Snow, Fall Colors Bring Unique Experience to Riders on Mickelson Trail Trek
GF&P News 9/18/06

Snow in the northern Black Hills on Sunday challenged the bicyclists on the annual Mickelson Trail Trek this past weekend, but many of the 435 riders were excited to take it on.

“It’s hard to get this group’s spirits down,” said Shannon Percy, Mickelson Trail Park Manager. “Even with the snow and wind on Sunday, people were laughing and visiting at rest stops just as they did the previous two days, and taking pictures of each other riding in the snow. It was definitely a Trail Trek these folks will remember for the rest of their life.”

Weather was warmer on the first two days of the three-day supported ride, and participants only came across the occasional sprinkle. The leaves were just beginning to turn, revealing some of the most beautiful fall scenery in the Hills to the 435 riders.

“It was a busy weekend in South Dakota, with several events being held across the state,” he said. “We’re glad so many people chose to spend their weekend with us. We get several first-timers to the event each year, but many riders return every year. Families even fly in from across the country to have their annual reunions on the trail.”

Bicyclists came from 30 states, Washington D.C. and Canada to participate in the ninth annual event, which began Friday, Sept. 15, and ended on Sunday, Sept. 17. Over the three days, Trekkers rode past scenic Sheep Canyon, Crazy Horse Mountain, across the Freedom Bridge south of Mystic, and into Lead/Deadwood on the final miles of the trail. According to Percy, the beautiful Black Hills scenery and fall colors help attract riders each year.

Staff from the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation and many volunteers worked hard to pull the event together, said Percy. He also wanted to especially acknowledge and thank the volunteers and the towns’ Chambers of Commerce, which greeted the trekkers with water, snacks, ice cream and meals along the way.

“The nice thing about the trail is that it’s not just one individual town,” said Percy. “It connects the whole Black Hills as a community.”

The annual ride is typically held on the third weekend of September, with the 2007 Trail Trek scheduled for Sept. 14-16. Next year’s ride will be the tenth anniversary of the event, and Percy says several special activities are planned. Online registration should be available in November, and Percy encourages riders to sign up as early as possible to ensure a spot in the anniversary ride.

For more information on the Mickelson Trail, visit www.MickelsonTrail.com or contact the Black Hills Trails office at (605) 584-3896.