July 3, 1993 to July 11, 1993
South Dakota Black Hills and Badlands 1993
This was a fun getaway to a little-known but excellent bicycle touring destination.
9 days, 468 miles (749 km). Start/finish at the Rapid City airport.
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The route criss-crossed the Black Hills and then passed through the Badlands. Between the two is the impoverished Pine Ridge Indian reservation. It was my first time to bike through a large reservation.
In the Black Hills I visited Mt. Rushmore and pedaled the scenic byways that have narrow tunnels and circular wooden "pigtail" bridges. I enjoyed the stark contrast between the forested Black Hills and the barren badlands. I don't regret the big detour to see Wall Drug.
I hiked 23 miles, including a hike to the summit of 7244-foot Harney Peak, the highest peak east of the Rocky mountains. Another great hike went from Sylvan lake down into a deep shady canyon.
The weather was warm and sunny most of the time. I camped 7 nights and spent 1 night at a hostel.
This is a great bicycle touring destination as long as you avoid the Sturgis motorcycle rally in early August when hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists converge on the Black Hills.
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