Bicycling

A BIKING MECCA

Something for every wheel!

BY MARK WATSON

Spearfish, and the miles of single-track trails surrounding it, was one of the best-kept secrets in the mountain biking world. But the secret is out, and those trails draw thousands of mountain bikers to the Queen City every year.

The ranks of mountain biking enthusiasts have swelled, and the trails around Spearfish are among the favorites of many, including top industry riders. Even Salsa Cycles, a Minnesota-based bicycle company, named its revampedultra endurance suspension mountain bike the “Spearfish.” n 3 featured RACES RIDE

8th annual

28 BELOW

a winter fat tire fest

MAR. 13, 2021

Distance: 28 mile loop StartsEnds: Savoy www.28below.com

Who says you can’t ride in the winter? An up-and-coming trend gaining momentum among mountain bikers throughout the country is fat tire riding. And Spearfish isn’t immune.

In 2014, the “28 Below” was held for the first time. The race, on snowmobile trails, climbs to a high point of Cement Ridge and the fire lookout.

9th annual

GOLD RUSH GRAVEL GRINDER

a backroads tour

JUNE 12, 2021

Distance: Fools Gold: 45 mile tour, Gold Dust: 70 mile tour, Gravel Grinder: 110 mile tour, Mother Load: 210 mile tour Starts: Spearfish City Park www.goldrushgravelgrinder.com

The Gold Rush Gravel Grinder is a three race ride/tour of of the Black Hills. It consists mostly gravel roads, but will also include a bit of pavement while riders roll over open prairies. The course takes riders through canyons, flowing creeks, and trails provide a perfect opportunity to explore the deep forests, all while climbing toward views of the Black Hills.

The rides will be held again this year with a 5 a.m. start at the Spearfish City Park. Riders must carry their own food and water, but there will be four checkpoints in which riders can purchase food. Jewett said the first checkpoint will be at mile 69 at Trailshead Lodge, the second checkpoint is at mile 124 at Mountain Meadows, the third Checkpoint is at mile 153 at Moonshine Gulch Saloon, and the last checkpoint is back at mile 170 at Trailshead Lodge. There is a time limit to the race, so it is not for the faint of heart or first time racers.

All riders will have from 5 a.m. to midnight to complete the ride. After midnight riders will not be given a finishing time, and there won’t be anyone or anything at the finish line. It is a challenging course with about 12,000 feet of climbing.

21st annual

DAKOTA FIVE-0

a mountain bike race

SEPT. 5, 2021

Distance: 50 mile loop Starts/Ends: Spearfish City Park www.dakotafive-0.com

In recent years, more and more races have come to fruition, but in the Black Hills, one reigns king — The Dakota Five-O.

The Dakota Five-O is called a “race, ride, tour” because top competitors will race each other along prime single-track trails while other riders will take a few moments to stop and take in the beauty of the woods.

The race is run in a clockwise fashion in even numbered years and counter clockwise in odd years.

The Dakota Five-0 begins at the Spearfish City Park. Riders head up Tinton Road and begin single-track riding after about three miles. The first aid station is at mile 11, the Big Hill Trailhead. Climb up Cardiac Climb on your way to the second aid station, Old Baldy Trailhead. The third rest area is at is at Sheep Flats and mile 27. Eight miles later is the Ball Park and the last official aid station. One more stop remains: the Bacon Station. Don’t ask for water here. PBR and bacon is served. The trail links back to the Tinton Trail and into the Spearfish City Park, where music, food, and a cold brew is waiting with your name on it!

Registration, beginning at 7 a.m. on April 1, typically fills within hours of opening.