrl

paging @jamawani

davesupra

I know this is very late, but might help others. There is a paved road (East River Road) going into the park at Medora that has great views and a fair amount of elevation. It's a narrow road without much shoulder but the traffic is slow and typically isn't too bad.
https://www.google.com/maps/@46.9206...!7i3328!8i1664

If you are set up to ride gravel, there are many great gravel roads in either the north or south units. Pick a scenic spot and go. Again, you'll have to watch for traffic but with the oil boom slowing the traffic isn't too bad.