Walter,
I've heard of bicyclists actually riding the trip you've outlined here, but that's way beyond me.
It's your adventure that impresses me - giving up home for indefinite travels on the road! I hope you've had good weather and have seen even more interesting places.
I still have the map of Medora you gave me - it was a great help during my sightseeing of the town, and even for getting me to the bicycle shop.
Thanks for checking in. Blessings to you and your wife as you continue your travels.
Jeff

MAN!! What a trip by bicycle!!! Have you thought about starting in the Arctic Circle in Alaska and pedaling all the way down to the southern tip of South America??!! Just kidding, lol. God Bless, Walter Lockwood

Kevin,
The scenery along the Mickelson Trail was amazing!
I include pictures of the meals I eat for the benefit of one friend who thinks those are the best pictures in my journals. Sounds like you're another.
Jeff

Kevin,
Thanks!
It was sad to see the 'no bicycles' placard on the Great Plains Trail sign at Toadstool, but I'd actually been on the roads past the trail (Orella, Hat Creek, Montrose, Edgemont) on a trip I took in 2013 (https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/tripoints/, Days 44 and 45). It does seem the best scenery is in the most rural areas.
Jeff

The Mickelson Trail is one of my three favorite portions of the Great Plains Trail. It is one of the great bicycle routes in America. I'm glad to see at least one other distance biker appreciates good food. I enjoy all of your photos including your meal pics. That's the good stuff.

You're an animal, Jeff. Thanks for all this great information about the general route of the Great Plains Trail. I totally get why you would want to get through Sturgis before the rush. I would do the same thing. You missed some good trail miles, but some of them may have been difficult on a bike anyway. Your photos are great, by the way.

Thanks for taking the time Jeff.
I’ll keep those in mind.
David

Thanks for taking the time Jeff.
I’ll keep those in mind.
David

David,
I had to think awhile on this. I'd avoid Missouri gravel roads. Maybe not cross the Mississippi River at Chester, Illinois. Not camp under the park pavilion in Tishomingo, Oklahoma ;-)
The GPT had me on remote roads more than I would have routed otherwise, but some of the best scenery was along those roads.
Not really anything that was a "must see" that I recall. The Mickelson Trail is excellent. Hills and valleys in butte and mesa areas provided great views along with up-and-down challenges. Meeting local folks in small towns was a highlight for me. Though, those opportunities are available most everywhere.
I love bicycling in Nebraska. If you happen to be going west or east through Nebraska, I can recommend NE-2 and US-20 as pleasant ways to get across that state.
Best wishes for your upcoming adventure.
Jeff

Hi Jeff,
I followed your trip and you have inspired me to do a loop trip. I live in Bloomington, so we are practically neighbors. I'm a year older than you are. Will be 70 in March. My trip is likely to be much like yours. Are there any parts of your trip that you wish you had avoided? Any that are must see's?
Thanks!

Nancy,
Thanks!
I'm not sure when my next trip will be. I need to get a job to pay off what I spent on this one!
Jeff

That was quite a trip Jeff. And you even came home with some leftover food! Down to the wire though as there is not much there. And a heck of a lot of climbing!!! I am so glad that you got home safely and completed such an epic journey.

Now I will look forward to your next journal — epic or not, I like following you on any of your trips.

This time I caught it! :)

Jeff,

Thanks … still processing the 50 state completion. Not sure what’s next now though a few ideas do float around.

Greg,
This trip was everything I hoped it would be, and more. Thanks for all the hearts (as if I didn't have enough already)!
I was halfway expecting you to show up to meet me at some point when I passed through Minnesota, but see now you were on a trip of your own. Maybe next time . . .
Jeff