Lead to Custer
July 12 2022
Today was scheduled for a 64 mile ride with 5390 feet of
climb. It was also the day where there is 10 miles of gravel and then you have
20 miles down a very busy road (dare I say dangerous). However I did not take the programed
route.
Ken T and I rolled out of the school together and headed up
the scheduled route. There was a huge
climb and then down the side road to a crossroads called Rochford. It was a very scenic section of the
scheduled route and was down some very nice pavement.
In Rochford we left the route and took the George Mickelson
Trail. This is a rails to trail which
follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern route. The rail
line was abandon in 1983 and complete
conversion to a trail was in 1998. From
the start in Edgemont to Deadwood is 108.8 miles. It is not paved but is hard packed with
finely crushed rock on the surface. When
we got on the trail we knew that it was considerably shorter and did not have
nearly as much climb. What climb there
was limited to 4% compared to the road which had sections 7-10%.
Once on the trail we were so happy to be in the shade of the
forest canopy which also protected us from what was a southerly head wind. The trail wasn’t hard to ride and while it
had more rolling reistance than smooth pavement it wasn’t hard at all. There were lots of smaller bridges over
small creeks and a few larger trestles. The bridges and trestles all had wood
planked surfaces which were kind of bumpy but it wasn’t a problem. There were three tunnels which were fun to
ride through. Barking in the tunnels had
a great echo. The scenery was outstanding.
I was hoping to see some wildlife along the trail but only saw an eagle on
her nest.
Ken and I rolled into Custer and found a place to get a
burger as we had missed picnic. I had
the bacon blue cheese burger. It was great.
The final total for the day was 58 miles with 3245 feet of
climb. Compared to route it was a
breeze. All of the riders coming in who took the route are exhausted and
complaining. The gravel section was terrible and the busy road section hot and
scary.
What a great day.
Terry
7 comments:
Barking in the tunnels, what a surprise! Deviating from the prescribed route, not surprised . . . you always have been a bit of deviant!
Glad you had a great day, burger sounds great, ride safe.
Echo comments from Agnes, Terry! You were often leading me off the straight & narrow, but that added to the fun and adventure. Glad you are enjoying the ride any going really strong. Awesome blog. Can’t wait to see a picture of the collage you will make of all the photos. Ride strong and enjoy! Jos
Great info Terry!! Who all took your route instead of the cue sheet? Sounds like you had the right idea.
Mike/Mimi
wow, you were on top of your routing game yesterday. be careful, when people catch onto your routing skills you may be leading a huge pack! glad you are having such a great time!
In Terry's next life, he will be a master router and tour director. Wait a minute, already a master router and tour director. Just read his blogs from years (and trips) gone by.
Keep up the good work and stay safe.
Calgary Ken C.
Hummm. I echo echo Agnes comments. I remember you moving at the cows riding out the #66 past bragg creek and getting neighborhood dogs all worked up.
Glad you had a good ride. Pictures are great.
Chris
This was the first trail to be inducted into the trail Hall of Frame — it’s a great ride. Very good choice.
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