I first rode the Mickelson trail as part of a cross continent bicycle tour 5 years ago. Got on the trail in Custer and headed north. In just the first few miles I was simply in awe of the rocky formations near Crazy Horse memorial. The trail takes you away from major roads, and often any roads at all! It's a uniquely intimate experience.
I am a retired RR employee. The railroads built in the steam era, such as that railroad, typically has no greater than .2% gradient. The old steam engines could not handle steep grades. Even the new diesels can only handle 3% for short periods. It is just so much safer and easier for railroads to be a flat as possible. Grades also pose braking issues. If you watch while driving, many of the old US Highway Routes followed very low routes, many next to rivers that were prone to flooding. Many times, those highways followed railroad routes. A very perfect example of that would be the Sante Fe trail across Kansas. First the trail, then the Atchinson, Topeka, and Sante Fe Railroad, then a graveled, then a paved highway. Later as diesel powered earth moving equipment came along, civil engineers had more tools to engineer railroads and highways that were up out of flooding danger.
I'm super-happy to know about this trail. Good info, & nice that you also just let the camera roll as you did, allowing the trail to speak for itself. I appreciated the balance. : )
I just rode the Mickelson May 24, incredible. Wild camped on Black Hills NF one night. Storms near Custer, motel one night, then 44 miles to Edgemont by early afternoon. There are shuttles available. Going back this fall with friend with ebike of hers.
i lived on the trail for 10 years. i worked in the blackhills for 10 years, and everyday, i would go ride the mickelson trail. i know that trail like i know the time!! it is my favorite trail.
hi🌷 I agree ! It’s truly the most beautiful trail I’ve ever done, despite the 1st 14mi.’s is straight up ⬆️ I split it up 5mi. the 1st evening and the rest the next day! Worked well but Next time I’m starting @ the other end! What’s the best way to figure out a safe cycle route , loop around all of Galveston Bay, TX ? Soon? Thx 🥳 Cheryl
hi🌷 I acutely live in Sturgis, Sd so this was my first! Its incredibly BEAUTIFUL! I’m needing help creating a safe loop route all the way around Galveston Bay, TX Im going solo and have this done asap so i can make nessasary arrangements! Hoping to do as much wild camping as possible! $$$ 30-40mi.per day is more than enough ! Where do I go to get the information ℹ️ im needing??😥 Sorry for the Late notice…but care to join ? 10-12days mid-late Jan’24? SOON Thanks and take care 🥳 Cheryl ps. I split up that 1st 14mi. Uphill, did 5 Monday evening and the rest on Tuesday, helped! 💕be careful out there!
Did the trail in 2021. Was surprised by your comment about not finding water until Hill City. There were “stations” along the trail, every 10 miles or so, with a shelter, bike repair toolkit and hand water pump. - which I used to fill my bottles (cool & fresh water) Weren’t they there when you went through?
Hey, thanks for the video. We've done the section from Hill City to Custer and have been thinking about doing the whole trail when we get out to the Black Hills again. This was very helpful!
I watched both your videos. Thanks for the info you shared. I’m planning riding this in May 2024. The forest service road you used for dispersed camping, is it right off the trail? Any chance it’s marked? The information I received from the Mickelson Trail folks does say camping is not allowed on the trail. Appreciate any info. Thanks.
Nice work! 🚴🏼 Are you sure about the camping at that stop? I’ve read that camping along the trail is prohibited. Another thing: are you wearing a Walz cap? I have several and that’s what it looks like. 👍 As you do, I don’t wear a helmet on these easy trails. I don’t see the need.
Much of the trail is bordered by private land which does not allow for camping. You can camp in a few places along the trail and just off the trail where I did. There is a Forest Service app that allows you to see if you're on public or private property.
I first rode the Mickelson trail as part of a cross continent bicycle tour 5 years ago. Got on the trail in Custer and headed north. In just the first few miles I was simply in awe of the rocky formations near Crazy Horse memorial. The trail takes you away from major roads, and often any roads at all! It's a uniquely intimate experience.
I am a retired RR employee. The railroads built in the steam era, such as that railroad, typically has no greater than .2% gradient. The old steam engines could not handle steep grades. Even the new diesels can only handle 3% for short periods. It is just so much safer and easier for railroads to be a flat as possible. Grades also pose braking issues. If you watch while driving, many of the old US Highway Routes followed very low routes, many next to rivers that were prone to flooding. Many times, those highways followed railroad routes. A very perfect example of that would be the Sante Fe trail across Kansas. First the trail, then the Atchinson, Topeka, and Sante Fe Railroad, then a graveled, then a paved highway. Later as diesel powered earth moving equipment came along, civil engineers had more tools to engineer railroads and highways that were up out of flooding danger.
Solo biker here, but I've watched all of Sarah's videos in the last month. Genuine and honest. She's cool.
I'm super-happy to know about this trail. Good info, & nice that you also just let the camera roll as you did, allowing the trail to speak for itself. I appreciated the balance.
: )
I just rode the Mickelson May 24, incredible. Wild camped on Black Hills NF one night. Storms near Custer, motel one night, then 44 miles to Edgemont by early afternoon. There are shuttles available. Going back this fall with friend with ebike of hers.
i lived on the trail for 10 years. i worked in the blackhills for 10 years, and everyday, i would go ride the mickelson trail. i know that trail like i know the time!! it is my favorite trail.
hi🌷
I agree ! It’s truly the most beautiful trail I’ve ever done, despite the 1st 14mi.’s is straight up ⬆️
I split it up 5mi. the 1st evening and the rest the next day! Worked well but Next time I’m starting @ the other end! What’s the best way to figure out a safe cycle route , loop around all of Galveston Bay, TX ? Soon? Thx
🥳 Cheryl
hi🌷
I acutely live in Sturgis, Sd so this was my first! Its incredibly BEAUTIFUL!
I’m needing help creating a safe loop route all the way around Galveston Bay, TX Im going solo and have this done asap so i can make nessasary arrangements! Hoping to do as much wild camping as possible! $$$ 30-40mi.per day is more than enough ! Where do I go to get the information ℹ️ im needing??😥 Sorry for the Late notice…but care to join ? 10-12days mid-late Jan’24? SOON Thanks and take care
🥳 Cheryl
ps. I split up that 1st 14mi. Uphill, did 5 Monday evening and the rest on Tuesday, helped!
💕be careful out there!
As I read these comments I agree that your on screen demeanor is great!! Thank you so much.
Did the trail in 2021. Was surprised by your comment about not finding water until Hill City. There were “stations” along the trail, every 10 miles or so, with a shelter, bike repair toolkit and hand water pump. - which I used to fill my bottles (cool & fresh water) Weren’t they there when you went through?
Depends on the time of the year. Water pumps are seasonal. It is a fantastic trail.
Hey, thanks for the video. We've done the section from Hill City to Custer and have been thinking about doing the whole trail when we get out to the Black Hills again. This was very helpful!
Where is that tunnel?
I watched both your videos. Thanks for the info you shared. I’m planning riding this in May 2024. The forest service road you used for dispersed camping, is it right off the trail? Any chance it’s marked? The information I received from the Mickelson Trail folks does say camping is not allowed on the trail. Appreciate any info. Thanks.
I've been wanting to ride this trail. Thank you so much for this video, it was incredibly helpful.
Jrsssssus stop. With. The. Bluegrass. Id have watched otherwise
I loved the music!😊
@@benbradley5923 lol. It just gets old!
WARNING. No MAP screenshots in the video. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
How would it be with a child trailer…wide/even enough throughout?
Nice work! 🚴🏼
Are you sure about the camping at that stop? I’ve read that camping along the trail is prohibited.
Another thing: are you wearing a Walz cap? I have several and that’s what it looks like. 👍
As you do, I don’t wear a helmet on these easy trails. I don’t see the need.
Much of the trail is bordered by private land which does not allow for camping. You can camp in a few places along the trail and just off the trail where I did. There is a Forest Service app that allows you to see if you're on public or private property.
Is this trail all packed dirt/gravel or are parts paved?
This is a crushed gravel rail trail.
Nice vid. Did you bring your own bike or did you rent one in the area?
What is the best month to ride this trail?
Great video! Thank you!
Is there a shuttle available back to the start in Deadwood?
I believe there are shuttlers out of Hill City which will transfer you. That would be where I'd look first.
Discovery Shuttle is really good.
You do bike tours, and not wear a helmet? WOW!
WHY the music? It's way too loud and annoying.
I bet you’re a lot of fun at parties! 😂
I like the easy listening 🎶 😊