Black Hills Bicycle Adventure! ✨ Mickelson Trail, Needles Highway, Iron Mtn Pigtails & Mt. Rushmore

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  • Опубліковано 16 вер 2023
  • Quite possibly THE BEST BIKE RIDE OF MY LIFE! An 80 mile loop (I took a shortcut) that takes you on The Mickleson Trail through Hill City and out to The Needles Highway past Sylvan Lake. Ride THROUGH THE ROCKS before descending to Remington Camp fire road and horse trail (complete with stream crossings) to cut up to the Iron Mountain Road. After a killer climb to the top, you're rewarded with a tremendous view of Mount Rushmore in the distance before going on THE GREATEST MOUNTAIN DESCENT OF ALL TIME through the famous Pigtail Bridges (seriously a thrilling and amazing road). From there, you have a short, but obnoxious climb up to Mount Rushmore where you can refill your waterbottles and get a really good look at things, for free, without having to dismount! Then, you make your way back to the trail head via Pig Pine Trail, a 0.5 mile shortcut that is a bit of a hike-a-bike, but super fun! That spits you out on Old Hill City Hwy which is a welcome reprieve from the tourist traffic. This will take you back to The Mickelson Trail where you climb over Red Fern peak and descend through the tunnels and over the Tressles back to Rochford. It's 80 tough miles of adventure and totally worth the effort!
    THE ROUTE: ridewithgps.com/routes/44355567
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 99

  • @davidhudsonbaker2361
    @davidhudsonbaker2361 8 місяців тому

    Thanks!

  • @johnsheetz6639
    @johnsheetz6639 19 днів тому +2

    This guy is teaching me Zen and the art of bicycle maintenance! My new favorite hobby is taking bikes and making them live again. And they're living, four of them, four. I plan on giving a couple away but there's always one more thing I want to do to it! 😅

  • @sagehiker
    @sagehiker Місяць тому +2

    May 2024: my first rails to trail. Great video shared experience. I drove to Edgemont SD. Grabbed a shuttle to Deadwaood, then two and half days back to Edgemont. Wild camped one night, then motel hiding from a storm in Custer. Last 44 miles I was the only rider until I encountered a State Ranger and finished in five hours. Beautiful experience.

  • @kathyleahy7314
    @kathyleahy7314 22 дні тому +1

    descents are scary. Glad you videoed it so I don't have to risk it! Glad you had fun!

  • @davidcrowson4745
    @davidcrowson4745 7 місяців тому +3

    "fenders keep that off my water bottle"...you just keep thinking that my friend, LOL.

  • @IS-xk3iq
    @IS-xk3iq 9 місяців тому +4

    The Mickelson Trail with the tunnels and serenity was superb.

  • @irondistance4313
    @irondistance4313 4 місяці тому +2

    Thanks for the ride beautiful

  • @kenlang6672
    @kenlang6672 10 місяців тому +5

    UA-cam is awash with ride videos but this has to be one of the best . This wasn't the usual all flats and descents because they're cool. You actually, (well almost}, experience the huff-puff pedal stomping it takes to get up some of these grades. The scenery was spectacular and the camera was spot on. You had me grabbing the imaginary brakes on my swivel chair more than once. Thanks so much!

    • @bkefrmr
      @bkefrmr  10 місяців тому +1

      wow! Thanks Ken! I hope the algo is listening!

  • @gareymoore7881
    @gareymoore7881 Місяць тому +1

    The black hills are so beautiful you had me at Rafter-j bar Ranch/ campground and the Mickelson trail. Riding down Iron mountain on a bike seems little dare devilish with cars and narrow roads more power to you.

  • @frankducett9
    @frankducett9 4 місяці тому +2

    Simply a Stellar video in many ways.
    I appreciate you left the "written words" on the screen long enough to be read.
    Thanks for the traveling and inspiration.

  • @Chrisinvention
    @Chrisinvention 9 місяців тому +1

    I like your channel, it gives me happy smile every time I am watching it.

  • @don_sharon
    @don_sharon 7 місяців тому

    I sold my Madone in favor of a Kona Libre, and then picked up a Ti Lynskey gravel bike, only because the geometry of these two bikes are the most comfortable bikes I've ever ridden. I'm 64 and don't care about ultimate speed, but I am up for 100% enjoyment with a healthy dose fitness. The Lynskey is my grail bike because it's Ti and it fits me like a glove, and I had a ball customizing with components I hand picked. I think about riding it daily. I think that goes with your philosophy of bikes except for the disk brakes 🤣. Anyway, I am sitting in Florida planning my spring/summer/fall trip next year and where we will be riding. In 2023, we rode the Mickelson Trail and absolutely loved it - to a point where we are considering buying a home near the Black Hills. Love your videos - they inspire my family a great deal. Thanks

  • @michaelmagee6428
    @michaelmagee6428 4 місяці тому

    Wow! Amazing trip!! Thanks for the route map!! It's on my bucket list now!!!

  • @CanyonWanderer
    @CanyonWanderer 8 місяців тому +2

    Easily one of the best ride videos and thus rides I've seen, what a feast! That second long curvy descend is just amazing! All the views and features are amazing! Lol, I have similar classic cycling gloves, end of the summer I had "speckles" on the back of my hands.
    Great content!

  • @ricksaunders3889
    @ricksaunders3889 7 місяців тому

    Cool. That wore me out just watching. Thanks for sharing.

  • @Tarmaccyclocross
    @Tarmaccyclocross 4 місяці тому

    While watching this the song zippadeedoo song kept going around in my head 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @Ey_up
    @Ey_up 5 місяців тому

    Magnificent ride.
    Imagined doing that on my Atlantis and it felt like the perfect variety of terrain.
    Appreciate you mentioning the native peoples.
    "Wayhay!" from Scotland. (Sometimes as beautiful the Black Hills but very much more rain. 😂)

  • @Mr2fiveone
    @Mr2fiveone 7 місяців тому +1

    The trail goes right in front of my wife's uncles house!! We WILL be exploring it on our bikes! Thank you!!

  • @69Harveyb1
    @69Harveyb1 3 місяці тому

    Therapy. And your gratitude. I could've watched all six hours.
    Thank you.

  • @StillZenki
    @StillZenki 10 місяців тому +3

    Hey man I appreciate your videos I learn a lot from you

  • @chrisjackson9978
    @chrisjackson9978 5 місяців тому +1

    Spectacular day ride. For those of us watching from outside the US, more please!

  • @dexterbilayaeastcasual466
    @dexterbilayaeastcasual466 6 місяців тому +1

    hey bike farmer… i just bump from one of your videos here at YT and start following and watching your videos… your videos sucks but i dont know why i keep watching them 😂😂 its really huge difference when your listening to a real bike mechanic.. your a bike dictionary i'd say! thanks for always sharing your knowledgessss…

  • @TrekMTBikeRider
    @TrekMTBikeRider 9 місяців тому +2

    23:45 Sweet! You snuck in a Caddyshack reference.

  • @LeahNicole...
    @LeahNicole... 2 місяці тому

    No place like home! ❤

  • @juliaharbeck774
    @juliaharbeck774 2 місяці тому

    Loved the video , it has been a few years since we rode the trail but it is so beautiful. We did a rattler or 2 on the trail but the Black hills hasn't had any bears since 1915 so wasn't worried about them, they do have mountain lions and we saw a ton of buffalo going on the fire roads. Enjoyed the video and how much fun you obviously had.

  • @Incorruptus1
    @Incorruptus1 5 місяців тому +1

    Great ride for sure, amazing weather. I like it that you also show your rides. And the love for them. Great work, fine editing. Good luck!

  • @Kelekona_808
    @Kelekona_808 6 місяців тому +1

    You really captured some amazing views of your trip. The start up the side of a grassy hill to a trail that was pristine and flat that led into the tunnel was unreal. Don't know if I would let gravity pull me down the hills at the speeds you rode at, but I'm not anywhere close to the skill level you seem to have. Hope you decide to film more of these trips and share them because they are truly awe inspiring.

  • @Mr2fiveone
    @Mr2fiveone 7 місяців тому +1

    In 1995 my wife, myself and her pops, same age as me at the time rode the single track around Sylvan Lake!!

    • @bkefrmr
      @bkefrmr  7 місяців тому +1

      Didn’t know it was there! I’m going back in the spring for sure. I’ll check it out!

    • @Mr2fiveone
      @Mr2fiveone 7 місяців тому

      Man, this would be an awesome group ride of folks from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Dakotas. Hint hint. Just don't be too hard on my Scott Speedster 40. It is aluminum though.@@bkefrmr ☺

    • @bkefrmr
      @bkefrmr  7 місяців тому +1

      @@Mr2fiveone my friend has offered his property as a homebase for such a thing. Might have to give it some thought!

    • @Mr2fiveone
      @Mr2fiveone 7 місяців тому

      @@bkefrmr count us in on that future possible fun!

  • @Jonm227
    @Jonm227 4 місяці тому +2

    Really enjoyed the vlog style bike ride and I would definitely watch more trips. Very entertaining to watch. :) Thanks for the great content!
    FYI, you have inspired me to start tinkering on my bikes. Thanks for the Inspo!

  • @mikefleissner4415
    @mikefleissner4415 4 місяці тому +1

    ❤awesome. Thankyou

  • @2xsurviver
    @2xsurviver 8 місяців тому +1

    Rivendell is my dream bike!

  • @Kelekona_808
    @Kelekona_808 6 місяців тому +1

    I just realized that I watch the pig tail bridge video first and seeing that part of the ride made so much more sense after watching everything that came before. I think the beginning of your trip starting from around 5:00 and going until around you hit the first highway around 18:10, or the Black Hills sign around 21:46, would also be a great short video to share a section of this awesome ride. The start of the ride itself was beautiful and awe inspiring. It also gave a lot of insight into how you were going into this ride and the thoughts you had about it just after you started it.
    I also think the horse trails that you went on would make an interesting little short video of this ride. Especially the surprise river crossing that you first came across!

  • @Incorruptus1
    @Incorruptus1 5 місяців тому +1

    Smelling roses along the way, dude! You bought them a drink I hope. :D

  • @decleafs4
    @decleafs4 3 місяці тому

    Fantastic! Thanks for the video. I want to go to there!!

  • @imagekkotoo
    @imagekkotoo 6 місяців тому +1

    OMG ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @Mr2fiveone
    @Mr2fiveone 7 місяців тому +1

    Beautiful footage mate! Can't wait to check it out!!

  • @buckbuchanan9807
    @buckbuchanan9807 10 місяців тому +3

    What a ride! Thanks for taking me along. The only thing I would ask that you add is a mph (speedometer) shot on the decents. But I can't fault you, because I have no idea how to accomplish that. LoL.
    Really enjoyed the vid. I'll consume as much as you create.
    Cheers🎉

    • @bkefrmr
      @bkefrmr  10 місяців тому

      I should be able to keep my GPS in view if I think of it. Honestly, I was surprised by how difficult it was to manage the camera stuff despite being super user friendly. Then again, it was my first time out, so I was learning on the fly. I get what I call "rando brain" on these bigger rides. I just wanna keep going so I overlook simple, easy tasks that I need to do. Basically, it's like being drunk or something. I'm just stunted a bit. Anyway, I need a better phone mount and I can crop it in frame when I'm editing. Thanks!

  • @gregkollasch5494
    @gregkollasch5494 7 місяців тому +1

    We started on the northern stretch this spring 2023 from deadwood to hill city via Michelson trail. Lots of climbing there . Did that on my surly ogre. For the down hills I wish I had back my 2x9. I currently run a 1x10 Deore. Front chainring 30. Rear 11-42. I wanted low gearing for a bike touring setup. Thought I’d never need high gearing for such a heavy beast. I was wrong haha.. no matter we’re you ride in the black hills, it’s gorgeous country. We usually make at least 2 trips out a year to the black hills area.

  • @xxbeenjamminxx5565
    @xxbeenjamminxx5565 7 місяців тому +1

    Just recently found your channel and I absolutely love it. And this video really hits home for me. I love to see videos of my state.

  • @jackcarter233
    @jackcarter233 4 місяці тому

    This is outstanding

  • @elvisoost630
    @elvisoost630 8 місяців тому +1

    One word. WOW!

  • @jeffbehnke8605
    @jeffbehnke8605 8 місяців тому +1

    It is absolutely awesome to see you ride instead of wrench but break how Howl lol😅

  • @donaldguilloz9401
    @donaldguilloz9401 8 місяців тому +1

    Great ride video! and perfect background music 👍

    • @bkefrmr
      @bkefrmr  8 місяців тому

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @COOTBUCKET
    @COOTBUCKET 8 місяців тому +1

    Wonderful ride and video. Thanks.

  • @gwgorham
    @gwgorham 3 місяці тому

    Nothing to say other than wow amazing... Definitely will have to workmtowards being able to do that.

  • @EliyahuYHWH
    @EliyahuYHWH 7 місяців тому +1

    Very kewl road trip, but I have to admit that I stopped just shy of half to take my own bike ride. : )

  • @dfhauck
    @dfhauck 9 місяців тому

    Great ride. Thanks for sharing.

  • @ThideUpSound
    @ThideUpSound 7 місяців тому

    Amazing!!!!!

  • @gravelrider5612
    @gravelrider5612 8 місяців тому +1

    That’s amazing and a beautiful place

  • @iainlaing878
    @iainlaing878 3 місяці тому

    Great video

  • @rickjenkins1238
    @rickjenkins1238 5 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing. It inspires.

  • @DevoteeCT
    @DevoteeCT 9 місяців тому +1

    What a great little adventure!

    • @bkefrmr
      @bkefrmr  9 місяців тому

      Yes it was!

  • @Janespony
    @Janespony 3 місяці тому

    Quite possibly the best bike trip video I have watched in a bit. What is the camera you were using.? I have a Gap and C&O towpath trail ride I’m doing in May. That camera looked perfect. I’m really enjoying your channel. Glad to see it’s working for you. Happy to hear there is renumeration coming your way.

  • @jjohnson1476
    @jjohnson1476 10 місяців тому +1

    Great video! love all that you do. I just finished up my home shop, all inspired by your videos...on a side note as a fellow VW enthusiast ....i need to know more about that bug!

    • @bkefrmr
      @bkefrmr  10 місяців тому

      '63 bug with a '64 Porsche 356 motor. It's a custom built hot rod. One of a kind! Very cool car. I'm selling it! www.ebay.com/itm/325809675427

  • @johnzee691
    @johnzee691 3 місяці тому +1

    😎👍

  • @TheRickurb
    @TheRickurb 9 місяців тому +2

    Wow, great ride! I thought the audio was mostly pretty good.

  • @erwinkrabbenhoft5502
    @erwinkrabbenhoft5502 6 місяців тому

    It's great out there. We live here in SD.

  • @markmartello
    @markmartello 9 місяців тому

    Great channel! I'm up nort from you a bit. I'll try to stop by your shop when I'm down that way.

  • @kccauldron6411
    @kccauldron6411 10 місяців тому +3

    You mention at 03:25 wanting to build a "sturdier version" of the All-Rounder. I may have had a lapse in attention and missed more on the 'why' behind that decision later in the video (if so, my apologies) but would love to know more. I'll look forward to videos on the design and framebuilding process in due course.

    • @bkefrmr
      @bkefrmr  10 місяців тому +1

      Yeah, I rambled on for like 5 minutes but left it on the cutting room floor. I filled a cart with lightweight oversized tubes and lugs this morning, but didn’t pull the trigger yet. I will definitely record the whole process!

    • @kccauldron6411
      @kccauldron6411 10 місяців тому +1

      ​@@bkefrmrSorry, was watching some of this again and noticed that you address this at 36:18.

    • @bkefrmr
      @bkefrmr  10 місяців тому

      I don’t think the .7/.4/.7 wall thickness of the 753 tubes are tough enough for the gnarly situations I find myself in periodically. Maybe “drop bar ATB” is a better name than All-Rounder

  • @robertmcfadyen9156
    @robertmcfadyen9156 10 місяців тому

    The hills I have ridden in the last year or so were sharp and lung busters .

  • @alsemti2001
    @alsemti2001 10 місяців тому +4

    Helmet!

    • @bkefrmr
      @bkefrmr  10 місяців тому +4

      Hahaha I knew that was coming!

    • @alsemti2001
      @alsemti2001 10 місяців тому +3

      Lol, I figured you were waiting....could not resist since I am an EMT. Great videos, keep them coming!

    • @TrekMTBikeRider
      @TrekMTBikeRider 9 місяців тому +1

      Anything to decrease the odds of getting a TBI and having to wear adult diapers for the rest of your life is a good thing I think.

    • @bkefrmr
      @bkefrmr  9 місяців тому +2

      YOU SHOULD ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET THEN. ALWAYS. @@TrekMTBikeRider

  • @danschneider2281
    @danschneider2281 Місяць тому

    How'd you like that big pine decent? Pretty good climb ,too.
    Glad you had a good ride

  • @TheGameBoy56
    @TheGameBoy56 10 місяців тому

    Watched it twice already

  • @darrellbarton5761
    @darrellbarton5761 2 місяці тому

    Like it

  • @decius596
    @decius596 Місяць тому

    You asked for feedback:
    - there's weird artifacting in the video. I'm guessing it's the camera... nothing looks super clear and it's tough to see the beauty when it's all blocky
    - thank you so much for adding your route in the description
    - the map would've been cool to see in the bottom right corner or something in some sections, speed / wattage as well if u have that available. Would be really awesome to see how many watts you're pulling going up those mountains
    - Some tips & tricks on how to get your bike set up for big mountains would be cool. IDK if my bike is able to get the same gearing as yours

  • @TheSaguache
    @TheSaguache 7 місяців тому

    Where did you mount your Insta360 Mini? Sometimes it looks like it's on your chest and sometimes your helmet. Some pretty good shots regardless, it's such a versatile little camera with the best stabilization on the market. Amazing ride, thanks for sharing.

  • @robertmcfadyen9156
    @robertmcfadyen9156 10 місяців тому

    When I was 20 , I was hit at 80 kilometers an hour .

  • @robertmcfadyen9156
    @robertmcfadyen9156 10 місяців тому +1

    We must wear helmets in Australia or we get a $400 fine . I saw many fines issued during COVID 19 lockdowns .

  • @TheGameBoy56
    @TheGameBoy56 10 місяців тому +1

    Lol maybe u should of used a set calipers checked make sure enough meat in those rims for brakes lol u were flying lik

  • @robertmcfadyen9156
    @robertmcfadyen9156 10 місяців тому

    During a break , a still image of your bicycle shows a saddle not level . I used to do this and when I saw my surgeon yesterday , he told me to stop this as it caused my current pereneal cyst .

  • @robertmcfadyen9156
    @robertmcfadyen9156 10 місяців тому

    Velocity began in Mudgee , New South Wales , Australia in 1989 .

  • @robertmcfadyen9156
    @robertmcfadyen9156 10 місяців тому

    My replacement for a stolen bottom bracket threading and facing kit cost $2,000 .

  • @doncompton9453
    @doncompton9453 8 місяців тому +1

    Is that an abandoned railroad?

  • @ClintDowd
    @ClintDowd 8 місяців тому

    What action camera are you using?

  • @laurarockland3002
    @laurarockland3002 27 днів тому

    What highway/road were you on where you went thru the needles tunnel?

  • @moosehand8721
    @moosehand8721 8 місяців тому +1

    Is that bike not sturdy enough? Looks stout like a worksman sans the second bar.

  • @robertmcfadyen9156
    @robertmcfadyen9156 10 місяців тому

    At 59:30 , you needed an enduro mtb .

  • @robertmcfadyen9156
    @robertmcfadyen9156 10 місяців тому

    At the 27 minute mark you have reason to be frustrated .

  • @donhuber9131
    @donhuber9131 3 місяці тому

    I have no problem with self-absorbed politicians naming trails after themselves if it gets these types of projects funded. Wonderful video!

    • @gareymoore7881
      @gareymoore7881 Місяць тому

      Not self-adsorbed just died in a plane wreck.

    • @donhuber9131
      @donhuber9131 Місяць тому

      @@gareymoore7881 So sorry to hear that.

  • @robertmcfadyen9156
    @robertmcfadyen9156 10 місяців тому +1

    I have seen cyclists get injured when trying to pass large utes and pickups as their sight lines and blind spots are particularly bad with respect to us . I don't feel safe around them .