George S. Mickelson Trail – Part III

A colleague’s wedding in the Black Hills over the Memorial Day weekend provided an opportunity to finally complete my ride of the George S. Mickelson Trail.  As reviewed previously, I biked the Edgemont to Custer section in 2014 and the Deadwood to Rochford section in 2016, leaving approximately the middle third of the trail between Custer and Rochford yet to be ridden.

Under overcast skies, temperatures in the low 40s, and a light headwind, I biked north out of downtown Custer on May 26^th shortly after dawn.  It felt good to start the final section of the trail where I ended in 2014.

(Returning to the same sign, nearly three years later)

The moderate climb out of Custer felt good with the cool morning temperatures.  I wasn’t long before I was comfortably warm, stopping briefly near the Mountain Trailhead to snag a photo of the Crazy Horse Memorial to the east of the trail.

(Profile barely visible from the trail)

I arrived at Hill City 15 miles into the ride hoping a small bakery might be open for a light snack and coffee.  A quick detour on the main road through town yielded a couple options, but neither were open so I continued north.

The Black Hills are composed of some of the oldest exposed rocks in the world, estimated at more than two billion years old.  The Mickelson Trail cuts directly through this geological formation (known as the Harney Peak Granite Batholith) on the way to Deadwood.  At four places along the trail, the ‘cutting’ is literal, in that the trail passes through short tunnels bored through the hard granite.  Three of the tunnels (referred to as A, B, and C) occur in rapid succession between the Mystic and Rochford Trailheads.

(Tunnel A)

(Tunnel B)

(Tunnel C)

Shortly before arriving at the Rochford Trailhead I enjoyed a first…   …a mountain lion sighting!  Though it was only a glimpse, the body size and unmistakable dark brown tip on its tail confirmed that it was indeed a lion.  The cat ran ahead of me on the trail, approximately 30 yards out, before darting into a ravine.  Being a cat person, I briefly considered stopping to cajole the large feline out of the ravine for a little mid-ride laptime.  With a schedule to keep for activities later in the day, I opted to gear down and move quickly through the area.

(Puma concolor)

The turnaround at the Rochford Trailhead was brief, stopping only to use the facilities, strip off a wool undershirt, and fill my water bottles.  The temperature had increased considerably, so I was thankful for the hydrant near the shelter.

(Rochford Trailhead)

Though my trek north was a solo journey, multiple groups of riders were out during the return leg.  Everyone seemed to be enjoying the excellent weather and trail conditions.

(Heading south near Mystic Trailhead)

As I entered Hill City, incoming clouds beckoned rain, so I opted to continue on Highway 385 to save time.  The decision was questionable, as the busy four lane highway made for some nerve-wracking riding.  I was glad to return to the trail at the Crazy Horse Memorial turnoff for the final downhill stretch to Custer.

(Back on the trail with rain in the distance)

The Koga-Miyata performed well throughout the ride.  Aside from limestone getting stuck in the cogs (no fault of the bike), I had no problems during 80+ miles of riding.  Its comfort and reliability make it a good – albeit somewhat heavy – randonneur bike.  As of this month, I’ve been riding the Koga-Miyata for 20 years!

George S. Mickelson Trail – Part II

My intention was for this to be the last installment reviewing this trail, having ridden the Edgemont to Custer section of the Mickelson Trail in 2014.  My plans were start at Deadwood and ride quickly to Custer along Highway 385, and then return to Deadwood by way of the trail before nightfall.  However, a loose crank bolt in the first six miles of the ride compromised these plans significantly.  Not wanting to push my luck over 112 miles with an uncertain mechanical and few useful tools, I explored my options to salvage the day.

(Starting at the Deadwood Trailhead, 8:00 a.m. sharp!)

(Reviewing my options along Highway 385…   …feeling ‘Closed for the Season’)

Fortunately, the map I brought identified a nearby gravel road with a direct route to the Mickelson Trail.  In fact, the distance from Highway 385 and the Englewood Trailhead was a mere six miles along mostly smooth hardpack.  Even by adopting a slower pace and stopping periodically to tighten the crank bolt, I arrived at the trailhead in less than 25 minutes.

(Smooth riding on this gravel road…)

(…passing directly by a gravel quarry, naturally)

Following a short pit stop at the trailhead, I learned there was a marathon being held from Rochford to Deadwood.  This was another setback, for if I were to head south along the trail I would soon come in contact with heavy traffic.  After a few minutes of mulling this new news, I decided to ride to Rochford anyway.  As a multi-use trail, I certainly wouldn’t be the only cyclist the marathon participants would come in contact with.  Tightening my crack bolt again, I headed south from Englewood along chipped limestone.

(More smooth riding...  ...wide tires at low pressure rolled nicely over this variable surface)

The marathon appeared to be a veteran’s benefit, as there were numerous military personnel participating.  I passed many in full fatigues with standard-issue boots, and even some with what appeared to be full backpacks.  Running/walking 26+ miles in that gear was surely no easy task.  Most impressive!

(Here come the marathoners!)

Riding in the opposite direction of the participants allowed me to find open trail quickly.  As I approached Rochford I soaked up the changing colors of the trees under bright blue skies.  The disappointment of my changed plans dissipated.  It was a turning out to be a good day.

(One of many bridges crossed on the way to Rochford)

(Tunnel shortly before Rochford)

The Rochford Trailhead was a hotbed of activity, with cyclists arriving from Custer as part of the 2016 Mickelson Trail Trek.  The trailhead was also the starting location for what appeared to be a Boy Scout bike ride.  I quickly used the facilities, filled both water bottles, and pointed my bike north.

(Rochford Trailhead)

(A welcome spigot to refill bottles for the ride back to Deadwood)

Not wanting to ride in the same direction as the marathon participants, I opted to take Highway 17 out of Rochford.  My hope was to pass most (if not all) the walkers prior to the Englewood Trailhead and then take the Mickelson Trail the rest of the way into Deadwood.  Despite the absence of a shoulder, the highway was essentially devoid of traffic making for some enjoyable riding.

(Bovine criminals?)

(They appeared peaceful enough from the highway)

My plan to leapfrog the walkers worked mostly.  I passed less than 20 participants in the last 10 miles into Deadwood, making the final descent particularly enjoyable.  Should I have the opportunity to ride the Mickelson Trail in its entire length in the future, I would want to experience this descent again.  Perhaps someday…

(A slight rise to the trail before dropping into Deadwood)