Centennial Trail - 5 Day Guided Mountain Bike Trip

DAY 1

A short shuttle takes us to iconic Mount Rushmore National Monument. Carved out of a solid granite mountainside over the course of fourteen years, Rushmore is a must see for any visit to the Black Hills. After our sightseeing opportunity we begin riding north on the Centennial Trail. A strenuous climb around Samelius Peak rewards us with great views of Black Elk Peak to the south. At 7242’ high, it is South Dakota’s highest peak! A big descent takes us down to our camp at Sheridan Lake. TOTAL MILEAGE: 13 miles

DAY 2

As we leave camp with Black Elk Peak behind us, we will climb up through a beautiful grassland with a 360 degree view of the surrounding hills. We’ll enjoy our lunch here while taking in the wonderful views. A fun downhill on grassy singletrack will bring us out of the prairie towards a lush section of forest our guides affectionately call the “green tunnel”. We’ll enjoy this mellow climb up to our camp at Pactola Reservoir, where we can take a well deserved swim. TOTAL MILEAGE: 14 miles

DAY 3

Today we ride rugged trail through the dark timber, which is where the Black Hills derives its name. Being in the geographic center of the United States, the area is home to birds from all regions of the US. Stealthy riders are likely to spot numerous bird species, white tail deer and perhaps a coyote. A maze of doubletrack and a couple forest roads bring us into our camp on Boxelder Creek. TOTAL MILEAGE: 16 miles

DAY 4

We continue to follow the mixed use two-track skirting around the town of Nemo which began as a timber camp in the late 1800s. We’ll ride among limestone capped cliffs as and descend to Dalton Lake where we can go for a quick swim. From here the Centennial Trail is mostly singletrack through to tomorrow’s finish. We continue to wind our way north to our only primitive camp of the trip near Elk Creek. TOTAL MILEAGE: 21 miles

DAY 5

Today we descend out of the Black Hills, just east of the infamous town of Sturgis. While not devoid of some steep climbs and pedaling, it’s a downhill day! Traversing along the northeast edge of the hills give us views out into the wide open plains. We’ll also have views of the limestone and shale canyons that form the outer band of the Black Hills. Some flowy singletrack brings us all the way down out of the hills to finish our journey. From here we shuttle back to Rapid City and the bike shop where we started. TOTAL MILEAGE: 12 miles

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.

A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE: ✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks ✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware ✓ 1 cycling water bottle ✓ camp chairs ✓ solar showers ✓ sunscreen & bug spray ✓ bike stand and lube ✓ guides bring their own tools ✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

• Bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
• Helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

• cycling shoes
• 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
• 3 - 5 cycling shirts
• long sleeve cycling shirt
• long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
• cycling socks
• windbreaker
• tights or leg warmers
• 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
• rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
• rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
• sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

• camp shorts
• shirts
• warm socks
• long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
• 2 pair warm long pants
• long sleeve fleece or sweater
• pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
• warm gloves and hat
• brimmed hat or visor
• bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
• hiking shoes
• sandals
• rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

• toiletries
• medication (daily and emergency)
• towel
• biodegradable soap
• wet-wipes
• flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
• sunglasses
• optional day bag
• stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag
• cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

• camera, extra batteries
• binoculars
• alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
• books or maps
• we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Driving Rapid City is located 400 miles (6-7 hours) from Denver, the closest international airport.

Flying into Rapid City Airport Code: RAP

TAXI SERVICE Airport Express Shuttle 605-399-9999 or 800-357-9998

Rapid Taxi +1 (605) 348-8080

It is a good idea to book your rooms in advance; here are a few recommendations:

Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City 815 E Mall Dr, Rapid City South Dakota 57701. Book your room at the Hilton Garden Inn using this special booking link to enjoy a Western Spirit discounted rate.

The Rushmore Hotel 605-348-8300

Super 8 605-348-8070, 800-800-8000

Hotel Alex Johnson 605-342-1210, 888-729-0708