Black Hills Ride

[soupboy]

Ok,

I know a bunch of MN homers are heading out to FFTF and I can't commit yet.

That said, I wanted to check the level of interest in heading out to the Black Hills late(r) spring. Only 1/3 the drive out to Grand Junction and apparently some pretty nice riding.

Lots of SS - friendly terrain.

Sean

[soupboy]

Well, since I missed FFTF my road trip jones continues to fester. I think we should rally some kids from the Cities and descend upon western SoDak.

Maybe late June? Anything but banjo musak permitted.

http://www.acmebicycles.com/

Sean

[martini]

Sean, what about SS worlds? There's a crap load of midwesterners headed out thata way. I"m hooking up w/a ride from Decorah, and I know the Mafia is headed out too.

[KleinCrazy]

Sean, what about SS worlds? There's a crap load of midwesterners headed out thata way. I"m hooking up w/a ride from Decorah, and I know the Mafia is headed out too.

Marty,

As of the FFTF I heard from a number of people in the Mafia that almost none of them will be at worlds as one of thier number is getting married that weekend.

Mara and I are Planning on going out though.

[soupboy]

Interesting but the timing doesn't likely work for me. Is there an award for last place?

Ivan just took off this AM but he pointed out that the SSWC for 2006 will be in New Zealand...now that's a road trip to look forward to.

[homebrewbiker]

Is there a site with some information on this event? I may be interested ...

[manual63]

Lets set something up. I need to use up my vacation...

I thought I made that pretty clear....didn't I?

:p

[mara]

I'm interested. More biking is always better than less biking. :) mara

[manual63]

When are these SS Worlds...I would rather not go when that is going on. Once I know that day....I will throw a date out there and we can see how it works.

[mara]

I think they're August 20 and 21 in State College, PA.

[manual63]

Oh...so they are not at the Black Hills.....Okay. How about the weekend of June 11th and 12th with a day or two before or after? Is that a possibility?

[soupboy]

...just a little bit.

Spoon feeding served - http://www.sswc2005.com/

[manual63]

...just a little bit.

Spoon feeding served - http://www.sswc2005.com/

Yeah...I don't care.

What about my dates.....that's what I care about.....:kiss:

[SuperClydesdale]

OK I am breaking my silence one last time then it's forever. The dates are fine with me.

Mark

Yeah...I don't care.

What about my dates.....that's what I care about.....:kiss:

[manual63]

OK I am breaking my silence one last time then it's forever.

Stop that....or I'll break your silence for you....:)

Oh...and do you have a big huge SUV we can all fit in?

[homebrewbiker]

Yeah...I don't care.

What about my dates.....that's what I care about.....:kiss:

I don't care either, but I'd like to do some biking outside of the state. But I need some lead time to get the days off from work.

[NewRider]

Where you guys going riding? I'm interested in going.

[soupboy]

...we haven't really picked dates yet.

My b-day is 6/11 so that's as good a weekend as any to go get nasty in SoDak.

Sean

[DMonkey]

Sounds like a good trip - I'd go, as long as the dates work out.

[mara]

June is still a lot iffier than July, but I'm checking it out anyway. What specific dates are everyone looking at taking off?

[Panman]

I suppose now is the time to speak up...I'm interested. June & July, busy the first two weekends both months but after that I'm good.

[homebrewbiker]

July is probably better for me than June, but I could probably do either.

[Tim Wegner]

I was there in July last year. It was very very hot in Custer state park where we were camping. Also they had quite a crop of black flies at that time. I am going out in late August or early September. Have been doing that time frame for 10+ years and I think the hills are best at that time of the year.

[mara]

I'm out, unless it gets pushed back to July. Too much stuff, too little June. :cryin:

[manual63]

I guess I am gonna bail too. Need more time to figure logistics too and hopefully I can get an XC singlespeed by then. July sounds good, but someone else pick dates this time.....I seem to not be too good at it.....:)

[Panman]

Ok, I'll throw a date out. How about the weekend of July 22-24?

[manual63]

Ok, I'll throw a date out. How about the weekend of July 22-24?

I will look into that.

No big bike events that I can see.

[KleinCrazy]

Ok, I'll throw a date out. How about the weekend of July 22-24?

That one looks good for me also.

[soupboy]

...now that people have hijacked my trip plans I suppose I should chip in. I'll take Tim's word on the heat & flies. No thank you to either...especially those flies.

Not to think too far forward but if we push it back to late August or September it may interfere with the greater vacation schedule for kids going to Gnomefest.

The flies can't last too long. The heat might, but it can't get any worse than ND-NAG when it was 105d in early September with ZERO shade at MDH. At least the Black Hills have trees and elevation on their side.

Sean

[manual63]

From the looks of it, I think July 22 - 24 is going to be it. Ryan, Mara, James, and I are all a go for it. Flies.....heat....it's all part of the greater challenge......tough it out Sean!

[mtnbykr]

Flies.....it's all part of the greater challenge......tough it out Sean!

if you think the skeeters in mn are bad, wait til you see the black flies....they will make your life miserable.

hope you don't get a flat or want to stand outside and cook/pee/??

kl

[manual63]

I was there during summer before. I camped and just had to put on some of that natural bug repellant....I just have to find the name of the natural stuff again....it worked quite well.

[bigwheel]

I was there during summer before. I camped and just had to put on some of that natural bug repellant....I just have to find the name of the natural stuff again....it worked quite well.

I think Off makes a botanical (non-Deet) version. My wife is alergic to Deet, and I also don't like to use it as it is pretty nasty stuff to be putting on your skin.

My recommendation: Loose clothes made of brushed nylon. The weave is tight enough that skeeters and flys can't bite through it. Neck, ears and bald spot need something else.

[noise_is_life]

I wish I could use natural bug repellent, but that stuff does nothing on my body chemistry. I've been known to use 100% deet in extreme cases, I'll probably grow an extra arm at some point.

For a trip to the Black hills I also recommend a gallon of Technu poison ivy treatment. I just recall wading through drifts of poison ivy after flatting in Custer, fortunately we had Technu with.

[manual63]

So is this a go? So far we have Ryan, Mara, James and I who give it a yes. Anyone else? Sean...you can tough it out...you wimp. So can you Pat....:p

[noise_is_life]

So is this a go? So far we have Ryan, Mara, James and I who give it a yes. Anyone else? Sean...you can tough it out...you wimp. So can you Pat....:p

I already blew 2 weeks vacation on the baby and I want to go to SSWC and Gnome fest, so...

[KleinCrazy]

I already blew 2 weeks vacation on the baby and I want to go to SSWC and Gnome fest, so...

Pat,

Did you get in for SSWC?

[manual63]

I already blew 2 weeks vacation on the baby and I want to go to SSWC and Gnome fest, so...

Whatever...blow more.....:p

[noise_is_life]

Pat,

Did you get in for SSWC?

I hadn't considered the whole registration thing before, do you actually have to register to just show up, or just to race? I wasn't clear about that.

[funky-funky-chicken]

I hadn't considered the whole registration thing before, do you actually have to register to just show up, or just to race? I wasn't clear about that.

You're supposed to register. However, the 400 spots are full already.

[noise_is_life]

I guess I dropped the ball on that one, doh!

[mara]

if you think the skeeters in mn are bad, wait til you see the black flies....they will make your life miserable.

After the ant attack last night, all I can say is bring on the flies. At least they're big enough you can see them biting and possibly hit them back! :crazy2:

[homebrewbiker]

After the ant attack last night, all I can say is bring on the flies. At least they're big enough you can see them biting and possibly hit them back! :crazy2:

It depends, There are little gnatty black flies that attack your ankles. I think the big black flies are usually called horse flies. In the BWCA they tend to be more buzzy than biting, but every once in a while they do bite. The gnatty black flies are really annoying.

[soupboy]

...you threadhumpers. All I know is that around late June the last two summers there were flies in Cable that could carry away small children.

They didn't bite per se. But who likes 4oz flies that just cold kick it on your limbs?

[flea]

Yeah the black flies in Cable come out of the brush like a scene from the movie "The Birds". Good Luck outrunning them, too.

The Black Hills: I was out there with a small group last week. The first few days it was 80 degrees then the third morning it snowed, then good weather for the rest of the week. I posted some photos in my gallery. We twice rode the Centennial trail, in Custer Park and also from Elk Creek to Sturgis through the incredible Bulldog Gulch. Also other rides that incorporated sections of the Wildlife Loop and Needles Highway, as there was zilch auto traffic.

Great time, for a 9 hour drive to Rapid City it went fast.

[NewRider]

Did anyone decide on a date because I'm interested in going.

[manual63]

So who all is doing this ride? We leave on the 22nd and come back on the 25th of July. We will probably be camping near or in Custer State park since most of the good trails are near there.

It would be nice to know who is all going. I will let you know where I reserve a campsite for the ones of us I know are going. I will be doing that later today or tomorrow.

[mara]

Me! Bring on the flies! :D

[KleinCrazy]

Still Planning on it.


Need to know definite by next Tuesday so I can reserver a room at the Puppy B&B for Caelan.

[DMonkey]

I don't think I'll be able to make the early trip (i.e. July) - but I'm down for the one in the fall.

Hope you all have a great trip and the this heat wave end by the time you head over there!

[Panman]

My weekend is still free. Do we need a tent? Or maybe a camp-trailer? My parents have a pop-up tent trailer that we could borrow. Also, what time is the departure time? Just checking what days I need to take off for work.

[manual63]

Okay, I reserved a tent site in Custer State Park. The name of the campground is Game Lodge Campground. I think tents will have to do the trick, not sure about the tent trailer. I can call and find out if you want.

I have Friday night the 22 through Sunday night 24. So we have two full days for riding and Friday and Monday will be driving days.

One catch....since the Campground was mostly full.....we will have to move campsites each day.....:)....but it was the only campsite with showers and all the good stuff. I need showers.....so moving each day to get showers is worth it. I paid 50.00 for the 3 nights.....so however we split it, it should be pretty cheap. By the way, beer can be used as currency.....:)

Now, we need to find the good riding spots. I am have a lot of good info, but will get more details during the week.

By the way, if the flies are sooooo bad, how come the campground is full???

[manual63]

It looks like up to 6 people can occupy a site. We have 3 for sures, Mara, James, and I. It's tent only and additional cars must pay a vehicle entrance fee of $12.00 for up to 7 days.

I will give more details as I get them. 3 more people can join at our site, can I get some for sures on this? Thank you....:)

[KleinCrazy]

Sounds good Shad,


Since I do not know if we have a vehicle to to the Pop-up with, Tents will be just fine.

I talked to Ted last night and he had trail suggestion that I will get more info on. It is a Locals trail that runs along the ridge overlooking mount rushmoore.

Keep us posted on what all everyone needs to bring.

James

[manual63]

Keep us posted on what all everyone needs to bring.


Beer????;)

[Panman]

I'm still in, and I have a huge 6 person tent. Ask the people who rode the MS150. :D It'll sleep 4 very comfortly.

[manual63]

I'm still in, and I have a huge 6 person tent. Ask the people who rode the MS150. :D It'll sleep 4 very comfortly.

That's cool. So now we have four. I am kind of a sleep in my own tent kinda guy. But if someone needs a place to sleep....there you have it. If not, you might not want to bring such a huge tent, unless it's all you have.

[KleinCrazy]

I'm still in, and I have a huge 6 person tent. Ask the people who rode the MS150. :D It'll sleep 4 very comfortly.

Also remember I do not know yet how many or whose cars we are going to be taking so space might be a little tight.

James

[tedsti]

It is the Pigmore Trail that leaves from the Grizzly Picnic area. That is all I remember.

I talked to Ted last night and he had trail suggestion that I will get more info on. It is a Locals trail that runs along the ridge overlooking mount rushmoore.

James

[soupboy]

poaching ride poachers.

[SuperClydesdale]

poaching ride poachers.

Sean

Don't worry. Our trip will be thrice as fun.

Mark

[Panman]

Any more word on the details/agenda? This is still a go right? I've taken off Friday and Monday and will be buying a 2 person tent tomorrow. What should everyone bring, besides the normal? Who is going to drive? Where do we meet? What time do we leave? Etc.. The weather (http://www.weather.com/activities/other/other/weather/weekend.html?locid=USSD0079&from=36hr_topnav_undeclared) looks warm and possibly wet, but nothing I can't handle. I'm looking forward to this birthday ride. :D

[PWAXON]

I am going out there at the end of the month with the family and was planning on bringing the bike. Is there a good web site with trail info? I have not been able to find much.

[manual63]

Any more word on the details/agenda? This is still a go right? I've taken off Friday and Monday and will be buying a 2 person tent tomorrow. What should everyone bring, besides the normal? Who is going to drive? Where do we meet? What time do we leave? Etc.. The weather (http://www.weather.com/activities/other/other/weather/weekend.html?locid=USSD0079&from=36hr_topnav_undeclared) looks warm and possibly wet, but nothing I can't handle. I'm looking forward to this birthday ride. :D

Hey Ryan.....email me at manual63@yahoo.com so I can include you in the plans.

Thank you...:)

[flea]

I am going out there at the end of the month with the family and was planning on bringing the bike. Is there a good web site with trail info? I have not been able to find much.

If you have time, order this book it's great! Excellent and detailed descriptions of a wide variety of trails for mtb.This is the book alot of shops and outdoor store in the Black Hills sell.This paste is for the amazon.com locate:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1555661114/ref=olp_product_details/104-2723788-1751969?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance

[Panman]

Anyone else have a hard time sleeping last night at home? It was too quiet! No driving rain/hail and wind for background noise. And that steady humm of black flies. I had to download one of those nature songs and play it just to sleep. ;) LMAO

[manual63]

Anyone else have a hard time sleeping last night at home? It was too quiet! No driving rain/hail and wind for background noise. And that steady humm of black flies. I had to download one of those nature songs and play it just to sleep. ;) LMAO

Yeah, those black flies......we had to clean them all off of the car when we got back. It was like a thick cloud of them everywhere......:p

[manual63]

http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/DOCS/livestock/beef/herd_health/exc20392.jpg

My best friend of the whole trip......

Oh, and the horrible.....horrible heat!!.....;)

[Tim Wegner]

Geesh you guys. Seems that if you go back far enough in this discussion that someone old and wise tried to dissuade you from going to the black hills in July. I recall someone else said "oh I can tolerate a few black flies."

Me, I'm heading out there in September. Different place in September, I have even ridden there in October late and had the joy of riding in 6 inches of snow at the upper elevations. No black flies or skeeters when there is snow on the ground!
TW

[mara]

Geesh you guys. Seems that if you go back far enough in this discussion that someone old and wise tried to dissuade you from going to the black hills in July. I recall someone else said "oh I can tolerate a few black flies."

The weather was beautiful and there were very few bugs of any kind. Okay, except for the flies in one of the nastiest pit toilets I've ever had the privilege of using. Yuck! :sick: The singletrack was fun and flowing, very SS friendly. Except for the downhills, I could mostly keep up with a newly 23 year old on a fullie. :D

Since we're all such awesome people, we'd never want to make * anyone * feel silly for skipping such a fantastic trip because of bug worries. . . :laugh:

[manual63]

Come on Mara, you didn't stick to our plan of making everyone feel good because they thought there would be Black Flies out there.

Okay....okay......so hardly any black flies......but what about the awful......uh....uhm......come on.....there's gotta be a reason we should not have went in late July.

Oh well, some of you missed out on some of the best riding I have had in a long long time. Well, I guess you can go in the Fall and enjoy to super cold nights in the tent.....have fun......:):p

[Panman]

Yes, the weekend was almost perfect. The storm the last night ruined it. Although it was intense. LOL No black flies, well, VERY few. Good temp. Good trails. Not much more you could ask for on a weekend like that.

Well guys, I was doing some research and it looks like there are many more miles at Deerfield. That cut-off going north goes aways. When I go back, that will be the first trail to ride. Here are some reviews of it, and pics: How are your pics goin Shad and Mara?
http://content.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/trails-south-dakota/trail/PRD_170264_4577crx.aspx
http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=450
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=BGM019-077
http://www.westernspirit.com/trips/mtb-black_hills/black_hills.html

[mara]

In theory, I should have pictures by next weekend. If they turn out, I'll enlist geek help to get them scanned and posted. :)

[manual63]

I have some pics, just need to take the time to upload them. I will do is soon.

[flombe]

I am leaving Friday on a family road trip from here to the Black Hills to Yellowstone to the Grand Tetons and back.

Where did you ride in the BH? Any directions or advice would be much appreciated.

Nothing too nuts as I will be riding solo and will have small windows of opportunity to squeeze in a ride.

[noise_is_life]

Completely not Black Hills related, but...

If you are in Grand Teton Nation Park it is a short jaunt to Jackson, WY (just south of the park border) where there a some decent trails. I was only able to sample one trail called the Putt-Putt (also on a family vacation), but it was fun and my first taste of "real" mountain biking. The trailhead is right in Jackson, but a little hard to find.

If you get down there you might want to stop in a bike shop and ask.

Jackson Trails:
http://www.hobacksports.com/bike_rides.htm

Jackson LBS:

http://www.hobacksports.com/

[Panman]

Here is a image from my GPS on the Deerfield trail. It was 13 miles with the largest elevation change at 522ft. I wanted to get other maps but I guess my software can't do that.

http://beta.bikeblast.com/Deerfield_Trail.jpg