More on the Mickelson...

This report regarding her experience on the Mickelson Trail was received from Kelly Iniguez of Rifle, Colorado on June 1, 2002.

My 11-year-old son, Luis, and I rode the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota over four days last week. We did a self-guided tour with www.forestcityadv.com. Some food is included, three nights lodging, and a shuttle--$450 for two people. The only part of Jesse's package I didn't like was the TV dinner that was left at our cabin for the 2nd night's dinner, be forewarned!

This was Luis' first tour. It was fairly easy and extremely scenic. There were plenty of tourist things to do in the area. I can see this trail as a nice compromise for someone who thinks a cycling vacation is the only vacation, but has to accommodate the rest of the family. The cyclist could ride early while the family did an activity. Perhaps the family could ride also and everyone could do the activity later.

We didn't see many cyclists. Perhaps 5-7 a day. The last day we saw no bicycles, only a horse rider (the only one of our trip). I did see one other recumbent rider--a Bike E. Many people were doing the entire 114-mile trail, judging from their panniers.

I was told that the season runs from mid-June to mid-Sept. when school's out. Then, according to our host, you need a clicker to count all of the people passing by.

I would do this trail again in a heartbeat. I might suggest you not overestimate your daily mileage. I found my speed to be 1/2 of that riding at home on paved roads. Even on the downhills 11 mph was my average top speed due to the trail surface. Someone with more trail experience would probably go faster. I used the stock 1.75 inch tires that came on my Stratus recumbent. Our average daily speed ranged from 6-8 mph. I did not mind going so slow, the scenery was superb. We used a roll of film a day!

Additional notes on the trip and trail:

I had the impression the area around Edgemont was not as nice, but I found the area to resemble western Colorado with sage brush and pine trees. Sheep Canyon with it's red rocks reminds me of Utah. Only the last 3-4 miles heading into Edgemont which runs right between the highway and railroad tracks was not appealing.

If you go to the far side of Edgemont, the community campground has free showers. That may or may not be important to your group.

The trail the last 40 miles or so from Pringle is not as nice of a surface. Soft areas and 2" rocks on the road in places.

We had to lift our bikes over a locked gate at Sheep Canyon (mile #7). The ladies at the community campground said they had one landowner who thought the rules didn't apply to him about leaving the gate unlocked . . .

The only downside--and it is a big one--is that we had only one good meal the entire trip. You know how important food is to bicyclists! We ate the good buffet at the Heritage Village outside of Custer right next to the trail. We did try to eat at the infamous Alpine Inn in Hill City. 1st time we went by it was a 1 1/2 hour wait (no reservations taken in advance) and the 2nd time they were closed. Doug's Place that Laurie mentioned was closed when we went by. You'll have to set the ladies to scouting out the good eating spots. Whatever you do, don't eat at Black Hills Cafe in Hill City . . .

Kelly <kiniguez@sopris.net>

 

Oklahoma Bicycle Society: More on the Mickelson
created by John Wente
last modified: February 18, 2007
URL: http://www.OklahomaBicycleSociety.com