Day 25: Lead to Rapid City, SD

Distance: 76 miles

Elevation: +4509 / -6272

Temperature: 60 most of the day

After much planning and debating of plans in case of thunderstorms and heavy rain today, we had neither. Yay! This meant that we were able to proceed with our plan to ride the Mickelson Trail south from Lead to Hill City, and then head east and north up to Rapid City. Of note: Even though we spent two days in Lead, we didn’t find any gold. Ok, it’s not like we were looking, but still, none appeared.

It didn’t rain hard, however, we didn’t miss all of the rain. But, light rain is far preferable to intense heat. We followed the Mickelson trail for about 43 miles to Hill City. Along the way, we saw beautiful stands of Aspen trees, rolling hills, rock and boulder outcroppings, and pine trees that give the Black Hills their name. We also passed through a number of small tunnels that were cut through the hillsides to allow passage for the former trains that ran this way.

After lunch, we were off the trail for the remainder of the day, as we continued on our way through the Black Hills. So, the Black Hills. They are hills. Perhaps not a surprise, but the little bumps on the route map did not do the up and downs the justice they deserved. This look back at Katherine and MK climbing, shows where we’ve just come from. And, Becky's climbing another hill out in front.

By the time we reached Rapid City, there was some blue in the sky, and it seems that we have missed the worst of the rain. At least for today!

Highlights:

Mickelson Trail

Black Hills are amazing

No thunderstorms today!

We ordered in at the hotel tonight via DoorDash

Lowlights:

Drizzly/rainy most of the day

Riding on Rte 16 for about 15 miles this afternoon. Pretty busy highway.