Black Hills Bike Hub presents the second stop of our Bikepacking Series! We’re heading to Spearfish and are cranking up the routes a notch! Given the difference in elevation and more remote camping, we are only offering two moderately difficult routes – One single–track focused and the other mixed terrain - gravel/forest service focused. Pick which bike/riding style appeals to you! Both routes will begin at Sawyer Brewing in Spearfish at 1:00 PM on Saturday and head up into the Hills to camp at Timon Campground for the evening. Each option includes a different route back on Sunday morning. Please complete the registration/questionnaire by Thursday July 25th https://forms.gle/LpyXJjfJL2Wpxa93A This helps us know how many riders to expect on each route, so we can ensure everyone has a great time. We hope to see you out there!
Singletrack - Start on Saturday 7/27 at 1 PM
Saturday 7/27 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47612929
Our day 1 Singletrack Route will cover approximately 25 miles leaving from Sawyer Brewery with about 3,300’ of climbing on two track, and moderate singletrack. The route will start casually leaving on pavement/gravel taking riders out to the base of Crow Peak. We will climb up Higgins Gulch gravel to then start our single-track attack at Big Hill Trailhead. We will now be on part of the @Dakota Five-O course. At Iron Creek drainage we will begin our first significant climb to then be rewarded with a stunning view of Spearfish Canyon and Roughlock Falls nature area. After enjoying the view we will continue on recovery ridge and drop down into Timon Campground for the night.
Sunday 7/28 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47611826
We will ride out of camp up gravel roads to Old Baldy and give riders a chance to ride a good section of the West side of the Dakota Five-O loop. We will stay on course all the way to Single Track Attack for an epic descent down to Higgins Gulch Road. From there it will be fast gravel back into Spearfish to Sawyer Brewing. This route will take riders over just short of 25 miles with only 1,300’ of climbing.
Mixed Terrain - Start on Saturday 7/27 at 1 PM
Saturday 7/27 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47576413
This route will take riders West out of Spearfish on the rolling gravel of Homestake Road out to Boundary Gulch and into Wyoming. Boundary Gulch Road’s rough gravel jumps back and forth between SD and WY taking riders high up into the Black Hills. After a steady climb for 10+ miles, riders are treated to a descent into Timon Campground for the night. Day 1 will come in just under 30 miles and 3,800’ of climbing. But don’t be discouraged by all that climbing, Day 2 will give back all the hard-earned elevation gained through fast, fun descents!
Sunday 7/28 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47576800
The elevation profile flips on Day 2, requiring less than 1,100 feet of elevation gain over 25 miles! downhill. Riders will head back up to School House Gulch they descended the day before, but head Northeast to Spearfish on some two track and low standard FS roads that drop riders on Higgins Gulch Road for a twisty descent a few miles down to Higgins Gulch and downhill all the way back to Sawyer Brewing!
Please come prepared for this event with a helmet, maintained bike and basic gear to ensure you have a good time! This event requires more preparation than a typical bike ride, below is our required minimum loadout:
-Camping: Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and tent/shelter/rainfly of your preference.
-Water: About 100 oz/3 Liters, there will be water at the campground for dinner and day 2. There will be potable water at camp but a water filter is highly encouraged.
-Nutrition: Bring plenty of snacks! Plan for at least one snack per hour of riding (≈4 miles). Bring your own meals for dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. We will stop to have lunch at Sawyer Brewing on Sunday after rolling back into Spearfish.
-Clothing: We would recommend bringing a rain jacket and other layers for the potential temperature swings. Keep an eye on the forecast!
-Navigation: Both routes will generally stay together as a group, but it is advised to have the route downloaded on a bike computer and/or your phone.
-All the tools, tubes and spares you would normally bring with you on a long day ride.
-Finally, don’t forget to bring an open mind and good attitude for what will likely be a challenging but rewarding experience!
Don’t have all the gear you need but want to join us at this event? We have an amazing network of riders with more gear than we can use, so reach out and we will do our best to help close the gear gap to make this ride possible for you!
Overnight parking has been arranged if needed in the lot adjacent to Sawyer Brewing. All routes will depart from this location.
This event is open to all current Black Hills Bike Hub Members. If you aren’t a member already – head to https://www.blackhillsbikehub.org/ to Join!