When I Consider the Works of Thy Hands
Trip Start
Jul 04, 2010
1
5
15
Trip End
Jul 21, 2010
Rapid City. SD, South Dakota
Thursday, July 8, 2010
We were up early and back on the road, this time heading towards Hill City, South Dakota and trail #2 on this trip, the Mickelson Trail. After a drive and a car wash, we hit the trail around 11:00. It is one of the most beautiful trails we have ever ridden. I must say that I have been in total awe of our great Creator as we have biked this trail. I found myself stopping around each bend to take a photo of another scene that takes my breath away. Absolutely gorgeous scenery, great trail surface, and lots of variety. We did have some climbing, some pretty steep, but it was okay. I know I will make a few folks back home jealous, but we were actually cold when we first started riding. It was 75 degrees today and no humidity, so perfect biking conditions. We stopped for lunch 23.3 miles out in Roch Ford at a little general store. I learned that the population of RochFord is 9. Yes, I did say 9! As I have biked along the meadows, I have thought that Hoss and Little Joe should appear, and after lunch we did see a real cowboy! He rounded up a cow and her calf. Too cool. It was fun. After our ride, we checked into our Bed and Breakfast, the Coyote Blue. This place is beautiful! The owners are from Switzerland, so it feels like a Swiss chalet. The views are fantastic, and we are excited to be here for two nights. We had dinner at the Black Forest Inn a short distance away, and we were joined by a retired couple from California. We had a very pleasant time conversing with them. Fun ending to a wonderful day. Total bike mileage today: 46.6 with a 1800’ total ascent at an average altitude of 5300'!
