tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53889756381910161442024-03-28T21:29:40.548-06:00Black Hills BackBoneExplore by Bicycle the Black Hills of South DakotaCrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.comBlogger392125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-10390992849740710292024-03-24T05:49:00.000-06:002024-03-24T05:49:29.152-06:0024 Hours In The Old Pueblo - People Make The Place<div>The 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo ("Two Four HOP") is well known for its welcoming, celebratory vibe. The promoters, vendors, and sponsors certainly contribute, but the racers and their crew are the life blood of this event. Throughout the weekend, I enjoyed nothing but positive and enthusiastic interactions with everyone I encountered. What an affirming experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even out on the course, with challenging passes on fast, twisty single track hemmed in by large, nasty cactus, I found every cyclist to be friendly and encouraging. Every single interaction was positive, even with the fastest of the fast guys and gals. Maybe especially the fastest.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone genuinely seemed happy to be there, and happy to see you there.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdsM-kfYXdCykgTIGZcU9XQ_xnWpC-pQTvBlsGPQVZDANsH5tIDU7qWacDYVQoWuZ9BzoSe79nk_W8UmtJaG95hgplvXw3fpm5JDhKM7urxHMryC0xSc4ZOh6ixaNOx6hRNI1il-OFDf5zLYcUfQVPrIvLWhaKS55qXqHO_3C-fjBy3pK9axsjZ7AOwY/s2048/428633096_10225348778455294_2017450191850479044_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdsM-kfYXdCykgTIGZcU9XQ_xnWpC-pQTvBlsGPQVZDANsH5tIDU7qWacDYVQoWuZ9BzoSe79nk_W8UmtJaG95hgplvXw3fpm5JDhKM7urxHMryC0xSc4ZOh6ixaNOx6hRNI1il-OFDf5zLYcUfQVPrIvLWhaKS55qXqHO_3C-fjBy3pK9axsjZ7AOwY/w640-h480/428633096_10225348778455294_2017450191850479044_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ultra Trail Runner Extraordinaire Kristen Schindler brings a ready smile and a cheering section.<br />(image by Ultra Cyclist Extraordinaire Colin Schindler)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Here's a short introduction some few old and new friends who shared this experience and, along with many others, made the whole weekend memorable. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Local Fast Guys</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Among other things, Kristen Schindler is an elite ultra trail runner and her husband Colin is a competitive cyclist. We met at a cycling event in the Black Hills of South Dakota in late 2021 when Colin was preparing to race the Tour Divide. After his amazing 19 day finish in 2022, I interviewed him for my blog and kept in contact with them after their move to Tucson last year. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Colin entered Two Four HOP as part of Team "Los Pitudos" in the 4 person Mens Open division, with Kristen joining as crew. But her enthusiastic support could not be contained to one team. Kristen screamed and waved a "CRAIG" sign at the start and kept tabs during the race. I later saw her (and heard her!) near the transition tent with a "COLIN! COLIN! COLIN! COLIN!" sign. I can only imagine the energy at their team camp site.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not surprisingly, Colin rode 5 of his team's 16 laps, including 3 of their night laps after midnight, which are the hardest of the entire race, by far. Go, Colin!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitc1A0noxAcOgvbMqL7-9LNP7z3-T8E2Zg9CZc5oxQNYLLATdJVWkqw3YzVhe5VvjXNIURU3b0kIQX3MIdA_aM77ve695YwIS8unpGAJ5RnXgCORXAr5Zd875LeeojdV1Q3JNlA8cOify73uBciRqzqrd493p7jHaYYhue8WktNxgvZ1jPnE67e4bENR8/s729/428636353_10225348780335341_8777026581806440640_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="547" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitc1A0noxAcOgvbMqL7-9LNP7z3-T8E2Zg9CZc5oxQNYLLATdJVWkqw3YzVhe5VvjXNIURU3b0kIQX3MIdA_aM77ve695YwIS8unpGAJ5RnXgCORXAr5Zd875LeeojdV1Q3JNlA8cOify73uBciRqzqrd493p7jHaYYhue8WktNxgvZ1jPnE67e4bENR8/w480-h640/428636353_10225348780335341_8777026581806440640_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin Schindler effortlessly cranks out another lap for Los Pitudos.<br />(image by Kristen Schindler)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>ChristianCycling - Tucson Spoke</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>In advance of Two Four HOP, I contacted the Tucson Spoke of ChristianCycling to see if any of their members planned to be at the race. Conor Johnson responded that he was racing as part of a 5 person co-ed team with other friends, but that he did not know of a formal ChristianCycling team. I didn't know Conor, but we communicated over a few days before the start and met at packet pickup. </div><div><br /></div><div>Out on the course, Conor flew by me on a few laps, always with a loud "GO CRAIG!" or "LOOKING GOOD CRAIG!" I would have loved to ride with him, but he rode much faster. His team, "Chill Team Ride," ultimately rode 22 laps to finish 2nd in the 5 Person Co-Ed (150-199 combined age group) division.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>ChristianCycling - Racers from Vintage 24 Hours of Moab Teams</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Checking into the transition tent on Saturday morning, I heard someone exclaim, "Craig!" I turned to face an excited Jovan Fritsch. He introduced himself as a racer on a ChristianCycling team at our 24 Hours of Moab ministry, way back in 2005, where I was Race Teams Director of our 10 race teams. The years melt away as we quickly catch up before the start.</div><div><br /></div><div>Much later, while checking through the transition tent in the middle of the night, I again hear someone call my name. Now, it's Mark Berghoefer, another racer part of another group of ChristianCycling teams that I directed at the 24 Hours of Moab, this time in 2004. He's retired now, but looks as race-fit as he did 20 years ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both Jovan and Mark bring big smiles, along with a flood of warm memories from those ministries and from many other team rides, races, and events back then. Better yet, both shout encouragement whenever they see me out on the course or in the transition tent. I really wish I had pictures with them and hope to ride with them again.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmpT08sEPrMShtr75WHNmFwoYnSaGV__MDTIV5T1Mve_Wp4-eb7eJTkhaDglja-Sqh1j8kfLQfcYfZhUoKUysklU6u_QsGlAz6INYa9bvBc5O7S3ZyyPEp9UhTHTyETQhMjLrYHSlgy3N28yPXK3vCSlikZezGpGrI-N6UkB2kbGhfbRKdbO5x4fTCu0/s707/thumbnail-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="707" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmpT08sEPrMShtr75WHNmFwoYnSaGV__MDTIV5T1Mve_Wp4-eb7eJTkhaDglja-Sqh1j8kfLQfcYfZhUoKUysklU6u_QsGlAz6INYa9bvBc5O7S3ZyyPEp9UhTHTyETQhMjLrYHSlgy3N28yPXK3vCSlikZezGpGrI-N6UkB2kbGhfbRKdbO5x4fTCu0/w640-h480/thumbnail-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking in with Conor Johnson, captain of Chill Team Ride and member of the Tucson Spoke of ChristianCycling.<br />(image by Conor Johnson)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Other Racers</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Right before the start, a woman burst out, "Hey! Do you know if Michael Hast is here?" I recognize that name as the Director of the ChristianCycling Tucson Spoke, so my team kit must have sparked that question. "No, I don't think he's here, but I don't know." Undeterred, she introduced herself as Sarah Mulholland and wanted to know all about my story. What an energetic bundle of good cheer!</div><div><br /></div><div>Racing with Team Baaad Hombres, Sarah and her teammates sport custom jerseys that included a happy, excited looking goat to reflect their team spirit. Later, at the start and at unexpected times during the race, I'd hear Sarah's enthusiastic shouts of "Go Craig!" What fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also exemplifying the event's friendly, welcoming vibe, Ty Pessin of Tucson introduced himself at the Outbound Lighting tent as we checked out some demo lights during the Friday expo. He was plumb full of positive excitement. The next time I saw Ty was well after noon on Sunday on the final lap. He looked strong on his 10th solo lap, but apparently was pacing a struggling racer around the course. I'd love to ride with him some day.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Neighbors</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Peter Stocker and Lonnie Calmes entered Two Four HOP as part of "Toadie's Wild Ride" in the Corporate Team division. Peter has raced here 5 times before and, amazingly, Lonnie is back for the 18th time. Yes, their camp setup is primo. When I arrived on site after dark on Thursday night and stumbled around searching for a place to camp, Peter and Lonnie recognized my predicament and carved out some space near their site. They then offered food, drink, heat, and light throughout the weekend, along with a friendly spot to relax. Good neighbors, indeed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other friendly neighbors included Bob and Holly (unknown last names). They are an adventurous young couple from Phoenix that enjoy a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. Bob is here for his first 24 hour mountain bike race and chose to race Solo Single Speed. Holly is crewing this weekend, but will reverse roles with Bob at their next event. They both are so jazzed to be here and to just soak in the entire experience. They watched over me throughout the race, with encouragement and coffee.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Vegan Cyclist</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>At the venue expo on Friday afternoon, I spot Tyler Pearce, aka The Vegan Cyclist of YouTube fame. We met on a back road in Montana in 2021, where Paul Brasby and I were on Day 3 on our ride of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and he was on Day 1 of one of his "Impossible Rides." Tyler and crew pedaled up, cameras rolling, interviewed us on the fly, and included us in his film. After I introduced myself at the expo, he immediately remembered all that and genuinely wanted to know all about the rest of our ride. He's the real deal.</div><div><br /></div><div>During the race, Tyler passed me several times, shouting encouragement by name each time. He ultimately rode 16 laps to finish 5th in the Solo Men division. Notwithstanding his high level of achievement, on and off the bike, Tyler fit right in.</div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYV2sodmTNA35-V_bFWFrbJdGrVkZPKrgzO488v9a6GnW4C6zlTN61dDAkz4tbA65_99iCEIO_u9lUjiweQ8bpRTZZ5S4Ju-9XCRA34zWxuK47rJ_wjp9uZjwWyuNTjhQ2G0q8o7yxY5AgSvYmS8yOt_6xa7nPbTgO7PXfzXY12R9aergxPegLVfpqCQ/s1080/thumbnail-11.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="811" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYV2sodmTNA35-V_bFWFrbJdGrVkZPKrgzO488v9a6GnW4C6zlTN61dDAkz4tbA65_99iCEIO_u9lUjiweQ8bpRTZZ5S4Ju-9XCRA34zWxuK47rJ_wjp9uZjwWyuNTjhQ2G0q8o7yxY5AgSvYmS8yOt_6xa7nPbTgO7PXfzXY12R9aergxPegLVfpqCQ/w480-h640/thumbnail-11.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Friday expo with Tyler Pearce, vlogger and film maker VC, aka the Vegan Cyclist.<br />(image by Tyler Pearce)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Vendors</b> </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Even the vendors at Two Four HOP were awesome. Leading the way was Tom Place of Outbound Lighting, who patiently provided demo lights and neutral charging of all devices. He worked a long day on Friday and throughout the entire 24 hour race on Saturday and Sunday to keep the lights on for everyone. I demo'd their Hangover helmet light during the race and plan to buy their upcoming Portal light, which offers even longer run times. Great lights. Great service.</div><div><br /></div><div>I enjoyed all the food vendors, but especially Single Speed Coffee Lab, which also provided high quality means to make it through the night. They even offered their "Wake Up And Kiss Me" specialty coffee in single serve steeped coffee bags to make back at your camp site. Nice. I bought an extra box to take home for #CoffeeOutside rides.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 24 Hour Town expo additionally featured several non-profits and other organizations that contributed to the community spirit of the event. I particularly loved meeting and talking with Abby Wrent, an artist who painted, on site, four bike frame sets that would later be auctioned for charity. I recently found a short YouTube video she made of her experience, which includes the bikes she painted, some of the expo, and even the Whiskey Tree. Thanks for your positive presence, Abby!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HsoKREEd2v4" width="320" youtube-src-id="HsoKREEd2v4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Painting Bikes at Two Four HOP.</div><div style="text-align: center;">AbbyWrentArtistry.com</div><div><br /></div><div>Many others contributed to my experience and to the overall vibe of the event. The 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo attracts special kinds of people. I'd love to return.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-29376021610730329992024-03-17T06:08:00.000-06:002024-03-17T06:08:26.173-06:0024 Hours In The Old Pueblo - Whiskey Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>One thing's for sure, we're all just passin' through</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>No, we're not gonna live forever, not me and you</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>But, Lord, I've had a good time, yes, Lord, I've had a good life</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>I've just one thing to say, this is all that matters anyway</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Good Friends, Good Whiskey, and Good Lovin', Hank Williams, Jr. (1990)</i></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCCleDftAzOzn7WjslkcWFTFUgKYOAM4nODzPHScSK5IEj8lV4kQFCgRAhDexd-R0DwT2WH0zmrE6OsIMk9MFsyQKBusytG6YVn9n_CpP631zHy7RCWnl32556ASeQPutc-RZzZDBPFboL-IdrB_yzD9kMbRuEFNMyI3_PvhcraPNbR5AUudjYDLR6Ag/s808/24_Hours_in_the_Old_Pueblo_2015_Day_3_0413.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="808" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCCleDftAzOzn7WjslkcWFTFUgKYOAM4nODzPHScSK5IEj8lV4kQFCgRAhDexd-R0DwT2WH0zmrE6OsIMk9MFsyQKBusytG6YVn9n_CpP631zHy7RCWnl32556ASeQPutc-RZzZDBPFboL-IdrB_yzD9kMbRuEFNMyI3_PvhcraPNbR5AUudjYDLR6Ag/w640-h426/24_Hours_in_the_Old_Pueblo_2015_Day_3_0413.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Four HOP appropriate hydration dangles in front of racers at the Whiskey Tree.<br />(image by EpicRides.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Over its 24 years, the 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo ("Two Four HOP") has earned a well-deserved reputation as a good time for everyone from professional racers and hard core enthusiasts to weekend warriors and pajama adventurers. The Whiskey Tree is part of that legacy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A little more than half way around the 16.7 mile lap at Two Four HOP, the race course veers back toward the event venue near the Start/Finish area. Just a bit short of that, the course twists through a relatively flat, low lying area and swings 270 degrees to dive back into the distant desert. It's a natural spot for teammates and crew to walk over from the venue to cheer on passing racers.</div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBDZKGCQ1vqIjgzqdBGyAlJQIbEubuyuTjojF38HCVujZHfH0Bg3XPFR3ZMg979HOKhPn2pIgOrsJGVqP1d4fzVETRiwH8Dg_nVllkNRDuVX_2S5lk8AiqOszPVcspbY0V-pfKeADyYiwXzC5Umq5PmNzMG1YwXbFxnMHvzlnUYsM95eTAZe-_GwotEU/s1080/thumbnail-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBDZKGCQ1vqIjgzqdBGyAlJQIbEubuyuTjojF38HCVujZHfH0Bg3XPFR3ZMg979HOKhPn2pIgOrsJGVqP1d4fzVETRiwH8Dg_nVllkNRDuVX_2S5lk8AiqOszPVcspbY0V-pfKeADyYiwXzC5Umq5PmNzMG1YwXbFxnMHvzlnUYsM95eTAZe-_GwotEU/w640-h480/thumbnail-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Start/Finish, it's a short cut walk to the Whiskey Tree for crowds to cheer on racers.<br />(image by EpicRides.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Very early in race history, rambunctious fans brought various forms of liquid refreshment to that spot and offered shots of fortitude to the racers for the remaining miles. Word spread, the crowds grew, and the party was on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's a race that goes on all night and into the next day, however, and fans that returned to their camps started to leave behind bottles of whiskey tied to trees. Even in the dead of night, with few fans there, racers could stop for replenishment. The Whiskey Tree was born.</div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEU6bK6v4SPrzNxj4QrhgEzJvwwL7UGqlHH60bUQd6LOz9wkzL3QdgegW0s-TXKprOP8_XnIg9uZpAYkicrOEBUexjOF1USKE_YgMgLrPRNCEEyZnSekF-jWGVODpbHW7o706XYIU8XPXCjLweLfIeZHMYgbMKOkUn97ax9Jm44-YWLHGyUjVFlyGGVM/s474/th-666348000.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="474" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEU6bK6v4SPrzNxj4QrhgEzJvwwL7UGqlHH60bUQd6LOz9wkzL3QdgegW0s-TXKprOP8_XnIg9uZpAYkicrOEBUexjOF1USKE_YgMgLrPRNCEEyZnSekF-jWGVODpbHW7o706XYIU8XPXCjLweLfIeZHMYgbMKOkUn97ax9Jm44-YWLHGyUjVFlyGGVM/w640-h426/th-666348000.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whiskey Tree wizard replenishes supply as the crowd looks for the next racer.<br />(image from an unknown year)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>On my first lap, the Whiskey Tree tribe is already large and in charge. Whooping, hollering, cheering. This party is started! I ride into the scene in the midst of another dozen racers or so. Some stop for a quick snort, others linger for more, but most add to the clamor while riding straight through. It's a hoot.</div><div><br /></div><div>On my second lap, the Whiskey Tree crowd still numbers maybe 40-50 people and Happy Hour is well under way with raucous cheering and now jeering. Bottles appear from all sides, with more aggressive encouragement to join the party. Now more like a cyclocross race, a few rowdy heckles mix with cheers when a racer ahead of me waves off their offers.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I wind through the throng, I enthusiastically thank them but decline to a chorus of disappointment.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then a persistent voice rings out, "Hey! We have a Senior Citizen's Discount!"</div><div><br /></div><div>The crowd howls.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Best Heckle Of The Race.</div></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LgP39Rg385Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="LgP39Rg385Q"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Good Friends, Good Whiskey & Good Lovin'</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hank Williams, Jr. (1990)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-67348309828768541352024-03-10T07:04:00.007-06:002024-03-11T12:06:40.327-06:0024 Hours In The Old Pueblo - Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>You go back, Jack, do it again</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Wheel turnin' 'round and 'round</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>You go back, Jack, do it again</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Do It Again, Walter Becker & Donald Began</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2024/02/24-hours-in-old-pueblo-back-at-it.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="780" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnjP9W5lcnmxv9GR_We3iSYxn5drMIbUgjJClQmWqfLt2JhR6dvluqIm0Kky9n6Qljem4QbEayIWOuBiXV5inUBcqOUq2AOeIhVmCOEituHPNu3fyAAHoI4T9rXdF3J8eVNuYORr2SuR6LMKWoQwjrxqRZy5ginYcrQNE1qauYqHxktaRDwm_FGUVz10/w640-h318/333929722.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at 24 Hour Town on race day at Two Four HOP.<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo ("Two Four HOP") is an iconic 24 hour mountain bike race in a patch of remote desert somewhere north of Tucson, Arizona. Way back in 2003, I raced it on a Duo Team with friend Dan Cook. For some reason, I now decide to return to race it solo. <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2024/02/24-hours-in-old-pueblo-back-at-it.html">24 HOP-Back At It</a>. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><br /></div><div>It's a hoot. It's a holler. I'm not going to wait another 21 years to go back.</div><div><br /></div></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogKOodydh2jTnG6Ro_DRpDfCI34pIzIEfy-qsPyauQRu_3vu2Vp8VTAIGu3z_i7l48DwGE2jJuPDXUuqhjBwv_EiWHva6gMC3bIjc8LWJml3lg9deijlMCi0VGfku6qaWIo15sfI8uLzzXiUzBWdALdJ945NrFqGAhNriANlsscXBtZoU5a8fNuCLPhg/s1080/thumbnail-17.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogKOodydh2jTnG6Ro_DRpDfCI34pIzIEfy-qsPyauQRu_3vu2Vp8VTAIGu3z_i7l48DwGE2jJuPDXUuqhjBwv_EiWHva6gMC3bIjc8LWJml3lg9deijlMCi0VGfku6qaWIo15sfI8uLzzXiUzBWdALdJ945NrFqGAhNriANlsscXBtZoU5a8fNuCLPhg/w640-h480/thumbnail-17.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise waking up 24 Hour Town on race day.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZvbNYzAeilTNB3S15Gcvh5SpkGG536e0XtmpGyvHXceCTmQS5FzGZXL0pVksBpuh3B7UO20h2_gdhwTsWyVRzoQKwaUjknzHAqioNC7-JHLerZAUAq6OZIneiTPgFzPVrBS5xo8fOhNKAgAVqIz5POhRu5ThgUZPojJ9s2wI9A66oJd_0nT3hZq-YEQ/s1080/thumbnail-14.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZvbNYzAeilTNB3S15Gcvh5SpkGG536e0XtmpGyvHXceCTmQS5FzGZXL0pVksBpuh3B7UO20h2_gdhwTsWyVRzoQKwaUjknzHAqioNC7-JHLerZAUAq6OZIneiTPgFzPVrBS5xo8fOhNKAgAVqIz5POhRu5ThgUZPojJ9s2wI9A66oJd_0nT3hZq-YEQ/w640-h480/thumbnail-14.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My modest solo campsite on race day.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Shortly before noon on a bright Saturday in February, I stand in the middle of a milling mass of excited, maybe a bit nervous, cyclists bracing for the start of this 24 hour mountain bike race. As if that isn't hard enough, before starting the first lap, racers must run about 800 meters down a dirt road just to reach their bikes. My knees hurt thinking about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most all of the 2000+ cyclists race as part of a relay team of 2, 4, 5, or 6-10 members. However, 165 intrepid souls race solo. For the first time, I'm one of them. And I'm doing it self-supported, i.e., without a support crew. But I'm certainly not alone. This is one big, friendly group of enthusiastic cyclists and crews.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wxt6NScpAzrabFyHCnLTHnAS-Fi0G2MGs52e1LGgj3Y_DpzAX4271SsVxSe1d3GbMx9iwSYbkB8qtWQzBuyV64XvyrPUOuExdfZKLv7r0KJnDcVsObpZ2Wkn4REGj2GJOgMAkR-HS1YBMrSTUxV6EGcGcpQUb482r5lYnbsI0i3HzzOY6TJBnBZ6Uc4/s1200/333929721.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wxt6NScpAzrabFyHCnLTHnAS-Fi0G2MGs52e1LGgj3Y_DpzAX4271SsVxSe1d3GbMx9iwSYbkB8qtWQzBuyV64XvyrPUOuExdfZKLv7r0KJnDcVsObpZ2Wkn4REGj2GJOgMAkR-HS1YBMrSTUxV6EGcGcpQUb482r5lYnbsI0i3HzzOY6TJBnBZ6Uc4/w640-h360/333929721.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crowd gathers for the LeMans start, an (unreasonably long!) dirt road run to the start of the bike race.<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL-cNQoEgpEMtUHN0uvJUfIzFV2YjHKTo4kWn1eVvJOYoix1mp5OBuogDNysLwPyoJdecbEM9PWs2E0Rge1jLmTxQt0I31pdwxLMSdGH6mKRCbaDCAiSCxaZi3hPmxZTWRwqXRFKXL937eYeKTXqZ5ysAes5pPTFZx4IPguwZzMysH0wZu2Fg6AKVDq8/s1200/333929736.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL-cNQoEgpEMtUHN0uvJUfIzFV2YjHKTo4kWn1eVvJOYoix1mp5OBuogDNysLwPyoJdecbEM9PWs2E0Rge1jLmTxQt0I31pdwxLMSdGH6mKRCbaDCAiSCxaZi3hPmxZTWRwqXRFKXL937eYeKTXqZ5ysAes5pPTFZx4IPguwZzMysH0wZu2Fg6AKVDq8/w640-h360/333929736.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lead runners of the LeMans start approach their bikes.<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5LcgcmMvg8QsOQ0fYz7yfAs3b9VLG31SjMMydN20Xl7c7LvMnqJYch0Xtc8bB-zkyMaho0zFkP49i911kKV6iNBaMIegZejeBsHOwcGCbOcQP1UHGRwa2_IHa8RK4DC4ejKNtdesXueAh1KwEZZVDh8v0rOP0lHykDLmEJ0kQFA3reEbVb7_xLhxaGI/s1200/333929750.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5LcgcmMvg8QsOQ0fYz7yfAs3b9VLG31SjMMydN20Xl7c7LvMnqJYch0Xtc8bB-zkyMaho0zFkP49i911kKV6iNBaMIegZejeBsHOwcGCbOcQP1UHGRwa2_IHa8RK4DC4ejKNtdesXueAh1KwEZZVDh8v0rOP0lHykDLmEJ0kQFA3reEbVb7_xLhxaGI/w640-h360/333929750.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the start, showing the big white transition tent and orange finishing arch.<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>My plan is to ride each lap in a way to give myself a chance to ride the next lap. For me, that means to work to maintain bike, sustain body, and don't dig such an energy hole that I can't recover to ride the next lap. Yes, that's a compressed version of the mindset for my successful through-ride of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route in 2021, where I rode each day in a way to give myself a chance to ride the next day. <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-great-divide-give-yourself-chance.html">The Great Divide - Give Yourself A Chance</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>To be an Official Finisher of this 24 hour race, one must finish the last lap after noon on Sunday. There is no minimum number of laps or maximum length of time for breaks. My goal to ride as many laps as I can, taking the breaks I need, to pedal through that Finish Line after noon on Sunday.</div><div><br /></div><div>A lap is 16.7 miles of relatively fast single track and some double track that I rode, on average, 1:30/lap for 7 laps on my Duo Team in 2003. At my moderated solo pace 21 years later, I expect more like 2-2.5 hours per lap. After each lap, I plan to return to my camp site to take whatever break I need to be able to complete the next lap. Change clothes, add/subtract layers, eat, drink, check bike, and, finally, get off my feet for a bit. Go back out there when I can successfully ride another lap.</div><div><br /></div><div>Visualizing the race beforehand, I think that 2 Saturday afternoon laps, 2 night laps, and 2 Sunday morning laps would be a solid result for me at this time. That would make 6 laps total and right at 100 miles of mountain bike racing in one long day. If all went really well, maybe 3 night laps, which would make 7 laps and 117 miles total. A shoot-for-the-moon target would be 4 night laps to make 8 laps and 134 miles total.</div><div><br /></div><div>But those are just numbers. For me, this event is about riding as many laps as I can while having fun, managing effort and recovery, and riding across that Finish Line after noon on Sunday. Take care of that, and the number of laps will take care of itself. Well, that's the plan, anyhow.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBfsLl4AffQjN-tc0WtwjeckTqDLt96spUd7uZLYJcnag2S9qUQkPR50VeLAukK2WL5fYHi99W-xrAUVp6usglsPcW69AJSIXB33A85KVLVI3-vaxJWEqeTtMv_ZRmP-WltARxCECoW6NKQmQl-ICXo2EDR9bhu-YZHLE2pPY103paug3qToCFfOPHXo/s600/428633096_10225348778455294_2017450191850479044_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBfsLl4AffQjN-tc0WtwjeckTqDLt96spUd7uZLYJcnag2S9qUQkPR50VeLAukK2WL5fYHi99W-xrAUVp6usglsPcW69AJSIXB33A85KVLVI3-vaxJWEqeTtMv_ZRmP-WltARxCECoW6NKQmQl-ICXo2EDR9bhu-YZHLE2pPY103paug3qToCFfOPHXo/w640-h480/428633096_10225348778455294_2017450191850479044_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ultra trail runner extraordinaire Kristen Schindler cheers at the start, while crewing for husband Colin.<br />(image by Colin Schindler)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><div><div>A shot gun blast jolts me back to the start. The packed herd of anxious cyclists streaks down a rough dirt road to their waiting bikes somewhere in the unseen distance. The leaders sprint for glory and prizes, while everyone else settles into a sustainable rhythm, much like what's necessary for the long bike race ahead. </div><div><br /></div><div>I find myself trotting among an ever-changing mix of characters, including an eclectic assortment of people in costume. Yes, in costume. A full body panda outfit, with a 3 foot diameter head (like a sports team mascot). A Roman Legionnaire in full battle regalia, waving a plastic sword and riding a stick horse. An otherwise conventional looking kit accessorized with a flashing neon tutu, which I later learn was passed from teammate to teammate like a relay baton. Many more. And more face paint than I can recount. All a bit nuts.</div><div><br /></div><div>As runners approach their bikes, the frenzied horde of teammates and crew leans into the road, waving signs, screaming encouragement, and clanging noise makers of all kinds. The accumulated craziness elevates the energy of everyone and everything. Even the cactus seem to be moving.</div><div><br /></div><div>I eventually find my bike and weave through the madness, relieved to be pedaling with knees intact.</div></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQ_9A9sVhugfaB4Ffjlm1-eiYoJCg6G4RVeoXQ0HCrp0l045jOchDZWUmTb9gVj91mgLgdU9E4R5vlvQsUTGETg67T_M2C_q1oufuRiLm8xDnwbyUxgit2t3uJGYfZEBcdl_Y2YkP9xd4lSurasj0AT38ftIE2aeY8NEDIhgrh2HdvQZD1C-qr8dO1VE/s874/333878502.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="874" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQ_9A9sVhugfaB4Ffjlm1-eiYoJCg6G4RVeoXQ0HCrp0l045jOchDZWUmTb9gVj91mgLgdU9E4R5vlvQsUTGETg67T_M2C_q1oufuRiLm8xDnwbyUxgit2t3uJGYfZEBcdl_Y2YkP9xd4lSurasj0AT38ftIE2aeY8NEDIhgrh2HdvQZD1C-qr8dO1VE/w640-h426/333878502.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attacking a short pitch on Lap 1.<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The first lap flies by, in a never-ending series of passing and being passed on fast, twisty single track snaking between various species of heavily armed plants with bad intent. Seemingly every desert plant out here has the means and intent to inflict pain. Fortunately, only one cholla impales me on that first lap.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rounding out that first lap at a modest 1:58, I stick to the plan and veer off to my campsite. I add sunscreen and gloves, chug a bottle of Recoverite, snarf a Snickers bar and some peanut butter crackers, and plop down into my comfy lounge chair for a moment. Solid first lap. Recovery according to plan. After about 20 minutes total, I hop back on the bike for another lap. Nice start.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pr6lzIef5xDzHU5UvSJVjpYWyvxMAxF7O0w8zc3QmRjArYd9cIEkyZ-eCwasAsBSQOWqgeY_anoy9vKIX8BWd97QKQT72NVPCZSge7BrQNxFP-kReDS8iKtW-mujMBx0FEPE4ORYEigYLhnopgTUmpvwTV0sY_TDTXqX0UFVfVoDeGsLyA6F1qxHuF4/s950/333870988.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pr6lzIef5xDzHU5UvSJVjpYWyvxMAxF7O0w8zc3QmRjArYd9cIEkyZ-eCwasAsBSQOWqgeY_anoy9vKIX8BWd97QKQT72NVPCZSge7BrQNxFP-kReDS8iKtW-mujMBx0FEPE4ORYEigYLhnopgTUmpvwTV0sY_TDTXqX0UFVfVoDeGsLyA6F1qxHuF4/w640-h426/333870988.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charging up a short hill on Lap 2. (I didn't change clothes, but added gloves).<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOgNAO9qOKUrlpMsEXBUjQfmepPnnzTR8IOwffg5qWhSf6oo7SEVOXItd-fggYVoCOODc623Ld7gLGo1VGsn3dZ8eQNt8TwsqvtU_08fPddd9dDkv3QhDUXr9j5JzwVK2V80aTj5CdEB0fGfpml6erDxkUnYjcDnVhpIzapUIsH5ZiehGCDkshPBMbCE/s841/333877147.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="841" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOgNAO9qOKUrlpMsEXBUjQfmepPnnzTR8IOwffg5qWhSf6oo7SEVOXItd-fggYVoCOODc623Ld7gLGo1VGsn3dZ8eQNt8TwsqvtU_08fPddd9dDkv3QhDUXr9j5JzwVK2V80aTj5CdEB0fGfpml6erDxkUnYjcDnVhpIzapUIsH5ZiehGCDkshPBMbCE/w640-h426/333877147.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing with the cactus on Lap 2.<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkpkyBBl4jW_gqzTXtuHrgFSSU5WsItmOeYrn-WTMdSnoalZL8He6DSmqIqgDzdMkF936v2pDfu8sCnvd7PqyYLL9TVAVkplBF63GT7gYINAS2VL-uSK40mZ4tiLArP6eOZdBBsd0dWfV80Ly_zMwhx0fUTPhQ7IvuQXWA_4Gkv8ac1sUXpbYhdWu_eU/s897/333863251.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="674" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkpkyBBl4jW_gqzTXtuHrgFSSU5WsItmOeYrn-WTMdSnoalZL8He6DSmqIqgDzdMkF936v2pDfu8sCnvd7PqyYLL9TVAVkplBF63GT7gYINAS2VL-uSK40mZ4tiLArP6eOZdBBsd0dWfV80Ly_zMwhx0fUTPhQ7IvuQXWA_4Gkv8ac1sUXpbYhdWu_eU/w480-h640/333863251.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere up there must be the finish of Lap 2.<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Lap 2 smoothly settles into a good rhythm, with racers more spread out and the edginess of the start sanded off a bit. Bright sunshine boosts temperatures into a comfortable mid-70's with little breeze. For this South Dakotan, there's nothing quite like racing a mountain bike in mid-February while wearing shorts and short sleeves.<div><br /></div><div>I spin through Lap 2 in 2:08 feeling pretty good or, more accurately, feeling "normal tired." With upcoming Lap 3 extending through sunset, I stop at camp to add lights, eat, drink, and be merry. I learned last night how quickly temperatures drop in the desert when the sun disappears, so I also add arm warmers, heavier gloves, tights, and a light jacket. After 4 hours of pedaling, that comfy camp chair feels even more comfy. My second break extends to 1:25 before I finally feel recovered enough to start Lap 3. <br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwp7-xjoeUbolcj7fOAOxFW5VlCQvCmrpa8gx9vmjocK54tEAKZh_ue37WtanhfvAOlSDes2runt83-NZA_8VelVkhHwWEnN_xYh3TV8psmZYNbVoYE8G1Ar0RJLNsQ7lyJSXWLAw5G0WBbAGqS4roPYTY1Fa97Fx3U8QyRgdtvxoRJErGK-nAPo8jJkU/s1080/thumbnail-25.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwp7-xjoeUbolcj7fOAOxFW5VlCQvCmrpa8gx9vmjocK54tEAKZh_ue37WtanhfvAOlSDes2runt83-NZA_8VelVkhHwWEnN_xYh3TV8psmZYNbVoYE8G1Ar0RJLNsQ7lyJSXWLAw5G0WBbAGqS4roPYTY1Fa97Fx3U8QyRgdtvxoRJErGK-nAPo8jJkU/w640-h480/thumbnail-25.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on Lap 3. I just had to stop for this picture.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The first half of the 16.7 mile course is relatively non-technical and generally trends downhill. So, it's easy to think you're feeling good covering those miles. And, early on Lap 3, I did feel good.</div><div><br /></div><div>The second half turns more uphill and more rocky. At about Mile 14, when you've had about enough of this lap, the course climbs steadily for about 2 miles, then drops through a more techy rock garden for the final half mile to the Finish. It's a jarring end to what has been a smooth ride.</div><div><br /></div><div>Accumulated fatigue manifests in more labored effort about half way through Lap 3, as the sun finally sets and some harsh reality sets in. I'm losing steam, and a long night lies ahead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Coasting into camp after a 2:14 Lap 3, I methodically work through my routine, but at a noticeably slower pace. Everything simply takes longer alone in the chill dark. I cook some substantial hot food and take a substantial break. I'm slowing down, even in camp, but work to stay on the recovery plan. So, I fret not as time slips away. After almost 2 hours (1:55), I finally spin into the deepening darkness for another lap.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AhhyVZbp4RIn1N69lhjbhvvBP7O-1ItUtclInqGI4wLyaNuFD36n87nwau_BWoIQHBMIFeHKnTiWMUm-naeeq1s8hUsPuQfkIz9llZUCfcuLn1d0B2g46-mLrw9_KkXWPlq0gkzn2VIEZ6Z2Ivt06kqTOYtg-YGg6oOG55AvGX2iP4Y9fqVQiqEKLGs/s1080/thumbnail%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AhhyVZbp4RIn1N69lhjbhvvBP7O-1ItUtclInqGI4wLyaNuFD36n87nwau_BWoIQHBMIFeHKnTiWMUm-naeeq1s8hUsPuQfkIz9llZUCfcuLn1d0B2g46-mLrw9_KkXWPlq0gkzn2VIEZ6Z2Ivt06kqTOYtg-YGg6oOG55AvGX2iP4Y9fqVQiqEKLGs/w640-h480/thumbnail%202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A menacing cholla forest around midnight on Lap 4.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Once pedaling out on Lap 4, I am rejuvenated, at least emotionally. Boisterous banter fills the air, as many team relay racers enthusiastically crank out their first night lap. Passing and being passed on twisty single track through cactus forests at night requires a higher level of communication and cooperation. Somehow, it all seems to work and it helps the miles pass.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lap 4 flows, in a deliberate, unstoppable way, like hot fudge over ice cream. I'm tired and pedaling hard, but relaxed at a sustainable pace. This is good. This is fun. I feel like I could do this all night, at least after another break.</div><div><br /></div><div>I cruise into camp after a 2:23 Lap 4 and, again, focus on my routine to recover and return to riding. It's now past midnight with temperatures dropping into the 40's. I eat some hot food, add more layers, including a down puffy jacket, and head out after a 1:39 break. I'm still diligently working the plan.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UczHnkCwXneN6cKvoe7AjFGyMHnXGr8gaNQNbNbUBiOwFeuSTnbHQSht8glbraI5sMol7naaJ0fhzjZQX3bvXBgcXCsqie-2KTeJ3kIQdjyKbJ6NZyZXWmUQuTGrUncfe88T_5LfiTT6RSAe4HMKUkqnw0FaWXLUwQ8K4VP-vDwwa_IKps8Wmc7nCsM/s883/333896198.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="883" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UczHnkCwXneN6cKvoe7AjFGyMHnXGr8gaNQNbNbUBiOwFeuSTnbHQSht8glbraI5sMol7naaJ0fhzjZQX3bvXBgcXCsqie-2KTeJ3kIQdjyKbJ6NZyZXWmUQuTGrUncfe88T_5LfiTT6RSAe4HMKUkqnw0FaWXLUwQ8K4VP-vDwwa_IKps8Wmc7nCsM/w640-h426/333896198.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Son, your ego's writing checks your body can't cash."<br />Sometime after 2 am on Lap 5.<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>With 4 laps in the books shortly after midnight, I feed a fleeting thought of finishing 8 laps. Adrenalin and ambition boost my effort through the easier first half of Lap 5. Bad idea. I push far too hard. With diminished focus and control, I overcook a sweeping turn and T-bone a big cholla. The rougher terrain in the second half empties my reserves. On the final 2 mile climb, I plummet into survival mode. The plan teeters on the edge. </div><div><br /></div><div>Barely soft-pedaling into camp after a 2:30 Lap 5, I am zoned out. It's now 4:42 am and a breezy 40 degrees. I desperately need to change into dry clothes, re-hydrate, and eat a big pile of hot, hearty food. I do none of the above. Instead, I plop in that comfy camp chair for, you know, just a minute. A chill breeze prompts me to grab a sleeping bag.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgrMeF35cHt0kdo0tOBeBeHLE-bFVpa40LmpM1ozsDEe6WSbjR6gkq9X2WJ7G7YuMqOzo-0TGocR10PQYyzOdUlDlTvM3bjCFJOD7lxnXWM9PJQ44B_YdwmNfTAgtIIr9qtR-HuXFeUR-AlSvfgN_U10f49aAtPLF9YtHZSeYNVPp4p5jBNLMb57DI5A/s1080/thumbnail-34.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgrMeF35cHt0kdo0tOBeBeHLE-bFVpa40LmpM1ozsDEe6WSbjR6gkq9X2WJ7G7YuMqOzo-0TGocR10PQYyzOdUlDlTvM3bjCFJOD7lxnXWM9PJQ44B_YdwmNfTAgtIIr9qtR-HuXFeUR-AlSvfgN_U10f49aAtPLF9YtHZSeYNVPp4p5jBNLMb57DI5A/w640-h480/thumbnail-34.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopping on the night train halfway around Lap 5, with 24 Hour Town in sight.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Big mistake. The next thing I hear is the sound of a truck pumping out some nearby porta-potties. What? The sun is up and it's 7:30! I'm still in those sweaty clothes and have not done anything since riding into camp. My carefully constructed race plan, so well managed for so long, lies shattered on the desert floor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just like that, I lose an entire lap. I start to stand up, but my legs scream. Over the last 2 and a half hours of sleeping in a camp chair, my body somehow gets the message that my big race is over. Nothing wants to move. Everything hurts when I do. Legs, in particular, are toast. Soggy, burnt toast.</div><div><br /></div><div>Right now, I don't know if I can even get on the bike. My race may well be over. Under Two Four HOP rules, I would still be an Official Finisher by simply finishing that Lap 5 after noon. That is, I could stay at my camp, drink coffee, clean up, socialize with neighbors, even go back to sleep, as long as I return to the course and finish the last hundred meters of Lap 5 after noon. That sounds sensible. </div><div><br /></div><div>I recognize that this decision at this moment will define my race.</div><div><br /></div><div>OK. Back to the basics. Give yourself a chance.</div><div><br /></div><div>How do I give myself a chance to ride another lap?</div><div><br /></div><div>I start with a short prayer of praise and thanks for the opportunity and ability to be here for this experience. Then I force myself to change clothes, then brew a big pot of coffee, then cook some oatmeal, then ready my bike, and then stretch a bit. Each little task makes the next task less difficult, both to start and to perform. To loosen things up a little more, I gingerly walk around and talk with some neighbors, most of whom are already packing up to leave. Finally, at about 8:30 am (about an hour after waking up and 4 hours after riding into camp), I convince myself that I'm bound to feel better once back on the bike. I decide to pedal out for a Lap 6 and somehow get around that course, however slow, however challenging.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFbD92YMryiAoSc4UE9iBdUzc_UVo2InO46uF9wX_aVNtaiPMRjSjt51nDWjyJe2l7HQA9v6eMMZ-KcN88iZEZQR_Y-yzCRstf4iIO3AVvI8OsA1IuYOdB1C4PmsZodJlPoGD5V0q95b6SNzNkXDisx0V7b8l3L3OMT7jhWtJufak8Ti-t6-tvue0MLY/s1081/333911451.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFbD92YMryiAoSc4UE9iBdUzc_UVo2InO46uF9wX_aVNtaiPMRjSjt51nDWjyJe2l7HQA9v6eMMZ-KcN88iZEZQR_Y-yzCRstf4iIO3AVvI8OsA1IuYOdB1C4PmsZodJlPoGD5V0q95b6SNzNkXDisx0V7b8l3L3OMT7jhWtJufak8Ti-t6-tvue0MLY/w426-h640/333911451.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, but Lap 6 was hard.<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div>I do feel better. Not strong, not fast, not even close to normal. I'm far too spent for that. Just better than I was back at camp and better than expected. I realize that I'm back riding, where I belong.</div><div><br /></div><div>I settle into a sustainable rhythm. Slow, mind you. But steady, and moving, and sustainable, at least for the next 16.7 miles. I chug around the now familiar course, looking forward to the Finish. It's a long, long lap.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually dropping down the final descent to record a surprisingly steady 2:20 Lap 6, I realize I have another decision to make. That lap was hard, I'm barely moving, and it's well after 11:00 am. I could pull off course now, wait a little until noon, then cross the line to be an Official Finisher with 6 laps. Or, I could cross that Finish line now and go out for a Lap 7.</div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZMz6jtLYtiGyW0tj_vgsg0aAkTxVqjEFLqEH9vDdAIDw631J6JrEEYf98sSXwGeYf5g-4G9tYZERq5hHVXhBvlW8z1nlY5yPdG-4Mrl_svG45LdhEv0FWDq2PuBWJQJuGUtrd8LJsxteCjiStCDKUir7-KwOXDl9LKBotVTiL32iG_9mXGfw8RwHjM8/s972/333918187.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="972" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZMz6jtLYtiGyW0tj_vgsg0aAkTxVqjEFLqEH9vDdAIDw631J6JrEEYf98sSXwGeYf5g-4G9tYZERq5hHVXhBvlW8z1nlY5yPdG-4Mrl_svG45LdhEv0FWDq2PuBWJQJuGUtrd8LJsxteCjiStCDKUir7-KwOXDl9LKBotVTiL32iG_9mXGfw8RwHjM8/w640-h482/333918187.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly sprint to the top of the climb on Lap 6.<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGFETef4gGsv42jOSmYrZFqL7Stf_RWKucyzQ0wZUNczux8W3JIVYJ9GFlB5yGHXK1Dm5-NkAKd5UaoikGlly7XMRcYdF-iGsB4C5t86uwPxY43DaqV79jqXO1SXIlJE1gqSpviigEljNDHQtsiWH0eXv8pxHpro3lYO9_pZo-YEfKWuEhoiIKk1Ib8Q/s860/333911403.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="573" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGFETef4gGsv42jOSmYrZFqL7Stf_RWKucyzQ0wZUNczux8W3JIVYJ9GFlB5yGHXK1Dm5-NkAKd5UaoikGlly7XMRcYdF-iGsB4C5t86uwPxY43DaqV79jqXO1SXIlJE1gqSpviigEljNDHQtsiWH0eXv8pxHpro3lYO9_pZo-YEfKWuEhoiIKk1Ib8Q/w426-h640/333911403.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paying for that sprint on Lap 6. 😎<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div>No hesitation. I'm back. If I can turn pedals, I'm going to turn pedals. </div><div><br /></div><div>But first, I stop by my camp site to ditch a few layers. The morning sun long ago burned off the overnight cold and I'm still wearing some of those heavy clothes. I switch back to shorts and short sleeves, and then add sun screen and lip balm. Following the sage counsel of renowned endurance cyclist Paul Brasby, I chug an ice cold bottle of fully leaded COKE and tuck another one in a cage. Let's roll.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's almost 11:30 am Sunday when I head out for Lap 7. Very few racers are still on the course. Now, they tend to be either crazy fast pushing hard for placement or very deliberately riding to finish. Many, many teams must have decided that they'd had enough fun and were waiting at their camp sites for noon.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tUkobWNKiZudmElb9QaQPEyLoVai6hwOLO1zoK6xbZd2L8lyy257x26Qb2HRZRt68UUXGrBupB1VVIlJaIph2IEVH6JUD5sYRROF6CUxKAPpHmCkc_3N-7FuutTF2hgxwFirL3p7gEfmoZkpj8dt2QoPEUmqwgNy6w_uhYdjoGjk_FHrYtwmSKdEFwo/s746/333924676.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="746" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tUkobWNKiZudmElb9QaQPEyLoVai6hwOLO1zoK6xbZd2L8lyy257x26Qb2HRZRt68UUXGrBupB1VVIlJaIph2IEVH6JUD5sYRROF6CUxKAPpHmCkc_3N-7FuutTF2hgxwFirL3p7gEfmoZkpj8dt2QoPEUmqwgNy6w_uhYdjoGjk_FHrYtwmSKdEFwo/w640-h482/333924676.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back out for a Lap 7 in the gnawing fatigue and building heat.<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlkktKfeu_GJoVqumvPhDHd9QKXO3MB9ah8SdhjymI3yBhXnBy04JS5aGY6u7xC1hH6o_7h-98NSQmj7lJzzhEpaN3YOvDkN4gblQlfVVL1t1q0LabVWsB3UeDXT5BkhCiOiSoH756cSECMieWuPZDbhNlT9YgZCxlFNJT04lYg0BesJnoRCW9KKmDEs/s975/333924767.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="733" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlkktKfeu_GJoVqumvPhDHd9QKXO3MB9ah8SdhjymI3yBhXnBy04JS5aGY6u7xC1hH6o_7h-98NSQmj7lJzzhEpaN3YOvDkN4gblQlfVVL1t1q0LabVWsB3UeDXT5BkhCiOiSoH756cSECMieWuPZDbhNlT9YgZCxlFNJT04lYg0BesJnoRCW9KKmDEs/w482-h640/333924767.jpg" width="482" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where did everyone go? Not many out there after noon.<br />(image by Sportograf.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This is it. If I finish this lap, I cannot go out for another. The race is over. If I don't finish this lap for any reason, I'm not an Official Finisher. The race is over. So, this is it, no matter what.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, there's no reason to leave anything in the tank. I push the pace right from the start. The first half flies by, as I attack the twisty flats and sprint up the short pitches. No, 24 hours into the race, I'm not suddenly fast. I'm just focused on finishing strong, knowing that not a single pedal stroke awaits after crossing the Finish Line. Every bit of this effort hurts, but at least the course here is relatively friendly.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I hit the rougher, more uphill second half in the building heat, Lap 7 morphs from hard to brutal. Every little uphill drops my gears a bit lower, along with my spirits. I struggle to control the occasional descents, bouncing all over. I keep pushing, knowing that this is finally the final lap, but the bear is on my back. It's a slugfest.</div><div><br /></div><div>Looking up the final climb, I drop to my lowest gear, drop my head, and just spin. I'm all in. Just 2 miles to the top. Just 2 miles. Keep pedaling. At long last, the High Point sign appears. Big exhale and big shake of head. Too whupped to whoop. Now, a half mile rocky drop to the finish. Just don't biff here. It all passes in a slow motion, foggy blur.</div><div><br /></div><div>I finish Lap 7 in 2:08. Wow. Only my first lap was faster. I stagger through the transition tent, grab a spot in the shade, and collapse. Elation. Relief. Fatigue. I'm done.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToUqlXYmE9viRdI6EA5W6DM-nQQ5Tje02khYhSVJfj_N-03EUV1bxABhVixwN-yNSd5vbTjr1OIIPVO5j_HMf326U1tLFZ7kgQpa-OVOAzjf_fr6L9zyEWyiRChGbfb7s-FjSD_W0BRT7Tu4SJIZ68PeOrh2FaJenjUHgbo-hIENPIf6wbiS6xsvgJww/s1080/thumbnail-37.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToUqlXYmE9viRdI6EA5W6DM-nQQ5Tje02khYhSVJfj_N-03EUV1bxABhVixwN-yNSd5vbTjr1OIIPVO5j_HMf326U1tLFZ7kgQpa-OVOAzjf_fr6L9zyEWyiRChGbfb7s-FjSD_W0BRT7Tu4SJIZ68PeOrh2FaJenjUHgbo-hIENPIf6wbiS6xsvgJww/w640-h480/thumbnail-37.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's the train home to 24 Hour Town in the distance. Same spot as the Night Train image above.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Over an hour later, I pull myself up and drag my bike back to my campsite. Every few, small steps I have to stop to collect myself, like pushing up Trail #1 on the BackBone Grande. I also wander a bit, as the landscape has changed and I can't seem to spot my camp site. Well over half the entire 24 Hour Town is gone. I eventually stumble toward that white popup tent to find all my neighbors gone. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back at camp, I drink yet another bottle of Recoverite, change into casual clothes, climb into my tent, and fall asleep. Maybe I'll just stay here another night. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvjogcoz87r1H8Inri1excAqkbKJm_LIoro-t0LKxVXUXvHlhyphenhyphenJXB-33kAUABX-l11Vkdzv4SMnPJt86QGZfLryu1LS17tKGMa_u-pnlYftMrRTX1RQHGqMFf36w5DEJaOQ7dMn6T4-BL9P5gSArTg18FKuFyIGIII7CTjtRv7-xL4c1u9W-7hnYqCug/s881/thumbnail-41.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="881" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvjogcoz87r1H8Inri1excAqkbKJm_LIoro-t0LKxVXUXvHlhyphenhyphenJXB-33kAUABX-l11Vkdzv4SMnPJt86QGZfLryu1LS17tKGMa_u-pnlYftMrRTX1RQHGqMFf36w5DEJaOQ7dMn6T4-BL9P5gSArTg18FKuFyIGIII7CTjtRv7-xL4c1u9W-7hnYqCug/w640-h480/thumbnail-41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One happy camper at the end of Lap 7.<br />(image by unknown willing bystander)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibL-nOYCMvAvRIucqasAOq2evLtqF7DLf5a1NfHsyARXRpv5SLiMis-RAt8LXNLzJzc0BpBSxq722CMbKmwhpofyCaoXSxplPbSG5BbKRV2xPWl503MdvbxAjIFPdj8gzFdrgWOeRxCCq49BKTNYiQEgvlG8ruF2u7UdyNfBAYsXG6andPmsi9JKhmAfY/s1080/thumbnail-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibL-nOYCMvAvRIucqasAOq2evLtqF7DLf5a1NfHsyARXRpv5SLiMis-RAt8LXNLzJzc0BpBSxq722CMbKmwhpofyCaoXSxplPbSG5BbKRV2xPWl503MdvbxAjIFPdj8gzFdrgWOeRxCCq49BKTNYiQEgvlG8ruF2u7UdyNfBAYsXG6andPmsi9JKhmAfY/w640-h480/thumbnail-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weathered bib after 117 miles of racing in the desert.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><br /><div><div>Craig Groseth (G-Man), sponsored by ChristianCycling.org</div><div><br /></div><div>Official Finisher of the 2024 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo</div><div>7 laps at 1:36 pm, 55th Solo Men (out of 113 starters)</div><div><br /></div><div>16.7 miles/lap x 7 laps</div><div>Total distance = 116.9 miles</div><div><br /></div><div>1,150 feet of elevation gain/lap x 7 laps</div><div>Total elevation gain = 8,050 feet</div><div><br /></div><div>Lap times: 1:58 / 2:08 / 2:14 / 2:23 / 2:30 / 2:20 / 2:08</div><div>Total riding time = 15 hours, 41 minutes</div><div>Average Lap = 2:14</div><div><br /></div><div>Non-riding times: 0:05 (Le Mans start) / 0:25 / 1:25 / 1:55 / 1:39 / 4:06 / 0:20</div><div>Total non-riding time = 9 hours, 50 minutes</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yCgHTmv4YU8" width="320" youtube-src-id="yCgHTmv4YU8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do It Again, Steely Dan (1972).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-48672483642074538252024-03-03T06:00:00.002-07:002024-03-03T06:00:34.442-07:0024 Hours In The Old Pueblo - Sticker Smiles<div>While preparing for the 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo ("Two Four HOP"), I dug out some old files from racing 24 hour team relays back in 1999-2003. I found a number of helpful outlines, check lists, and notes, including a file from my Duo Team race at Two Four HOP in 2003. From that file, a small, circular sticker fell out. It merely said "24," with a small mountain biker, mountain, and cactus in the background.</div><div><br /></div><div>What a cool find. I remembered liking that sticker at the time, but not knowing what to do with it. Now, 21 years later, I decided to mount it on a prominent spot on my bike rack. So, I'm returning to Two Four HOP with a piece of my own history on my bike rack.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4gqiJg7r0rDUZCucAFNU3C63tBUUKyIhFDUhGRPCK96D88ST8vGys3Ex7s2npcIO8iCZNHzYgH9_QgH6LYPUl7Lb3BKzmqjKa0tPlc_CsXUGKlYCEYOLTpu-xsVhICBOjvSoR8K9YYaroHSolQUZcXKT3kS1ddW-2JDBBqHNWF_hiua5E1uK1u8LFnc/s1080/thumbnail-4.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4gqiJg7r0rDUZCucAFNU3C63tBUUKyIhFDUhGRPCK96D88ST8vGys3Ex7s2npcIO8iCZNHzYgH9_QgH6LYPUl7Lb3BKzmqjKa0tPlc_CsXUGKlYCEYOLTpu-xsVhICBOjvSoR8K9YYaroHSolQUZcXKT3kS1ddW-2JDBBqHNWF_hiua5E1uK1u8LFnc/w640-h480/thumbnail-4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 2003 and 2024 Two Four HOP stickers, showing some wear from my 2,840 mile road trip.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Weeks later, I received my racer packet at 24 Hour Town on the day before the race. Sifting through an assortment of samples and promotional pieces, I found a number of Two Four HOP items splashed in flashy 80's-inspired neon and PAC-MAN artwork. The t-shirt and poster are such a fine sight to see.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then a small, black and white something caught my eye. It was a simple, circular white sticker with black lettering proclaiming "24 Hours In The Old Pueblo 2024." No way! It even looks like my old one! Wait, there's two! </div><div><br /></div><div>Splash Two! I immediately cleaned the bike rack enough to stick on a new Two Four HOP sticker near the old one. I didn't know what to do with the other new one, so it went into the 24 hour file.</div><div><br /></div><div>A big smile only begins to describe the emotions evoked when I first saw those stickers before the race. So many memories from the old 24 hour team relays and so much excitement for the solo experience ahead. It made my day, in a day of days.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, after experiencing 24 HOP this year with so many new and old friends, that smile is broader and deeper. And likely to broaden and deepen more over time.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyncUHgSb92gmyYj-9ndqHMzk-y8CGn1C4fx4yg6qQOuwMJl5b7E4LM3zd1UIh6vBlrMf1dzxkqs9HkfyeXHD7YworGdiySJpE_5MYBkSpN-h4WEXqyipLdxqPBObpcy0YqKOnDyq3YKQayDZ6HhYAv6gBd0XRsHrI_IsKJGAlOduwQ0oNjEIKKzPwto/s1080/thumbnail-2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyncUHgSb92gmyYj-9ndqHMzk-y8CGn1C4fx4yg6qQOuwMJl5b7E4LM3zd1UIh6vBlrMf1dzxkqs9HkfyeXHD7YworGdiySJpE_5MYBkSpN-h4WEXqyipLdxqPBObpcy0YqKOnDyq3YKQayDZ6HhYAv6gBd0XRsHrI_IsKJGAlOduwQ0oNjEIKKzPwto/w480-h640/thumbnail-2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaned up Jeep updated with 24 HOP stickers.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFoquY9afbH9hZ0ccxcm_k7Wlq9IPeSNRKK0qBJss3EeuFuUHAFa2mXkMOD2T9yzv4teuUFLJBmD7jq5YcWgdYzcMbWvXsNSty_mTvsGJ2-vnNysrLa_JWjlCAVQQzeslEtTKZdmhbzXKWxDdszyXuG53QptDFSnO0qRabX2yL49PMGbeQelYkd2jvho/s925/thumbnail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="706" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFoquY9afbH9hZ0ccxcm_k7Wlq9IPeSNRKK0qBJss3EeuFuUHAFa2mXkMOD2T9yzv4teuUFLJBmD7jq5YcWgdYzcMbWvXsNSty_mTvsGJ2-vnNysrLa_JWjlCAVQQzeslEtTKZdmhbzXKWxDdszyXuG53QptDFSnO0qRabX2yL49PMGbeQelYkd2jvho/w488-h640/thumbnail.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonus image of the 2024 24 HOP poster.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-11705961338368873562024-02-25T05:44:00.000-07:002024-02-25T05:44:14.989-07:0024 Hours In The Old Pueblo - Back At It<div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: inherit; white-space: normal;">The 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo ("Two Four HOP") is an iconic 24 hour long mountain bike race heralded for its fun, fast course, thorough organization, enthusiastic volunteers, unique expo, rambunctious riders, and rowdy fans. For 24 years now, about 4,000 people have gathered each year over Presidents Day weekend in an expanse of open Arizona desert to race, ride, and simply celebrate a shared passion of mountain biking. It's a big party.</span></div></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; white-space: normal;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; white-space: normal;">Most of the 2,000-some riders race as a member of a relay team, where one team member rides the 16.7 mile lap while the other teammates hang out at the team camp or at the race venue. The other team members then take turns riding laps for up to 24 hours. There is no minimum number of laps, but to be an Official Finisher, a team's final lap must be completed AFTER 12:00 noon on Sunday. Many do not make that finish line.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; white-space: normal;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; white-space: normal;">This year, 165 riders lined up to race solo, that is, a team of one. Like the team relays, the solo rider races laps from noon Saturday until after noon on Sunday, taking breaks as necessary or desired. However, the solo rider does not pass the baton to a teammate. It's all on the individual rider to race those laps.</div></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_endzM2rZRbumN76PfCd2fpmha4h6Bnao7sAuvOoDWIHzT6rCjoTUZp-RztRR8pp0fzKC5akV6YveUN2e4Ufvh1FwIjmQUmXwjlSXoodc5rrFYYmQmp2hCNPbMlj0y3T_RFWxvYWa2XaucU2dMev4IJDYwfgjIHi4Jx-jiMQyGT3bedrvBIuTL7TQ2MI/s1080/thumbnail.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_endzM2rZRbumN76PfCd2fpmha4h6Bnao7sAuvOoDWIHzT6rCjoTUZp-RztRR8pp0fzKC5akV6YveUN2e4Ufvh1FwIjmQUmXwjlSXoodc5rrFYYmQmp2hCNPbMlj0y3T_RFWxvYWa2XaucU2dMev4IJDYwfgjIHi4Jx-jiMQyGT3bedrvBIuTL7TQ2MI/w640-h480/thumbnail.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert forest at the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo.<br />Lean carefully through those turns.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>In 2003, I raced Two Four HOP with friend Dan Cook as a Duo Team, finishing 13 laps to place 18th out of 45 teams. We both believed we left several laps out on the course and promised to return to race it better. But racing Duo Team meant that we saw each other only in the transition tent, so we decided to return as solo racers to have the option of riding together.</div><div><br /></div><div>Years passed. Dan moved to Northern California and spent his limited spare time sailing competitively. I continued to ride, but drifted away from mountain bike racing. Now, 21 years later, I finally returned to Two Four HOP for my first 24 hour solo race.</div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn't fast. It wasn't pretty. No lap was easy. That last lap was brutal. But I found a way to keep pedaling when I could have stopped short. </div><div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Official Finisher. 7 laps (117 miles). 25 hours, 36 minutes. <span style="font-family: inherit;">55th out of 113 male solo starters (no age groups).</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That's the same number of laps that I rode all those years ago on that Duo Team. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not done yet.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Full race report, people stories, venue/course details, and images ahead, after I get home and recover. For more event information, go to the <a href="https://epicrides.com/events/24-hours-in-the-old-pueblo/event-guide/">24 Hours In The Old Pueblo website</a> and the <a href="http://results.epicrides.com/liveresults/24results/default.aspx?event=2024">2024 Results</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-7011518721103122812024-02-19T20:54:00.001-07:002024-02-20T07:18:01.120-07:00Bikepacking the DED Dirt Ride<div>Tucked within the thickly forested, rugged remoteness of the Black Hills of South Dakota lies a treasure trove of seldom traveled single track trails, dirt paths, logging roads, gravel roads, and pavement. A walloping number of public roads and acres of public land create practically unlimited opportunities to explore. </div><div><br /></div><div>Among all those possibilities, two iconic off-road trails span much of the North-South length of the Black Hills. The oldest is the 111 mile single track Centennial Trail (Trail 89), built by the Boy Scouts as a hiking trail in 1989 to commemorate 100 years of South Dakota statehood. Running roughly parallel to the West is the Mickelson Trail, a 109 mile crushed limestone path on a 19th Century railroad bed. A person traversing these two trails would experience a large dose of the best of the Black Hills. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkm1pNHyIkRGKt0cYPJM8g8RXS12Bc_-ZrWlD6Vli-JYDE_KgpVylvJw_RdNC_siB7kDuCpq2MJP4DchJYaUa7TrHCTNa7K-0UTvvTJmwR4f_T9gEOTqU8cJLv36amKb1yJA4cIzlY5wRFBev2Ld4DFNTwu_E2RYCMdWPZyRU7LDpjqqCu9pH8mgLRdY/s640/2014%20DED%20map1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkm1pNHyIkRGKt0cYPJM8g8RXS12Bc_-ZrWlD6Vli-JYDE_KgpVylvJw_RdNC_siB7kDuCpq2MJP4DchJYaUa7TrHCTNa7K-0UTvvTJmwR4f_T9gEOTqU8cJLv36amKb1yJA4cIzlY5wRFBev2Ld4DFNTwu_E2RYCMdWPZyRU7LDpjqqCu9pH8mgLRdY/w640-h480/2014%20DED%20map1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The DED Dirt Ride. Deadwood to Edgemont to Deadwood, <br />via the Centennial Trail, the Mickelson Trail, and primarily gravel connectors.<br />330 miles of iconic Black Hills trails.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Somewhere in the midst of a long bike ride over 10 years ago, I formed the concept of riding the length of the Centennial Trail and the length of the Mickelson Trail, connected by primarily gravel roads, in one continuous loop. I shared the idea with a handful of family and friends, who didn't seem to react to this any differently than others I toss into the air. In fact, one regular cycling partner, Shaun Arritola, seemed downright excited to start riding it as soon as possible. Several other locals enthusiastically asked of details and options to ride for a day here or there. When I invited some old friends, my college roommate Rob Sorge committed to fly in from Houston for the occasion. Before I knew it, I had a ride for 2014.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over the course of that winter, the details changed, but the concept endured. Eventually, I called it the DED Dirt Ride to reflect the overall route from Deadwood to Edgemont to Deadwood, mostly on dirt.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although originally envisioned as a continuous, self-supported bikepacking ride, we did not have suitable bikes, gear, or experience for such an endeavor in 2014. So, we caught a ride to Deadwood from my wife Colleen, a ride from the finish from Shaun's sister Dachia, and self-shuttled overnight gear and supplies every day with Shaun's vehicles. That is, we rode the route on a series of consecutive day rides. </div><div><br /></div><div>But we rode it. 5 days. 330 miles. Pretty evenly split between single track, rail-to-trail, and gravel. <span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;">2014 DED Dirt Ride (Epilogue)</span>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignk4NedUx4PzDVgyfStOxOn7jcU6uj1YuuqiUZKrM-p2XxFwpTd_jcoeqT48WtKwsDGxjLOWyg3yaF2xsNc2iVg-P45wlcQ2rfsmgF9U_bPxhkALSCLZ7CyacMcpTCWPieTvAZ1BuLIBjMXnuMWR2Horx1lvOHWRxML8siXX4bJsfeRu4xk3Q4HWkAEs/s640/2014%20DED%20finish.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignk4NedUx4PzDVgyfStOxOn7jcU6uj1YuuqiUZKrM-p2XxFwpTd_jcoeqT48WtKwsDGxjLOWyg3yaF2xsNc2iVg-P45wlcQ2rfsmgF9U_bPxhkALSCLZ7CyacMcpTCWPieTvAZ1BuLIBjMXnuMWR2Horx1lvOHWRxML8siXX4bJsfeRu4xk3Q4HWkAEs/w640-h480/2014%20DED%20finish.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaun Arritola, Craig Groseth & Rob Sorge at the finish of our 2014 DED Dirt Ride.<br />(image by Dachia Arritola)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Now, 10 years and many bikepacking miles later, it's time for me to ride the DED Dirt Ride as originally envisioned. Self-supported bikepacking. </div><div><br /></div><div>Summer of 2024. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://ridewithgps.com/collections/2233938?privacy_code=mF9fDAWiojTD9ohQEm7bQcpH7B5SeVn2">2024 DED Dirt Ride - Digital Map</a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPW1ne9uuCchtu8sU0NMhPIeymylC-xPUX0jmFvVvey9bUU3aytcS9MaMG1SSaqtqmCF6hTiptexVHWdq9kDEd6x2PQeZgWnVmumfnepSCJi8CTR1Oui2HEm6joc6ohBnNfQG78jzKYe1sg3GX6HGypGOEqRGRnIbZ0L0_7L3vMWAEegBkBW3PVOluYQ/s1098/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-01%20at%207.13.26%20AM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1098" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPW1ne9uuCchtu8sU0NMhPIeymylC-xPUX0jmFvVvey9bUU3aytcS9MaMG1SSaqtqmCF6hTiptexVHWdq9kDEd6x2PQeZgWnVmumfnepSCJi8CTR1Oui2HEm6joc6ohBnNfQG78jzKYe1sg3GX6HGypGOEqRGRnIbZ0L0_7L3vMWAEegBkBW3PVOluYQ/w640-h370/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-01%20at%207.13.26%20AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DED Dirt Ride in 4 files.<br />Deadwood to Bear Butte, Centennial Trail, Centennial Trail to Edgemont, Mickelson Trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-22977964050037680702024-02-11T05:50:00.000-07:002024-02-11T05:50:03.770-07:00BackBone Grande - Yes, Point-to-Point<div>Almost immediately after I published my 400 mile BackBone Grande bikepacking route last year, several people asked for a return route. Recently, the issue arose again. Really?</div><div><br /></div><div>The short answer is no. A better answer is not yet. A more complete answer is that the BackBone Grande results from of years of riding remote gravel/dirt roads throughout the Black Hills, creating many routes for a variety of ride experiences, and receiving valuable feedback from seasoned cyclists. That process took some time. A return route, if any, deserves the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, point-to-point it is, even with the logistical challenge of getting to the start and from the finish.</div><div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuo8kTdTXv8puYsffdaip07UbYxPqV7fnbxw2EyupA1i7Rl6jl3rHfN_2Z4cwJO6UGuDP25hM6YYzfYbZJ4jkXIC-EUz760qaMzoeG7Nt9EFopmjYBoHg_F6S9xPtwsC2RVekJwBCafnxaqvZnzCvH_3PIYydQyGMitCT2q55Vh2mx0ut1kleCkgZ-CYI/s640/image1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuo8kTdTXv8puYsffdaip07UbYxPqV7fnbxw2EyupA1i7Rl6jl3rHfN_2Z4cwJO6UGuDP25hM6YYzfYbZJ4jkXIC-EUz760qaMzoeG7Nt9EFopmjYBoHg_F6S9xPtwsC2RVekJwBCafnxaqvZnzCvH_3PIYydQyGMitCT2q55Vh2mx0ut1kleCkgZ-CYI/w640-h480/image1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Southern terminus of the BackBone Grande.<br />County gravel begins in just two miles at the practically abandoned town of Ardmore.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I designed the BackBone Grande to create an experience akin to the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, which is a point-to-point route across the entire country. Most through-riders of the Great Divide somehow find a way to shuttle to the relatively remote start and from the even more remote finish. If that works for the 2,500 mile Great Divide, then it should work for the 400 mile BackBone Grande.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, nothing prohibits one from pedaling to the start from anywhere. In fact, many Great Divide through-riders start their ride from a more accessible location than the start of the route, like a relatively close town with public transportation. Same with returning home from the finish. I've read of riders taking Amtrak to Glacier National Park and then riding a couple of days to Roosville. From the finish, many simply ride to El Paso for public transportation home. On my 2021 Great Divide ride, I even met a couple riding north bound who started from their home in San Diego, rode to Antelope Wells, north to Roosville, and then back home to San Diego. Again, such logistics are much more simple on the much shorter BackBone Grande. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlCEGyXFXpxjNC6xWx61dO4-InmeEqhsNX-u9sVGKaESdeGiQVKCNQP-OK_4dC-ZeF6mrHrcg5WfmhRPV0fBW-P0JnLYyw2pNlI7_lYXKYkjDHqPx74uCyKU2hVl1hQ_HiPp709mSFbieg4hY8dzTMSjLItC2YSLGL7eY_Oh0ocJNqiXsh3XWHjX4w2U/s588/thumbnail-35.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="588" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlCEGyXFXpxjNC6xWx61dO4-InmeEqhsNX-u9sVGKaESdeGiQVKCNQP-OK_4dC-ZeF6mrHrcg5WfmhRPV0fBW-P0JnLYyw2pNlI7_lYXKYkjDHqPx74uCyKU2hVl1hQ_HiPp709mSFbieg4hY8dzTMSjLItC2YSLGL7eY_Oh0ocJNqiXsh3XWHjX4w2U/w640-h480/thumbnail-35.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The northern terminus of the BackBone Grande.<br />A multi-purposed sign sits at the unmarked border of North Dakota.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>An occasional Great Divide through-rider will even turn around at the finish and ride back to the start. The vast range of weather conditions over those 2,500 miles, times two, limit start/finish options for such an endeavor. However, at 50 miles or so per day, a touring cyclist could successfully complete such a yo-yo ride by riding northbound during June and July and then southbound during August and September. So, it's possible.</div><div><br /></div><div>The much shorter BackBone Grande offers a wider weather window and many more options for start/finish locations and times. Indeed, the start/finish need not even be at one of the state borders. For example, one could start at the very accessible town of Hill City in the heart of the Black Hills, ride the BackBone Grande route to one end, turn around to ride the entire route to the other end, and then ride back to Hill City. </div><div><br /></div><div>That actually sounds fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps a return route worthy of the BackBone Grande may be in the future. For now, enjoy that beautiful point-to-point.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-46914276640299802882024-02-04T06:18:00.000-07:002024-02-04T06:18:09.986-07:00Cloud Peak 500 Page - 2024 Bump<div>The Cloud Peak 500. A unique ride through the Old West. And a great shake out ride for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.</div><div><br /></div><div>In late 2019, compadre Lucas Haan alerted me to the Cloud Peak 500 bikepacking route in the Big Horn Mountains of Central Wyoming. I immediately recognized its potential as a primo shake out ride as part of my long running preparations to ride the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. The Cloud Peak 500 offered about 20 percent of the distance and elevation gain of the Great Divide on a seemingly similar variety of remote roads and terrain, with occasional small towns for re-supply. As a bonus, the Big Horns are but a few hours from Rapid City. I marked it as a priority ride for 2020. </div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, cycling friend Paul Brasby of North Platte, Nebraska caught wind of my Cloud Peak 500 plans. As a lifetime, successful road racer, Paul is an enthusiastic gravel racer and bikepacker with both eyes fixed on riding the Great Divide. He also concluded that the Cloud Peak 500 looks to be an ideal ride to prepare for that, as well as a great ride on its own. We decided to start together and see how it goes. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1AEctN6GnIfeyaDD7ZZr-IM1u0vkiBE0LRIg5DAKDq9XMQeSMf7-bXc1JL2yNDOh3j-c2kWcQr0oUAsL_ylN_-wc-awzYwP3G_iMaMKS5OK2pa8UqD7Es1RN7uLdBOJlkNF7dSEa1vhrmsPjful2AfJZQTC_4j0QCKI1ydly4Oxgezhb7YdPBcC2Ptg/s640/117892693_3534877033213161_7028520290190408201_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="640" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1AEctN6GnIfeyaDD7ZZr-IM1u0vkiBE0LRIg5DAKDq9XMQeSMf7-bXc1JL2yNDOh3j-c2kWcQr0oUAsL_ylN_-wc-awzYwP3G_iMaMKS5OK2pa8UqD7Es1RN7uLdBOJlkNF7dSEa1vhrmsPjful2AfJZQTC_4j0QCKI1ydly4Oxgezhb7YdPBcC2Ptg/w640-h364/117892693_3534877033213161_7028520290190408201_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dropping off Dude's Downhill on the Cloud Peak 500.<br />(image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Over seven long, hot days in August, we rode the Cloud Peak 500 route, which was my longest, hardest, and overall biggest ride of 2020. Although I stopped short of 500 miles, Paul rode on, through a gauntlet of challenges, to become the first, and still only, official finisher of the Cloud Peak 500 bikepacking race.</div><div><br /></div><div>I then wrote a series of blog posts about our experience, primarily as a scrapbook for me and any friends that might enjoy it, but also as a resource for others who may be intrigued. Those Daily Ride reports describe our experience and the Logistics reports reveal much to help plan such a ride. </div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, I compiled all those blog posts onto a single Page called <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/p/cloud-peak-500-ride-reports.html">Cloud Peak 500 Page (2020)</a> that appears within a column of Pages on the right side of the Black Hills BackBone blog. If you're looking for a shake out ride to prepare for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, or just looking for a unique 500 mile bikepacking adventure in Central Wyoming, take a look at the Cloud Peak 500. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-43436393309880844942024-01-28T07:26:00.000-07:002024-01-28T07:26:53.127-07:00Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Page - 2024 Bump<b><i>Spent the last year Rocky Mountain way,</i></b><div><b><i>Couldn't get much higher,</i></b></div><div><b><i>Out to pasture, think it's safe to say,</i></b></div><div><b><i>Time to open fire.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><i>Rocky Mountain Way, Joey Vitale, Joe Walsh, Ken Passarelli & Rocke Grave (1973).</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4epDiQJeSJ3ozFaQzpUm3SsSqpn2ydpXvQyd7W86DX7_n8wEzfv34WFhoKe296ELhyvXT3On19n4hA7xiPyRKsSKIS3hTsjj6weE1NgPL9lVkX28LNK6bc2kjJgVxd5Mda1g18Mrr86wKEPXuNHpeptVqfEYwk1ymtgsyR59pl72bsSnO3lIwjprNUo/s640/230642545_4590650307635823_3723440505659971142_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="640" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4epDiQJeSJ3ozFaQzpUm3SsSqpn2ydpXvQyd7W86DX7_n8wEzfv34WFhoKe296ELhyvXT3On19n4hA7xiPyRKsSKIS3hTsjj6weE1NgPL9lVkX28LNK6bc2kjJgVxd5Mda1g18Mrr86wKEPXuNHpeptVqfEYwk1ymtgsyR59pl72bsSnO3lIwjprNUo/w640-h288/230642545_4590650307635823_3723440505659971142_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out there, on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.<br />(image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In late summer 2021, I rode the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route self-supported from the Canadian border at Roosville, Montana to the Mexican border at Antelope Wells, New Mexico. It was an amazing, unforgettable experience. I'll always cherish that overwhelming feeling of pure joy and utter disbelief at the finish. That is why to dream audaciously, set goals boldly, and work relentlessly to achieve.</div><div><br /></div><div>After riding 7 weeks on the Great Divide, I spent the next 7 months writing about it. Over the Fall and Winter of 2021, and well into the Spring of 2022, I published 50 blog posts about my experience. Stories of individual happenings or days flowed easily, but expressing the overall experience proved difficult. I know that I still have not adequately covered it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nonetheless, to this day, I still see traffic on many of these posts. Now, with the New Year, I know that folks are preparing for their own ride of the Great Divide this summer and are looking for information and encouragement. So, I'm bumping a post from last year when I made those Great Divide posts easier to find by creating a separate Page just for them.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the right side of the main Black Hills BackBone blog, look for the section called "Pages." There is one called "<a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/p/great-divide-mountain-bike-route-2021.html">Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (2021)</a>." On that Page, you will find links to my Great Divide blog posts on a variety of subjects, including preparations, gear lists, packing, bike set-up, logistics, navigation, food, encounters with others, adaptations, and the all important mental aspect. Photographs adorn each post. There's even a slide show with one representative image for each day and an entire Gallery of amazing Paul Brasby images. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you plan to ride the Great Divide, or you just want to read along with my ride, it's a place to start.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Fz-mHGXgzs" width="320" youtube-src-id="4Fz-mHGXgzs"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rocky Mountain Way, Joe Walsh (1973).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0x4El47O8Zs" width="320" youtube-src-id="0x4El47O8Zs"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rocky Mountain Way, Joe Walsh (live at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium 1976).</div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-56564482298557696302024-01-21T06:24:00.000-07:002024-01-21T06:24:11.805-07:00The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - 2024 Bump<div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><b><i>The way back to town is only 70 miles. If you save your breath, I feel a man like you can manage it.</i></b></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><div><i>Blondie encouraging Tuco, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly (1966). </i></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyQi0Nz8uPykHOLZ_grO8x_gAZgVfELbOpeZyxEMXO9BpdKKfybJQgnZu7Fu3AkfK7qHSDfHDv7OkZrrdkXMT90Dmd_065M9zouPnYxl2IzJlJHw9kDGBbmh5ggQha1Lm2SoMT8Hkzs8/s717/The_good%252C_the_bad_%2526_the_ugly.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="478" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyQi0Nz8uPykHOLZ_grO8x_gAZgVfELbOpeZyxEMXO9BpdKKfybJQgnZu7Fu3AkfK7qHSDfHDv7OkZrrdkXMT90Dmd_065M9zouPnYxl2IzJlJHw9kDGBbmh5ggQha1Lm2SoMT8Hkzs8/w426-h640/The_good%252C_the_bad_%2526_the_ugly.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="426" /></a></div></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif">The United States Forest Service (USFS) categorizes the roads within its boundaries as "Primary Routes," "Secondary Routes," or "Low Standard Routes." That's it. Just three categories for the staggering variety of roads in our national forests.</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Well, it's a start. Here's a USFS graphic introducing each category of Forest Service roads.</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipPhkHJdWL5uQfLkoPvWMSjDWzwAM3cRGyEs5i9r4XdLUhYzKMBpbptKjWVh0TseTdN_25JkXTMcQqxCiGV7EP0Ys-MgvlpePYHgUxdX7Oda_nq8wz0qj3DbR7paLvd4UPBYRyK2hH_M/s1550/fseprd511467.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1528" data-original-width="1550" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipPhkHJdWL5uQfLkoPvWMSjDWzwAM3cRGyEs5i9r4XdLUhYzKMBpbptKjWVh0TseTdN_25JkXTMcQqxCiGV7EP0Ys-MgvlpePYHgUxdX7Oda_nq8wz0qj3DbR7paLvd4UPBYRyK2hH_M/w640-h630/fseprd511467.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div><div><div>As an introduction to understanding these categories of roads in the Black Hills National Forest, here are some of my general observations, with representative photographs. Whatever the USFS calls them and however I describe them, every road in the Black Hills will deliver a variety of riding conditions and challenges that change over time. Your eyes on the road and tires on the ground are the best way to know these roads.</div><div><br /></div><div>Note that the USFS manages extensive logging operations in selected parts of the Black Hills. In large part, that's why most of these roads exist. Yield to all traffic out there, but especially the big logging trucks. And be thankful to be able to ride on the seemingly unlimited roads resulting from their work.</div></div><div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u>The Good</u> (USFS Primary Route)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The most developed non-paved road in the USFS system is the Primary Route, which is designed, built, and maintained for year around, regular travel by standard passenger cars. In the Black Hills, the surface of these roads typically is moderately graveled, hard packed local dirt and limestone that drains water well, and generally does not instantly clog, at least not like Iowa top soil, Nebraska talc, or Oklahoma clay. Some roads are treated with Magnesium Chloride, which hardens and stabilizes the surface.</div><div><br /></div><div>Primary Routes generally are wide enough for opposing motorized traffic to pass easily. If enough gravel exists to form tracks, there would be three or even four. Often a small shoulder will accumulate a bit more gravel that has been pushed off to the side. Relatively high speed vehicle traffic may create washboards and pockets of loose gravel in spots, especially around curves and corners.</div><div><br /></div><div>My ride of choice for Primary Routes is my Alchemy Ronin Titanium gravel bike or my Black Mountain Cycles Monster Cross bike, set up with 40 mm Schwalbe G-One tires. Even when loaded for multi-day bikepacking, these gravel bikes provide plenty of support and control to comfortably ride all day on these roads. Relatively speaking, Primary Routes are fast.</div><div><br /></div><div>On USFS maps and signage, a Primary Route is designated by brown sign with a two or three digit number enclosed in a rounded corner, isosceles trapezoid having the longer parallel side on top, as shown below for Boles Canyon Road (117). </div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUFJ6TxaZqBuYjfHSS59zU3rSNWVF2UnRmYp_XW1lprlwA_4Er5E3te5sLGfvP10xeXcz4vAnMCMRfJ1UUS5oSFPz5bWlbNYhS5ppkFIyH6gsKKEt6HP_yLpvsg1yiRGFKGaGOuJ8CAk/w640-h480/P7202952.jpg" style="border: none; caret-color: rgb(217, 24, 24); color: #d91818; position: relative;" width="640" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">The following photographs are representative of USFS Primary Routes in the Black Hills.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iOvyO_j_uXrtI9Sd8oekcs-WqgRBo3xpwP-fY31lwDLsvsnJqGZ20qai8545BImmnWYi3mIkVkPH4RGyM6XZ7G6aXZ37_Sro0zDTdjHZqMpOYOj4yLMCH_bvfbJPdKouSDYtRqZ_-R0/s2048/PA071936.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iOvyO_j_uXrtI9Sd8oekcs-WqgRBo3xpwP-fY31lwDLsvsnJqGZ20qai8545BImmnWYi3mIkVkPH4RGyM6XZ7G6aXZ37_Sro0zDTdjHZqMpOYOj4yLMCH_bvfbJPdKouSDYtRqZ_-R0/w640-h480/PA071936.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXTmKQNnU-kLraPxFM19KHarnoHJDk8m529sP2RYxOMIdaLZL36Fwg-PQX8-1IT6HvhQilwHKiH7P2SLvGmPviWRSVV1FZ5VJ4XqrtJs-OLIptwHl7G3Zj7AY8jGywFtrlivOJLhfABQ/s2048/P7173589.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXTmKQNnU-kLraPxFM19KHarnoHJDk8m529sP2RYxOMIdaLZL36Fwg-PQX8-1IT6HvhQilwHKiH7P2SLvGmPviWRSVV1FZ5VJ4XqrtJs-OLIptwHl7G3Zj7AY8jGywFtrlivOJLhfABQ/w640-h480/P7173589.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclEW27Dp8FOiOvXdGOjHEW7UUkIUWc6omm5YUf7TOMkdvP4WgnHK1wYJk8YRmkIPDYWR4NGCDRydo59Ovi8AoSC2WOQn0J4yKUJ3yJG5IxZzi83iCxghkDjqwzPzJCqYWIuwTMt3ASGU/s2048/P9251800.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclEW27Dp8FOiOvXdGOjHEW7UUkIUWc6omm5YUf7TOMkdvP4WgnHK1wYJk8YRmkIPDYWR4NGCDRydo59Ovi8AoSC2WOQn0J4yKUJ3yJG5IxZzi83iCxghkDjqwzPzJCqYWIuwTMt3ASGU/w640-h480/P9251800.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><u>The Bad</u> (USFS Secondary Route)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The next level of developed, non-paved roads in the USFS system is the Secondary Route, which is maintained for high clearance vehicles. In the Black Hills, USFS Secondary Routes typically are similar in composition to Primary Routes, that is, hard packed dirt and limestone that handles water well and does not overly clog. However, the surface may be even less graveled, or just occasionally graveled, or not graveled at all. Almost certainly, it will not be treated with Magnesium Chloride. Foremost, that means Secondary Routes are more susceptible to mud when wet and ruts when dry.</div><div><br /></div><div>Due to less maintenance, Secondary Routes also sport occasional loose dirt, exposed surface rock, pot holes, standing water, and fallen timber, while presenting sharper turns, steeper gradients, and shorter sight lines. Also, Secondary Routes typically are two tracks wide, often with little to no shoulder. If a motorized vehicle approaches, I typically pull off the road to allow it to pass. For logging trucks, I definitely leave the road.</div><div><br /></div><div>All that being said, many Secondary Routes in the Black Hills are passable in dry conditions in passenger cars, if attentive to occasional obstacles and clearance issues. For example, In 2017, I confirmed new cue sheets for the slightly modified Black Hills BackBone route driving my 2006 Chevrolet HHR, hardly a high clearance vehicle. Over the 310 mile route, with many miles of Secondary Routes, I maneuvered around a few high-center issues and only had to skirt one fallen tree blocking the road. These roads can be fast, so stay alert.</div><div><br /></div><div>My ride of choice for most Black Hills Secondary Routes is still one of my gravel bikes with 40 mm tires. These roads may be rougher and mountain bike type gearing may be helpful in spots, but most of these roads are developed enough for me on a gravel bike. On the other hand, if loaded for a multi-day ride with significant miles of Secondary Routes, I may well opt for my Jones 29+ mountain bike with bigger tires.</div><div><br /></div><div>On USFS maps and signage, a Secondary Route is designated by a three or four digit number enclosed in a brown, rounded corner rectangular sign, as shown below for Williams Draw Road (691).</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="934" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_XC7Hk_pq-AcxMTTmMmGYfKhVOGQkLdHpmGSmwKWegMyoQ4XLR8S5A-3nkyVtHa74L1jmMmFhWNEq06JMb8u4A70pmto1AwjmSZsiqakL80I8cDhDTCt1irsd9AfEistIYWn8wS2RdE/w640-h480/IMG_3898.jpg" style="border: none; caret-color: rgb(217, 24, 24); color: #d91818; position: relative;" width="640" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">The following photographs show three USFS Secondary Routes in the Black Hills.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRokeTaLgWhaNwrTai5CODzoR7dHcKInXnRehQQenqgAjT44DnPrfmeDt3V2lTH8sPkCPRgEB1wRv5Jq_ccD9GAYALRFRnES5JINL7xsJ9mVBQU-Gmk4X2H-1AQEu85yRuT7QE_dOq52k/s2048/P7253638.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRokeTaLgWhaNwrTai5CODzoR7dHcKInXnRehQQenqgAjT44DnPrfmeDt3V2lTH8sPkCPRgEB1wRv5Jq_ccD9GAYALRFRnES5JINL7xsJ9mVBQU-Gmk4X2H-1AQEu85yRuT7QE_dOq52k/w640-h480/P7253638.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy1AFyEaV0IkbVty_FNY1m8vmLa9HE8ZvpronlSs1oEHo6krE4EdusqGFYkTOgJ8IfgIEfQug7pZ6I_7XrShrSOGM2S9nnbUgZxz4w36hFRO1wSa76wdq_JiT0hfUYXmMUMMFWRqnYU4/s2048/PB064176.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy1AFyEaV0IkbVty_FNY1m8vmLa9HE8ZvpronlSs1oEHo6krE4EdusqGFYkTOgJ8IfgIEfQug7pZ6I_7XrShrSOGM2S9nnbUgZxz4w36hFRO1wSa76wdq_JiT0hfUYXmMUMMFWRqnYU4/w640-h480/PB064176.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExwmYHQUin_7zjRCmOMa7yjzCztcZkv5p3eungFrW5JlLZ8-fSJaEKePkUEmmoPaOxCfgfUo54pWoyY15HeyYYCtv6sFTyCJCy1zBt49g2o1hzmpxNd09ZJ3Urjpn_jfufRnHEAK8ypY/s2048/P6273511.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExwmYHQUin_7zjRCmOMa7yjzCztcZkv5p3eungFrW5JlLZ8-fSJaEKePkUEmmoPaOxCfgfUo54pWoyY15HeyYYCtv6sFTyCJCy1zBt49g2o1hzmpxNd09ZJ3Urjpn_jfufRnHEAK8ypY/w640-h480/P6273511.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><u>The Ugly</u> (USFS Low Standard Route)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The third level of developed, non-paved road in the USFS system is the Low Standard Route, which is unimproved and not maintained for automobiles. The Forest Service recommends travel by vehicles with both high clearance and four wheel drive. I would add driver experience and prudence.</div><div><br /></div><div>Design, construction, and maintenance of Low Standard Routes are all over the map, even along a single numbered road. Some sections may be soft dirt, while others are rock gardens. If wet, standing water and mud can be a real issue, leaving deep ruts when dry. Maybe a load of chunky rock was dumped to stabilize a low spot, or maybe not and there's a stream to ford. They are rough, sometimes little more than a bull dozed logging trail. For me, this is mountain bike territory, for tires and gears, even unloaded, for anything more than a short connector.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many, many, many Low Standard Routes are dead-end spurs that were built to get to a spot for logging. Maybe some spurs later connect to something else and haven't made it on a map, or maybe not. I often refer to the USFS Motorized Vehicle Use Maps, which are updated every year and prove to be pretty accurate. However you navigate, count on no cell coverage and no passing traffic of any kind. You are on your own.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you like this kind of riding, the Black Hills offer a lifetime of miles to explore.</div><div><br /></div><div>On USFS signage, a Low Standard Route is designated with a three-digit number vertically imprinted on short, 4 inch wide, brown carbonite post. On USFS maps, it's just a plain three-digit number. The designation of any road emanating from that Low Standard Route adds a decimal and another number. For example, in the Black Hills, USFS 278.1 runs off of USFS 278. Then, any roads running off of USFS 278.1 get letters, the first being USFS 278.1A, then 278.1B, and so on. It can be confusing in the field and USFS map navigation is an entirely separate subject. Just know that any carbonite USFS road sign with a three-digit number, or with decimal numbers, or with letters, identifies a Low Standard Route.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shown below is a sign for Low Standard Route 242, and then one for Low Standard Route 325.1D.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AGNM_rM0xS2WF7Yz0IucEQrnEDB-dk2lMARlGIeunsBIkGBGQbb4q_0gUfxJzjSl541gKsfWKQD7m7kmRxzUBhspqkBrVDIVpvFN3cZEDPmtAPNmHZkbkGmNMqPA3T4YCAZAvcJoCXY/s2048/P8283935.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AGNM_rM0xS2WF7Yz0IucEQrnEDB-dk2lMARlGIeunsBIkGBGQbb4q_0gUfxJzjSl541gKsfWKQD7m7kmRxzUBhspqkBrVDIVpvFN3cZEDPmtAPNmHZkbkGmNMqPA3T4YCAZAvcJoCXY/w640-h480/P8283935.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeldxtiSGDnJDvTOddnhgen9KiUEN50WCKVyVL6xr6PY1-EhBEONVbX6QfahyUIvZ-4nMUCNkBYvufVRIhrvbuv84Lji3hHHIrt1VwL8XjLqyDNZJxqFkiVHgheLOIe0-UzqtjNaCu2kM/s2048/PB064187.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeldxtiSGDnJDvTOddnhgen9KiUEN50WCKVyVL6xr6PY1-EhBEONVbX6QfahyUIvZ-4nMUCNkBYvufVRIhrvbuv84Lji3hHHIrt1VwL8XjLqyDNZJxqFkiVHgheLOIe0-UzqtjNaCu2kM/w640-h480/PB064187.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The following photographs show a sampling of USFS Low Standard Routes in the Black Hills. I captured all of these images while out riding, with the sole exception of the last photograph, which Lucas Haan provided as an example of a deposit of chunky gravel. I included more photographs of Low Standard Routes because of their great variety.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC07LZ7gixYNQoJnWsNf_42eHRzLCygvLNt7GClkVC0ksBwCER0EsmZmGSyYxJdg8ZENmUlTVktwmWtybisfRN9FD9wlN_GLNHC_VfNMourVdFOJMHqBK6FLNvAJg5WyuZKIvYcVfGsuE/s2048/PC094270.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC07LZ7gixYNQoJnWsNf_42eHRzLCygvLNt7GClkVC0ksBwCER0EsmZmGSyYxJdg8ZENmUlTVktwmWtybisfRN9FD9wlN_GLNHC_VfNMourVdFOJMHqBK6FLNvAJg5WyuZKIvYcVfGsuE/w640-h480/PC094270.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNewztRY9svP603buAsPifHepO61YM7dFbLwuGCJnqnr3dl1dYMxdchr9YXsXuu8-JCjdyyoN-WtK4cE31kbSasdrROHyZdLcWmjeaBxuXCFt4en7mXLC8KywhZOGD_FPXvETx5yJamg/s2048/PA202544.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNewztRY9svP603buAsPifHepO61YM7dFbLwuGCJnqnr3dl1dYMxdchr9YXsXuu8-JCjdyyoN-WtK4cE31kbSasdrROHyZdLcWmjeaBxuXCFt4en7mXLC8KywhZOGD_FPXvETx5yJamg/w640-h480/PA202544.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2XB29Zoho0EX_3l4TPDX_X4eoOLsMMF9BDTfmGZegLKHDbyKHYeXR66T4rz7C2Kh9AIouo-P1P8cPvHix_s-5aiJkEuq1ZiIdx9TCzokBsBvk7-1nfPdpzR1y1UYXOWyHk60Uiy-8Ro/s2048/P6273509.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2XB29Zoho0EX_3l4TPDX_X4eoOLsMMF9BDTfmGZegLKHDbyKHYeXR66T4rz7C2Kh9AIouo-P1P8cPvHix_s-5aiJkEuq1ZiIdx9TCzokBsBvk7-1nfPdpzR1y1UYXOWyHk60Uiy-8Ro/w640-h480/P6273509.jpg" style="border: none; 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position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cAkqTLlbtxoDJ68cxwwhWVD9ZmmHh1T4U9PD9BLWAz37Z-jtGr6ESUpT1n7Y-mT2D6-s0QRNxoW3aiyCI3PT3cEECMFDMR2yogd8WNN3wYPgylAx23tEPQ_OBdWFal_nBnMUpCgGhHU/s373/130716527_416612806143001_1011559035673274085_n.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cAkqTLlbtxoDJ68cxwwhWVD9ZmmHh1T4U9PD9BLWAz37Z-jtGr6ESUpT1n7Y-mT2D6-s0QRNxoW3aiyCI3PT3cEECMFDMR2yogd8WNN3wYPgylAx23tEPQ_OBdWFal_nBnMUpCgGhHU/w480-h640/130716527_416612806143001_1011559035673274085_n.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>To wrap this up, here's a fun rendition of Ennio Morricone's 1966 composition of music for the movie "The Good, The Bad And The Ugly," performed by the Danish National Symphony Orchestra in 2018.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/enuOArEfqGo" style="display: inline;" width="320" youtube-src-id="enuOArEfqGo"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;">The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, Danish National Symphony Orchestra (2018)</p></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-2557629070268995882024-01-14T07:02:00.000-07:002024-01-14T07:02:01.391-07:00What's The Difference - BackBone, DoubleBackBone & Grande<div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Folks regularly ask about the differences between my Black Hills BackBone, DoubleBackBone, and BackBone Grande routes. Here's an overview that describes the genesis, formation, and development of these three routes and how they differ.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">My introduction of the Black Hills BackBone Grande route last year prompted many questions about the differences from my older Black Hills BackBone and DoubleBackBone routes. Fair enough. </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/p/black-hills-backbone-and-doublebackbone.html">BackBone & DoubleBackBone</a> = designed for long gravel rides, but can bikepack it. </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/p/black-hills-backbone-grande-2023.html">The BackBone Grande</a> = designed for multi-day bikepacking, but can continuous ride it.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Of course, there's much more to that story. The BackBone Grande draws from a deep data base built on 10 additional years of back roads exploration in the Black Hills and the unforgettable experiences of multi-day and multi-week bikepacking rides across the Mountain West. It takes cyclists to more memorable places, both well-known and obscure, on a wide variety of challenging roads. It's a different beast.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xHTlCpQpGILtCUCj_F2Z6X76r7uwz-G2hJx6ieA5X5A_rjYJmPXOuF0cEdSFGYSZvFyiQ-53qkaQln3l_OaYnw77lkIG5snO5DhZVPHNyJPp3CRGtKl1rF0QdAvPfvvQ0j1TNTEJ23552hil-LfWr_SYJFvkwgPB3s-WIzb8mUkZ4saM-9wkv9ag/s4608/P7285178.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xHTlCpQpGILtCUCj_F2Z6X76r7uwz-G2hJx6ieA5X5A_rjYJmPXOuF0cEdSFGYSZvFyiQ-53qkaQln3l_OaYnw77lkIG5snO5DhZVPHNyJPp3CRGtKl1rF0QdAvPfvvQ0j1TNTEJ23552hil-LfWr_SYJFvkwgPB3s-WIzb8mUkZ4saM-9wkv9ag/w640-h480/P7285178.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">If you're looking for USFS Low Standard Roads, the Black Hills are full of them.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><div>The Black Hills are beautiful. Most any combination of roads winding through the Black Hills will be a beautiful ride. But there is a difference between better and best. The BackBone Grande covers what I consider to be the very best of our Black Hills and surrounding prairie in a cross-state bikepacking ride.</div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKDZy_lYdNHQwhCPW-_mHvyNIQSQxFj_OsSKfd5EqC8M-yU46Dd2C-ApOlpyIcrnQE6Lro6nBgzVR1rIRnI1jMFC2dTfExnfn8-V9elUARc4D5gkPFUCzV3AbjQksXooSmbVG-zXYLaKPrlbJqGl74NkMvwmEU0D-pTAIOq8FDQ4PO1Bj8cw-HfMN/s640/BackBone%20signature.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKDZy_lYdNHQwhCPW-_mHvyNIQSQxFj_OsSKfd5EqC8M-yU46Dd2C-ApOlpyIcrnQE6Lro6nBgzVR1rIRnI1jMFC2dTfExnfn8-V9elUARc4D5gkPFUCzV3AbjQksXooSmbVG-zXYLaKPrlbJqGl74NkMvwmEU0D-pTAIOq8FDQ4PO1Bj8cw-HfMN/w640-h480/BackBone%20signature.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">USFS Secondary Road 189 southbound down Flag Mountain.<br />The signature image of the Black Hills BackBone.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><div>Back in 2014, I created the BackBone as a solo, self-supported, light and fast gravel ride. At 310 miles and 19,700 feet of elevation gain, it certainly pushes the limits of a long, continuous ride for most cyclists. But with straight forward navigation, 200 miles of Primary Roads, and 35 miles of pavement, the BackBone rides relatively fast. Low Standard Roads, the rough ones that really take it out of you and take you further out there, account for just 7 miles, or about 2%, of the BackBone.</div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">In 2017, I then created the DoubleBackBone as an opportunity to ride the BackBone southbound and then return to North Dakota on mostly different roads. The DoubleBackBone runs generally to the West of the BackBone, so it's even more remote, with less re-supply opportunities and less cell coverage.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">The overall road makeup of the DoubleBackBone is much the same as the BackBone. At 330 miles and 17,900 feet of elevation gain, it similarly rides relatively fast, with straight forward navigation, 238 miles of Primary Roads, and 38 miles of pavement. Low Standard Roads are less than 16 miles, or about 6%, of the DoubleBackBone.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Mostly on well developed gravel roads, the BackBone and DoubleBackBone are certainly suitable for loaded touring, if that's your jam. That's just not why they were created. </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9a-PSjsg35UbPj6xiJ4d3PycFPEkTeOA_E8QCM-6P6d6u1U9LBpDOEf2s0gasg_326ckx94HSs1hnEbeFT86D1pUk8bN90Mn20ADhifQ58-40vkRO5cr4gB0F57lSP1UzW8fG2dZIyyjwkXWn3YPyVPo8tO6fy15-nH1y4LiRIzW98XFXup27UjDW/s640/DoubleBackBone%20signature.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9a-PSjsg35UbPj6xiJ4d3PycFPEkTeOA_E8QCM-6P6d6u1U9LBpDOEf2s0gasg_326ckx94HSs1hnEbeFT86D1pUk8bN90Mn20ADhifQ58-40vkRO5cr4gB0F57lSP1UzW8fG2dZIyyjwkXWn3YPyVPo8tO6fy15-nH1y4LiRIzW98XFXup27UjDW/w640-h480/DoubleBackBone%20signature.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">USFS Low Standard Road 383 northbound to Gillette Canyon.<br />The signature image of the Black Hills DoubleBackBone.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">After bikepacking throughout the Black Hills and across the Mountain West the past several years, I decided to design a new route specifically for a Great Divide type of bikepacking experience. For me, that means 50-100 mile days on a loaded mountain bike over back roads with significant climbing, more navigational challenges, rougher roads and more miles of rougher roads, a mix of re-supply and sleeping options, more natural and human-made sightseeing, both well known and obscure, and a few fun Zero Day opportunities. A much different experience.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">The BackBone Grande is my take on that type of bikepacking route, featuring many miles of rougher roads with popular sights and little known gems along the way. This route will take you to many places the BackBone and DoubleBackBone do not. Those that have ridden my Black Hills Bounty routes will catch a similar vibe on the BackBone Grande.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Like the Great Divide, it's not all back country. For a short break during this relatively remote bikepacking ride, I added some pavement across the college town of Spearfish to pass both bike shops, an assortment of restaurant and re-supply options, and lodging, including the popular city campground. Likewise, I skirted Custer to provide easy access to a popular tourist town with similar amenities. From Custer and from Hill City, I also added optional, off-route, mostly paved loops to Mount Rushmore, Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway, and Iron Mountain Road. No sense rushing a vacation.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXXERVp2UQzIua1SIfhKPHbSe6ylfR67Sz4EGk0FRWOg3RPO4XSbdBHWqUllrKxLGNnkajFeLE-tKZ5jt5WDU62DpS-krqvbVfPWY80OX5iCu4LSaj2K5BErihGuFdDeTFW4l-6K5UjkDIuTISJ5l0hUyQq3tClFGjnC0ln75nLyk2gFhetzKXKIl/s639/306274574_3315406302005316_1422396233949795319_n.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="639" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXXERVp2UQzIua1SIfhKPHbSe6ylfR67Sz4EGk0FRWOg3RPO4XSbdBHWqUllrKxLGNnkajFeLE-tKZ5jt5WDU62DpS-krqvbVfPWY80OX5iCu4LSaj2K5BErihGuFdDeTFW4l-6K5UjkDIuTISJ5l0hUyQq3tClFGjnC0ln75nLyk2gFhetzKXKIl/w640-h360/306274574_3315406302005316_1422396233949795319_n.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">Lame Johnny Road westbound into the Black Hills.<br />The signature image of the Black Hills BackBone Grande.<br />(image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">At a touring pace of 55-65 miles per day, a bikepacker will ride 6-7 days to complete the 400 mile BackBone Grande, plus another day for an optional Mount Rushmore loop. Some will certainly ride it faster. Others may even attempt to through-ride it, although I don't recommend it. This is one to soak in. Besides, who wants to T-bone a large mammal at night while settled in aerobars and staring bleary-eyed at a power meter.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">The BackBone Grande is a remote, rough road route for self-sufficient, experienced bikepackers capable of successfully riding through sparsely populated backcountry with spotty, if any, cell coverage. You're on your own out there. Enjoy it.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjh9Z4DQGceDRPvr5tGazwYwZMsF3McTsSWyCqnkO8jsWMcmRk9eDDrhOsKqYKsNqao5y7ebl0t9AraqHinygiWzfMKj2DgLIMQm_BXoRkVZxLIEwxw1qJZmWi6hWzDrtIOyGSCJ2IQfGB3ISPOfCx4hhFVHuck-ZkZdl-ux88x9yigqL4LwYzS0tp/s640/PC094270.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjh9Z4DQGceDRPvr5tGazwYwZMsF3McTsSWyCqnkO8jsWMcmRk9eDDrhOsKqYKsNqao5y7ebl0t9AraqHinygiWzfMKj2DgLIMQm_BXoRkVZxLIEwxw1qJZmWi6hWzDrtIOyGSCJ2IQfGB3ISPOfCx4hhFVHuck-ZkZdl-ux88x9yigqL4LwYzS0tp/w640-h480/PC094270.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">USFS Low Standard Road 530.1A.<br />A piece of the 58 miles of Low Standard Roads on the BackBone Grande.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Here is an approximate breakdown of the roads on the BackBone, DoubleBackBone, and BackBone Grande. Perhaps the most simple comparison of these routes is the total miles of Low Standard roads. BackBone = 7 miles. DoubleBackBone = 16 miles. BackBone Grande = 58 miles. Another comparison adds the Low Standard and Secondary roads. Backbone = 75 miles. DoubleBackBone = 44 miles. BackBone Grande = 138 miles. The Grande is a different beast.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">For a description of Primary, Secondary, and Low Standard roads in the Black Hills, go to my post. <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-good-bad-ugly-updated-12121-post.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR0lv50vtCO9vu6phFolOSazgZ3xywI4w4_L5Tyg1mhovfE7iggolgcusSE" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">The Good, The Bad & The Ugly</a>.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">BackBone - 310 mile/19,700 feet gain</u> (<a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34944198?fbclid=IwAR3grwPL9KZzQHNT6Y7QKXfclcU0TcARmSNGXaroYujBII7Y6NweqGZ7wK0" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">BackBone Map</a>)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">65% - Primary (200 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">22% - Secondary (68 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">11% - Paved (35 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">2% - Low Standard (7 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">0% - Single Track (0 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">DoubleBackBone - 330 mile/17,900 feet gain</u> (<a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41527031" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">DoubleBackBone Map</a>)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">72% - Primary (238 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">11% - Secondary (38 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">11% - Paved (38 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">6% - Low Standard (16 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">0% - Single Track (0 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">BackBone Grande - 400 mile/23,800 feet gain</u> (<a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41751922" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">BackBone Grande Map</a>)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">53% - Primary (210.5 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">20% - Secondary (80 miles) </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">15% - Low Standard (58 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">12% - Paved (48 miles)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">< 1% - Single Track (1 mile)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div>For more information on each route and links to posts with images, ride reports, and stories, go to the <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/p/black-hills-backbone-and-doublebackbone.html">Black Hills BackBone & DoubleBackBone Page</a> and the <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/p/black-hills-backbone-grande-2023.html">BackBone Grande Page</a>. Happy trails.</div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-57245057672129759782024-01-07T05:50:00.001-07:002024-01-07T09:41:52.632-07:00BackBone Grande Page - 2024 Bump<div>The Black Hills BackBone Grande. A bikepacking route across the State of South Dakota along the spine of the Black Hills. Designed specifically for bikepacking to showcase the best of our Black Hills. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a link to the <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/p/black-hills-backbone-grande-2023.html">BackBone Grande Page</a>, which describes the route in detail and links a series of posts sharing maps, images, logistics, and ride reports. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoEIASfpYCZdR7tPFlDc7ki9tkUJUn_zf9lHDKMye5T9Dw4gwHKqsMQ99OcxzBWCmoTI2eoyctmu9qxa_iTLNj3U2EbdleK4ymHlfv4owb2c7XzZV7se-9qGQS7hTSDiYNx8s8n8qERE0Hubr7CjjI9tv7SOPksDdUk7uhupW6NT7OuBIGgRifCmK/s960/306274574_3315406302005316_1422396233949795319_n.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoEIASfpYCZdR7tPFlDc7ki9tkUJUn_zf9lHDKMye5T9Dw4gwHKqsMQ99OcxzBWCmoTI2eoyctmu9qxa_iTLNj3U2EbdleK4ymHlfv4owb2c7XzZV7se-9qGQS7hTSDiYNx8s8n8qERE0Hubr7CjjI9tv7SOPksDdUk7uhupW6NT7OuBIGgRifCmK/w640-h360/306274574_3315406302005316_1422396233949795319_n.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">Streaming into the Black Hills from Custer State Park.<br />(image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><div>In 2014, I created a bicycle route that I called the Black Hills BackBone, which is a North-South cross-state ride of the State of the South Dakota on primarily gravel and dirt roads along the spine of the Black Hills. The Black Hills BackBone blog first published in 2015 to document the route and attempts to ride it. In 2017, I created the DoubleBackBone route as an opportunity to ride the BackBone route south and then turn north to return to the North Dakota border on mostly different roads. I designed these routes as solo, self-supported, continuous rides across the state, in the spirit of the original TransIowa, the Gut Check 212, and similar continuous cross-state races. <i>See,</i> <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/p/black-hills-backbone-and-doublebackbone.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">Black Hills BackBone & DoubleBackBone Page</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over the years since, I have ridden all those miles, and many more, in the Black Hills and surrounding prairie. I love exploring back roads unknown to me, creating interesting routes, and seeing routes created by others. If not riding, scouting, researching, or routing, I'm probably talking with someone about back country roads around here.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7afkd6cl3Orey7D_8lK7P3Gc-MVGMdbV5klGrTvrIqZFkn7yhXf4SubqG3REwW517ZHX5d6j9m14SVRGZVcY2bgNtEl74GVZDkIkdJNKwF1mzXmkV3zKmNWkaGPTRwXVFy_lUxdd49nXyymUJ6QGm-iCryAXuJ0r4rYV_CRA2leJHUoptSqqNqlDN/s640/199565310_4434123256621863_6489233229440432465_n%202.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7afkd6cl3Orey7D_8lK7P3Gc-MVGMdbV5klGrTvrIqZFkn7yhXf4SubqG3REwW517ZHX5d6j9m14SVRGZVcY2bgNtEl74GVZDkIkdJNKwF1mzXmkV3zKmNWkaGPTRwXVFy_lUxdd49nXyymUJ6QGm-iCryAXuJ0r4rYV_CRA2leJHUoptSqqNqlDN/w640-h360/199565310_4434123256621863_6489233229440432465_n%202.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">Traffic jam on Lame Johnny Road in Custer State Park.<br />(image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div>I started bikepacking in earnest in 2019, rode the Cloud Peak 500 in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming in 2020, and then rode the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route across the country in 2021. Those longer bikepacking rides are extensively covered on my blog throughout 2020-2022. <i>See,</i> <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/p/cloud-peak-500-ride-reports.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">Cloud Peak 500 Reports & Logistics Page</a>;<i> </i><a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/p/great-divide-mountain-bike-route-2021.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Page</a>. Inspired by those rides, I created many multi-day bikepacking routes in the Black Hills, including four different one week trips for out-of-state friends, several 2-3 day trips, and more overnighters.</div><div><br /></div><div>After completing the Great Divide in 2021 and learning of the current development of the Western Wildlands Route and the Great Plains Gravel Route, I took another look at my BackBone and DoubleBackBone. I still love those routes for their intended purpose, but they were not created for bikepacking. The Black Hills deserve such a route.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's my take on it. The Black Hills BackBone Grande.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VP7AmZS9kf7QmckfQvZXsuXfnPZqNcW0q5AgwiNQ1NwDZHywu5M6xHEq4U2FtkBcf4QLXzfzIqxQs5FZsPBRU3rusDb7Ff6y-mwKNyGnC3fT0VUQtByEOMzoocQspQwJzTq7XFj8arZ2NaPbjvLLxcUwkd460NA8b1nrlqKA2leLu_XQ-dCfZEqY/s640/197468288_10219925943799325_7861306152531272497_n.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VP7AmZS9kf7QmckfQvZXsuXfnPZqNcW0q5AgwiNQ1NwDZHywu5M6xHEq4U2FtkBcf4QLXzfzIqxQs5FZsPBRU3rusDb7Ff6y-mwKNyGnC3fT0VUQtByEOMzoocQspQwJzTq7XFj8arZ2NaPbjvLLxcUwkd460NA8b1nrlqKA2leLu_XQ-dCfZEqY/w480-h640/197468288_10219925943799325_7861306152531272497_n.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">Mickelson Trail tunnel in the Central Black Hills.<br />(image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div>As a starting point, I consider bikepacking to be much more than simply blasting across the countryside to see how fast one can possibly cover a distance. Rather, for me, it's backpacking on a bike, taking the time and effort to absorb the local scenery, history, culture, and wildlife. <i>See, e.g., </i><a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2019/07/bikepacking-gdmbr.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">How I Would Bikepack The GDMBR (2019)</a>. As such, to create the BackBone Grande, I first identified what I consider the very best of our Black Hills and surrounding prairie and then connected things with a mix of unique, remote back roads. Here are some highlights:</div><div><div><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, prairie with dispersed camping (miles 3-11; miles 33-44);</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park with buffalo and wild burros (miles 80-102);</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Cathedral Spires views (miles 106-108);</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Mickelson Trail rails-to-trails path out of Custer, with views of Crazy Horse Memorial (miles 114-124);</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">historic Gold Mountain Mine (mile 146);</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">back on the Mickelson Trail for two hard rock tunnels (miles 153-157); </li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">creek side Castle Peak Road (miles 159-170), passing USFS Castle Peak Campground (mile 167);</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Black Fox Road (miles 181-186), passing USFS Black Fox Campground (mile 181);</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Roughlock Falls (mile 213);</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Belle Fouche National Wildlife Refuge (miles 272-275);</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">the Geographic Center of the United States (mile 302);</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">the historic stage coach stop of Harding (mile 334);</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Custer Gallatin National Forest near the North Dakota border (miles 381-396), especially Fuller Pass Road passing USFS Picnic Springs Campground (mile 387).</li></ul></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DYB4Lo02eCiLUEAbHlvDa7taExrUGC4EoKJkjaezHVWb2ClbEdKqmRC8FWy2-pkMVX5eXWyQFCqSHyz_MuLeJKvgu10hn-gJhFfAD_H8igTD7uV_KO4Vds8RHbqx5Ix-sTR4fQiXW5Hl96E0WzFHT0pl2tdHWXDerHwZT249FsUEJCVppJXYVYFp/s4608/P7021599%202.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DYB4Lo02eCiLUEAbHlvDa7taExrUGC4EoKJkjaezHVWb2ClbEdKqmRC8FWy2-pkMVX5eXWyQFCqSHyz_MuLeJKvgu10hn-gJhFfAD_H8igTD7uV_KO4Vds8RHbqx5Ix-sTR4fQiXW5Hl96E0WzFHT0pl2tdHWXDerHwZT249FsUEJCVppJXYVYFp/w640-h480/P7021599%202.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">Sale Barn Road outside of St. Onge.<br />(image by Craig Groseth)</td></tr></tbody></table><div>In general, the BackBone Grande is about 400 miles long, with 23,500 feet of gain and 90% on county gravel or Forest Service gravel/dirt roads. It's a fun mix of remote roads, similar to those on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, all suitable for experienced bikepackers on loaded bicycles having tires 2" wide or more. A bike designed for the Great Divide, such as the Salsa CutThroat or Fargo, would work well for many. Of course, I rode the route in 2023 on my Jones 29+ rigid mountain bike with 2.35 tires.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Full service towns with bike shops are Custer (mile 114) and Spearfish (mile 241). C-store/restaurant type re-supply opportunities are at Oelrichs (mile 48), Buffalo Gap (mile 74), Blue Bell (mile 102), Hill City (mile 141), Rochford (mile 174), Cheyenne Crossing (mile 206), Savoy (mile 212), St. Onge (mile 260), and Buffalo (mile 361).</div></div><div><br /></div><div>For a Great Divide type Zero Day, I recommend Custer and/or Hill City for an off-day, off-route ride of a mostly paved loop featuring Mount Rushmore, Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway, and Iron Mountain Road (aka Pig Tail Highway). For a relaxing Zero Day in a college/mountain bike town, enjoy a day in Spearfish.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU2guhNfy_cbr0l792Uvh1zqL7BMFVIffX1v6rGDGV417qaESNlNACK2WuiE2_ONfry0Ota3-yxG5Cqi0KNJS_hkImijymCZxWMli7fseqQ8IbssAayc5Tcr5JxB80G19YJCcNtGtJkTnN-w-xLX8eBdMHsotNnol5egc4qNRw3oWKBzbMMrFiwrG/s4608/P9031010.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU2guhNfy_cbr0l792Uvh1zqL7BMFVIffX1v6rGDGV417qaESNlNACK2WuiE2_ONfry0Ota3-yxG5Cqi0KNJS_hkImijymCZxWMli7fseqQ8IbssAayc5Tcr5JxB80G19YJCcNtGtJkTnN-w-xLX8eBdMHsotNnol5egc4qNRw3oWKBzbMMrFiwrG/w640-h480/P9031010.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">Fuller Pass Road through Custer Gallatin National Forest, just a few miles from North Dakota.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>To create this route, I received valuable input from Lucas Haan of Black Hills Gravel and Paul Brasby of the Pony Express Bike-packing Adventure. To make this the very best it can be, Paul and I then rode the entire route in June of 2023, capturing images, taking notes, and making a few minor changes. It's ready.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the link to the BackBone Grande route on RideWithGPS. <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41751922" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">BackBone Grande</a>. Here's the link to the Mount Rushmore loop from Custer. <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41699624" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">BackBone Grande - Mt. Rushmore (Custer)</a>. Here's the link to the Mount Rushmore loop from Hill City. <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41701988" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">BackBone Grande - Mt. Rushmore (Hill City)</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Note that the "Paved" surfaces data provided by RideWithGPS is wildly inaccurate, as it always is out here. The main route is about 90% county gravel or U.S. Forest Service gravel/dirt roads.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM12OLk9VgfcApT4Gf2ovGhcW5Wah7scvGnQ1JJ4V4n1yuaJBb71OTg78Hvv4FzEWX88SBIrb2e0XJph85-uKvHvMAt2nUPfvHWciRvwR4pKtD8NBgkYMM6Bd-FoXiRECs_gSr4ouEI3Z7m_KPlyCwWCyXLn6f9ZVi6mtiXLvTQE2oVkrK8WENSSl/s1260/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-23%20at%208.08.52%20AM.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1260" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM12OLk9VgfcApT4Gf2ovGhcW5Wah7scvGnQ1JJ4V4n1yuaJBb71OTg78Hvv4FzEWX88SBIrb2e0XJph85-uKvHvMAt2nUPfvHWciRvwR4pKtD8NBgkYMM6Bd-FoXiRECs_gSr4ouEI3Z7m_KPlyCwWCyXLn6f9ZVi6mtiXLvTQE2oVkrK8WENSSl/w640-h316/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-23%20at%208.08.52%20AM.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">The Black Hills BackBone Grande.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9YXHvYwinaAtBeqbV3BuPzEMC3oxgTa_orEUYvWAKrZE54aqmWXTiIWDwyb2sgVEqubsXleGSNHZ-WEWlHmOmypmf1UhimjClsR9YIpzgwrb0oikHhT6GwfSq2Mcq68xr05gV0FZNm3w__K5o1wWLRprc4TOelFy-c_zuKcjhKL-s7BghK2HBhdg/s338/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-02%20at%2011.19.36%20AM.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="338" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9YXHvYwinaAtBeqbV3BuPzEMC3oxgTa_orEUYvWAKrZE54aqmWXTiIWDwyb2sgVEqubsXleGSNHZ-WEWlHmOmypmf1UhimjClsR9YIpzgwrb0oikHhT6GwfSq2Mcq68xr05gV0FZNm3w__K5o1wWLRprc4TOelFy-c_zuKcjhKL-s7BghK2HBhdg/w400-h364/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-02%20at%2011.19.36%20AM.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">Optional off-route Mount Rushmore loop from Custer.<br />(46 miles/5,350 feet of gain)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHXczDXwK3_CQakVkh2AH9r7QGSxA2Y-sOgH-dIALOAuF-vkPITY6odfD9kGxCVO_uiwYwtM6FU07TtqXJmWYCUZxXAux1jL99fkv3qASW6SgBbaPGKJi5IvAsiCZnG1kv-aNYLwT3xWwDDiiGFY7-VTLp1um-CxbPFMzQeh-JMeWtOjEeATnnPDW/s419/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-03%20at%207.30.25%20AM.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="419" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHXczDXwK3_CQakVkh2AH9r7QGSxA2Y-sOgH-dIALOAuF-vkPITY6odfD9kGxCVO_uiwYwtM6FU07TtqXJmWYCUZxXAux1jL99fkv3qASW6SgBbaPGKJi5IvAsiCZnG1kv-aNYLwT3xWwDDiiGFY7-VTLp1um-CxbPFMzQeh-JMeWtOjEeATnnPDW/w400-h300/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-03%20at%207.30.25%20AM.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">Optional off-route Mount Rushmore loop from Hill City.<br />(44 miles/4,900 feet of gain)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>The Black Hills BackBone Grande. </div><div><br /></div><div>A great ride on its own, and a great shake out ride for something bigger, like the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.</div><div><br /></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-47800208229204239592024-01-01T06:46:00.000-07:002024-01-01T06:46:21.822-07:00Black Hills BackBone & DoubleBackBone Page - 2024 Bump<div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">The Black Hills BackBone is simply a bicycle route that I created back in 2014. </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">There is no race, or public event, or "Grand Depart," or anything like that. It's just a route I created to ride myself. Then I created this blog to document my journey, in part as a digital scrapbook and in part to share my experience with others. </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">That's it.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHAIlO6z8aoG3tqHQQFNxKnSRiFiSLLldbl3KGEHaOQ034U-u8jP4NV-fF2XPwXJi-cOKOo2u5nxjRonW8oVdNTVncTbJ_D7Z1uFJayog935fycKiMhA5o_RxzDKGS4Sn7yrkbhNL5a6HVVKaEmkUK8Mhouv9TjhCUae6_-5965x--b9c8lXIzcMr/s640/BackBone%20signature.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHAIlO6z8aoG3tqHQQFNxKnSRiFiSLLldbl3KGEHaOQ034U-u8jP4NV-fF2XPwXJi-cOKOo2u5nxjRonW8oVdNTVncTbJ_D7Z1uFJayog935fycKiMhA5o_RxzDKGS4Sn7yrkbhNL5a6HVVKaEmkUK8Mhouv9TjhCUae6_-5965x--b9c8lXIzcMr/w640-h480/BackBone%20signature.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">The broad shoulders of Flag Mountain reveal the granite peaks of the Central Black Hills.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>But, oh, what a route.</div><div><br /></div><div>Inspired by the cross-country routes of the TransAmerican Trail and the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route of the Adventure Cycling Association, and by the cross-state races of the original TransIowa, Gut Check 212, and similar races, I wondered whether I could create a remote road route on primarily gravel and dirt roads that spanned the height of the State of South Dakota along the spine of the Black Hills. That whimsical daydream led to many hours of scouring maps, scouting back roads, and pedaling all over Western South Dakota. There seemed to be no end of options.</div><div><br /></div><div>I struggled with this route, primarily because the Black Hills National Forest offers a staggering number of amazing roads to ride. Scouting a promising road invariably leads to more. At some point, I simply had to stop, prioritize, and choose. The Black Hills BackBone is the result. Here are the cue sheets, from the route first published in January 2015 and updated in 2017. <a href="http://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2017/08/route-tweaks-new-cue-sheets-road-trip.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">Black Hills BackBone Cue Sheets</a>. Here's a link to a RideWithGPS file that I created in 2021 from those cue sheets. <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34944198?fbclid=IwAR3grwPL9KZzQHNT6Y7QKXfclcU0TcARmSNGXaroYujBII7Y6NweqGZ7wK0" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">Black Hills BackBone - 2021 Digital Map</a>. And here's a Page with links to posts, photos and maps. <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/p/black-hills-backbone-and-doublebackbone.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">Black Hills BackBone Page</a>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KUG3wowv4UlWKHHekf6IHcXcgVapEAakBMmQ2sckensY7eQIbQLuNg3zdk1J2sDBBLcfNGm4e4Dry9d8sO9851OJGd0ZsJLkksErzvyox0jINbsO4JXTDHAksFtGFo2AmysaZCSHmur7GJsRYsXjhENl2sxbLZDwK1kZoE4aV6FyEPdZBU-If6wm/s640/P9092485.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KUG3wowv4UlWKHHekf6IHcXcgVapEAakBMmQ2sckensY7eQIbQLuNg3zdk1J2sDBBLcfNGm4e4Dry9d8sO9851OJGd0ZsJLkksErzvyox0jINbsO4JXTDHAksFtGFo2AmysaZCSHmur7GJsRYsXjhENl2sxbLZDwK1kZoE4aV6FyEPdZBU-If6wm/w640-h480/P9092485.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">Riding into the sunset at the finish of our 2017 Black Hills BackBone.<br />Rob Sorge, Dave Litzen, Shaun Arritola & Craig Groseth<br />(photo by Corinne Sorge)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Conceived as a continuous, self-supported, solo ride, the Black Hills BackBone readily lends itself to a multi-day bikepacking trip or even a multi-day supported tour. In 2017, a small group of friends rode the entire route over three days in the heat and wind of a Fourth of July weekend. For my multi-post report on that ride go to <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2017/07/three-days-of-backbone-part-1-idea.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">An Idea Takes Shape</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2017/07/three-days-of-backbone-part-2-gathering.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">Gathering</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2017/07/three-days-of-backbone-part-3-crossing.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">Crossing The Northern Prairie</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2017/07/three-day-backbone-part-4-up-and-into.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">Up And Into The Black Hills</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2017/08/three-days-of-backbone-part-5-focus-on.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">Focus On The Finish</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2017/08/three-days-of-backbone-part-6-weekend.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">A Weekend To Remember</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2018/11/friends.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">Friends</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over the years, many cyclists have asked about the BackBone and I know of several other attempts. For example, on a cold, rainy Memorial Day weekend in 2019, an intrepid group of eight cycling enthusiasts from Colorado made a run at it. On that particular weekend of difficult conditions, they rode about as much of the route as one reasonably could. They said they had a great time, particularly their Day 3 from O'Neil Pass to Custer, and have returned to ride Black Hills back roads every year since. <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2019/07/new-friends-ride-backbone.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">New Friends On The BackBone</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Black Hills BackBone is one memorable ride across the State of South Dakota.</div></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">But wait, there's more.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj151ZywYg8CkS0WOvvR7Gk343UQsBk-oFPKywrt_hgCRbzSJI5Gq8eAw4-Kp0OIKiz_6wae8_GMqoySVfmbk7_CkASflppawP_NAnRE8FldJ4jSjV49vZmjePTkZPGkfavYNpF-TtiBlsnthXhuNzVWqcTjRCHpstff8GfuCaiY9ZCUxvaig2S4FjL/s640/DoubleBackBone%20signature.jpg" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj151ZywYg8CkS0WOvvR7Gk343UQsBk-oFPKywrt_hgCRbzSJI5Gq8eAw4-Kp0OIKiz_6wae8_GMqoySVfmbk7_CkASflppawP_NAnRE8FldJ4jSjV49vZmjePTkZPGkfavYNpF-TtiBlsnthXhuNzVWqcTjRCHpstff8GfuCaiY9ZCUxvaig2S4FjL/w640-h480/DoubleBackBone%20signature.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.880000114440918px; text-align: center;">Miles and miles of remote back roads on the Black Hills DoubleBackBone.<br />Self-sufficiency required.</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Say you've ridden the Black Hills BackBone all the way to the STOP sign finish at the Nebraska border. A celebration is certainly in order, along with the photo or two. But then imagine turning pedals westerly on Dakota Line Road to access the Wild, Wild Western reaches of the Black Hills. Back there, a serpentine network of barely used gravel and dirt roads await for you to wind generally north for a return trip back to the North Dakota border.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Now, that's one big, bad loop. 330 miles to add to the BackBone, making over 640 miles, all told.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">It's the Black Hills DoubleBackBone. <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41527031" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">DoubleBackBone Digital</a>. <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2018/03/black-hills-doublebackbone-cue-sheets.html" style="color: #dd0300; text-decoration: none;">DoubleBackBone Cue Sheets</a>.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Sometimes, more is more. More rolling prairie patrolled by herds of cattle, buffalo, pronghorn, and elk. More obscure canyons scoured by flash floods. More twisty ridge lines climbing to soaring views. More hills stuffed with pine and aspen. More dirt near-roads connecting with Secondary Forest Service gravel. And even more remote than the easterly side of the loop, which is a bit hard to believe until you're out there.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">The Black Hills DoubleBackBone, like the original BackBone, is just a route that I think is fun and challenging, however one chooses to experience it. Solo or group. One continuous ride, a series of days, or in sections over time. Self-supported, shuttled, or fully supported. Maybe some combination or even all of the above. </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">The Black Hills BackBone. Go big.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">The Black Hills DoubleBackBone. Go bigger.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">The Black Hills. Just go.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); clear: both; color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslvY-fBVW09Yy_WHZgtKR9ZFYpfpgifaN4GvcvdgnN0j15K9t2lB3FxDSblS7_Ciqpk0VB6vo0eqcyC296U3fYEP4gl_6iVH7Uu5an6GZJhJlM7lfX3AAUPX28J-YVqI-g3LY7U2YgwTROY6X-41L6fHQph6-pvKGMPxAKnySeCX3x7oj2PjKVpj2/s640/Screen%20Shot%202021-01-01%20at%206.05.21%20PM.png" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="640" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslvY-fBVW09Yy_WHZgtKR9ZFYpfpgifaN4GvcvdgnN0j15K9t2lB3FxDSblS7_Ciqpk0VB6vo0eqcyC296U3fYEP4gl_6iVH7Uu5an6GZJhJlM7lfX3AAUPX28J-YVqI-g3LY7U2YgwTROY6X-41L6fHQph6-pvKGMPxAKnySeCX3x7oj2PjKVpj2/w640-h312/Screen%20Shot%202021-01-01%20at%206.05.21%20PM.png" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); clear: both; color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCSpxNBVgLaP7L728mugmtMSzdvbY5zM8tXDC_bW5EbXrleuzHUObO0v3uQIqSKQtlgeBOZZoQD_RdnOkyOHx3wG4xACu4FK7_khhApuWrT3VvNp9-WXQi5D5w4eoSR5UAx0CsPeh34UbeQKUl3Oh1WST_rHtMknSuc6Npa83TjJeRLSSdbqdjYea/s1280/Screen%20Shot%202022-12-18%20at%207.05.39%20AM.png" style="color: #dd0300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCSpxNBVgLaP7L728mugmtMSzdvbY5zM8tXDC_bW5EbXrleuzHUObO0v3uQIqSKQtlgeBOZZoQD_RdnOkyOHx3wG4xACu4FK7_khhApuWrT3VvNp9-WXQi5D5w4eoSR5UAx0CsPeh34UbeQKUl3Oh1WST_rHtMknSuc6Npa83TjJeRLSSdbqdjYea/w640-h400/Screen%20Shot%202022-12-18%20at%207.05.39%20AM.png" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); clear: both; color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><br /></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-44508718547810401712023-12-24T05:49:00.001-07:002023-12-29T07:49:27.208-07:00Merry Christmas 2023<div><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and there were terrified.</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>But the angel said to them, "D</i></b><i><b>o not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. </b></i><i><b>Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."</b></i></span></div><div><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men."</span></b></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Luke 2:8-13.</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Merry Christmas. </div><div><br /></div><div>Peace and good will to all. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Addendum. I love that Linus lets go of his security blanket when telling the Christmas Story.</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bPhqMJpQsYQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="bPhqMJpQsYQ"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Meaning Of Christmas, by Linus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965).</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-41792964641530773552023-12-17T07:34:00.000-07:002023-12-17T07:34:48.677-07:00Add, Without Subtracting<div>I am thankful for volunteers, those people who give their time, energy, and talents to serve others. They pour part of themselves into making this broken world a better place for someone else. Seeing that service sparks hope.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am also thankful for those creating something for the common good. They envision a path toward a new or improved experience for others to share. Seeing that service fosters dreams.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnwYDwZF-HhyV-4m0E7iA1Y4JPny-kZKM_SKVlGFtioSW88_yDh8PkfqyqSkxtqqUXZ3_sHM4fWgeJpprnqGH7TEsjHRsGUfwazJ5KKKjf4wvNupJOM5wS2OtSfoh05-SfvK2NmjJLLPM22GqK6tC_wQoRBUiVUIQV5mNQYqqKdugEmQ7cRmMBI8Bdgs/s1080/thumbnail.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnwYDwZF-HhyV-4m0E7iA1Y4JPny-kZKM_SKVlGFtioSW88_yDh8PkfqyqSkxtqqUXZ3_sHM4fWgeJpprnqGH7TEsjHRsGUfwazJ5KKKjf4wvNupJOM5wS2OtSfoh05-SfvK2NmjJLLPM22GqK6tC_wQoRBUiVUIQV5mNQYqqKdugEmQ7cRmMBI8Bdgs/w640-h480/thumbnail.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Flow Trail on M-Hill.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Here in Rapid City, South Dakota, a nascent group of cyclists are creating "flow" trails. This group appears to be passionate, committed, and willing to work to build their version of trails for mountain biking. They also appear to be drawing new and additional people into their activity. Good stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I understand, "flow" trails are primarily downhill, with wide, heavily banked, and bermed corners for turning at high speeds and with added features built for jumping. For safety reasons, they are one-way (downhill) and limited to bicyclists. </div><div><br /></div><div>Downhill, one-way, cyclist-only trails are not new to Rapid City. Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park actually included such a trail (Dirk's Draw) as part of its original build years ago. It's still there and "flowing."</div><div><br /></div><div>The new "flow" trail at M-Hill appears to be a new trail purpose built for "flow." That's great. Go with the flow, bro.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Additional "flow" trails may also be in the works for Skyline Park, where the City of Rapid City and volunteers have built miles of single track trails enjoyed by many hikers, runners, and cyclists. Hopefully, the City works around those popular trails when constructing new "flow" trails. </div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvkyRt0P_DVLUVcHACwnXJo8H9CYcxtCWK2MVuQ6Rbj-nvSkOD5SfEGEWagm6whkMmTqRx4CzEwGDV4ExLYqSf7YnqmNnnMnSRIPpN3Rz5a8oUeDWwr3jkc46Y-IQHff-dfPqIlZVERRlxLz9dE9pQ6mvc_Wk0SicjNqyW2g6ZL5OpdZd4nlHBDVDscs/s1080/thumbnail-2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvkyRt0P_DVLUVcHACwnXJo8H9CYcxtCWK2MVuQ6Rbj-nvSkOD5SfEGEWagm6whkMmTqRx4CzEwGDV4ExLYqSf7YnqmNnnMnSRIPpN3Rz5a8oUeDWwr3jkc46Y-IQHff-dfPqIlZVERRlxLz9dE9pQ6mvc_Wk0SicjNqyW2g6ZL5OpdZd4nlHBDVDscs/w640-h480/thumbnail-2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Existing trail at Raider Park blocked off for construction of a new Flow Trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div>The construction of new "flow" trails at Raider Park raise an issue. There, an existing trail that was built for, and has been enjoyed by, everyone has been blocked off and replaced with a "flow" trail. The old trail appears to be closed to walking and running.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's one thing to create and build a new trail for a select group of users, who likely have volunteered or contributed significantly to make it happen. That's the add. That's awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's entirely different to take trails away from everyone else for use only by a specific sub-group. That's subtraction.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>For those creating and volunteering to serve others, thank you. When you believe that you are adding to our community, please consider whether your actions also subtract. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe there's a way to add, without subtracting. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-8376866178820637502023-12-10T07:28:00.000-07:002023-12-10T07:28:28.599-07:00Change Out of Pajamas<div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><b><i>Gandalf the Grey: I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><b><i>Bilbo Baggins: I should think so - in these parts! We are plain, quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!</i></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><i>The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien (1937).</i><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24); color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVQBFwP2Qw2sijCIxr6yH1hhOtg8F2zKcZ-Th-GjdsjEHwU92t080p0qavhWvcgMiF0sDxcSThAq2AdKDi_6M9llOXEj2kMgt5Y-ncaJFCHtLZqIX9Sfyp-mz7JKhouDQPUD1zsIaJpAbV7P5cxghiUIBBkuVLipOayCIrQ_a8m9caxqtfTZMyK73toc/s720/406444508_774089831382405_2796030151264178645_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVQBFwP2Qw2sijCIxr6yH1hhOtg8F2zKcZ-Th-GjdsjEHwU92t080p0qavhWvcgMiF0sDxcSThAq2AdKDi_6M9llOXEj2kMgt5Y-ncaJFCHtLZqIX9Sfyp-mz7JKhouDQPUD1zsIaJpAbV7P5cxghiUIBBkuVLipOayCIrQ_a8m9caxqtfTZMyK73toc/w468-h640/406444508_774089831382405_2796030151264178645_n.jpg" width="468" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leave the valley. Find a way over that mountain.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(24, 24, 24);">In today's world, Bilbo's rejection of adventure might be expressed more often as follows:</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVGihmrQRtrK8u4BHgzSjsr_-i4KCpbfxJISY7-nHkqAaYAHUxDbBpgz4oIaKuWWdUj9oB8rbQefHbO0PUHXRYbz5sSYHgcF53iWGHPK4QLxEDvQ9xla4w63KgiSW5gvg6sY4stDXCpk29PhdJWr-E2FRLGDb_HVvetoWJ-flQMFSl5tTQe8vDleyvEs/s3000/9c3f49f9afeeeebfc4aa7a416d14b346-3921301894.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVGihmrQRtrK8u4BHgzSjsr_-i4KCpbfxJISY7-nHkqAaYAHUxDbBpgz4oIaKuWWdUj9oB8rbQefHbO0PUHXRYbz5sSYHgcF53iWGHPK4QLxEDvQ9xla4w63KgiSW5gvg6sY4stDXCpk29PhdJWr-E2FRLGDb_HVvetoWJ-flQMFSl5tTQe8vDleyvEs/w640-h640/9c3f49f9afeeeebfc4aa7a416d14b346-3921301894.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>When I saw this meme, I thought of Bilbo Baggins and smiled. Probably because Bilbo said out loud what he honestly thought. A good adventure may not feel so good while in the middle of it. When you know that discomfort, or worse, lies ahead, it can be hard to commit. Even harder to start.</div><div><br /></div><div>And like Gandalf, anyone who creates challenging routes, events, or group rides certainly experiences resistance and flat-out rejection. Those few that express interest often fall aside when reality strikes. Life readily supplies excuses. It's all too easy to stay in pajamas.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's all fine and good for a time. But every so often, mindfully change out of pajamas. Embrace the challenge knowing that difficulties are part of the deal. Jump out of your comfort zone. Go for that adventure.</div><div><br /></div><div>You may surprise yourself. You may even look forward to the next one.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-FA3ErlkSq9pjaLAzofo8L9gdoxZH1GYmc3r3ONO9R2vpdjPbnntvsyFPEYmLLmBuLIocp8sxjrXAVBMkFm5gu5hwdAY2_qh_RzDl989oiF-JLQvYysn2DrWadFc1y8b0fccnVtqs9OQahBbFaUsPObepnUjeDzWuOqjjkEFNu-kgLTYyCvj6W5edUU/s4608/P9040843.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-FA3ErlkSq9pjaLAzofo8L9gdoxZH1GYmc3r3ONO9R2vpdjPbnntvsyFPEYmLLmBuLIocp8sxjrXAVBMkFm5gu5hwdAY2_qh_RzDl989oiF-JLQvYysn2DrWadFc1y8b0fccnVtqs9OQahBbFaUsPObepnUjeDzWuOqjjkEFNu-kgLTYyCvj6W5edUU/w640-h480/P9040843.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bursum Road turning to climb Y Canyon to crest a stormy Continental Divide.<br />Day 47 of my 2021 ride of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.<br />Adventure certainly awaited on that day. (<a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-great-divide-three-days-of-gila.html">Three Days Of The Gila</a>).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-55437141108906989672023-12-03T06:40:00.001-07:002023-12-03T06:50:40.006-07:00A Dad's Expression of Love<div>In the old comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes," Calvin is a grade school boy and Hobbes is a toy stuffed tiger that comes to life through Calvin's vivid imagination. I always enjoyed the comic, but really connected with Calvin's dad on the rare occasion he appeared. Perhaps not surprisingly, I learned that Calvin's dad is portrayed as a patent attorney who loves to ride his bicycle. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7HEhZ9493gV8Zr3VWX1Ux1Ykq5frrEsgEcEu0LVo8kBx2ZVZ_n-RGdACzE8vRbvaBkPwaVasIYPkKBR7Mzxe-2l5Q5N2776IKduTUCFqPNha8Lpxf-C4qDNMZwLERfsaRSGrbh_zCE9_FYHoEiF3l5pHj7DaKuF8hSeMPdG6J677JxLCmMw9Ji4amdA/s720/128146859_10224470973871185_1511195142217770995_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="720" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7HEhZ9493gV8Zr3VWX1Ux1Ykq5frrEsgEcEu0LVo8kBx2ZVZ_n-RGdACzE8vRbvaBkPwaVasIYPkKBR7Mzxe-2l5Q5N2776IKduTUCFqPNha8Lpxf-C4qDNMZwLERfsaRSGrbh_zCE9_FYHoEiF3l5pHj7DaKuF8hSeMPdG6J677JxLCmMw9Ji4amdA/w640-h448/128146859_10224470973871185_1511195142217770995_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One day, over 25 years ago, I received in the mail an envelope from my dad. No letter or note of any kind rested inside. Rather, a single, folded clipping from the Sunday comics of a local newspaper revealed the above Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. Dad read it one Sunday morning, thought of me, and simply dropped it in the mail.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dad didn't know that I loved Calvin and Hobbes and he certainly did not know that Calvin's dad was a patent attorney. He just thought of me with my cycling adventures and my challenging career. And he wanted me to know that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dad's actions always spoke louder than his words. I think this mailing was Dad's way of expressing his understanding and appreciation of my journey, even though it differed substantially from his own. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I don't know. Maybe he just thought it was funny.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjLb1lGSA-ic0wgvb98j_zeB8CMYDJDEcPVYCYYXbfKUrwqEp4TYyKbufrRhwafQN9wTesdyA7HRExK7Z_E7bG2mEfIV3M2dfqaeeVTP_Chx6T93hYyruPEvzqDOardAYSOHvIV_KqrcM9JRPzI6KkTv6M-b19bvmKtpNPfFkaXiGrYoL_-mDbzH_M78/s239/Groseth-Cliff-e1669926006313-204x239.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="204" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjLb1lGSA-ic0wgvb98j_zeB8CMYDJDEcPVYCYYXbfKUrwqEp4TYyKbufrRhwafQN9wTesdyA7HRExK7Z_E7bG2mEfIV3M2dfqaeeVTP_Chx6T93hYyruPEvzqDOardAYSOHvIV_KqrcM9JRPzI6KkTv6M-b19bvmKtpNPfFkaXiGrYoL_-mDbzH_M78/w546-h640/Groseth-Cliff-e1669926006313-204x239.jpg" width="546" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clifford G. Groseth, at age 88 in 2022.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Dad passed away on November 30, 2022. Much has changed, within and without our family, over this past year. He would have loved to have been a part of all of it. And his presence would have filled every family situation. In many ways, it still does. </div><div><br /></div><div>We miss him dearly.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Obituary I wrote last year is reproduced here. <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2022/12/clifford-g-groseth-june-7-1934-november.html">Clifford G. Groseth (1934-2022)</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, here's a blog post that I wrote as a Father's Day gift to him in 2018. <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-best-coach-i-ever-had.html">The Best Coach I Ever Had</a>. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ray_LeUNWZFF0b19eKTcFE0T1AfCn5EgKcgNJbBNUhFdDSqZm8mqtCqec8xQuaJlo1eWKaxtdHIGbe5E5RoV9y7y6QMkPH-My0UUvEdUJk2U1G42p-NzdSNM1wI3ri-d9XJOFLPe4glo4hlM4gXRuFxfie7QUTWvHMHdzArffHcFo1PgHvCrdiZjQ1U/s640/P6162330.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ray_LeUNWZFF0b19eKTcFE0T1AfCn5EgKcgNJbBNUhFdDSqZm8mqtCqec8xQuaJlo1eWKaxtdHIGbe5E5RoV9y7y6QMkPH-My0UUvEdUJk2U1G42p-NzdSNM1wI3ri-d9XJOFLPe4glo4hlM4gXRuFxfie7QUTWvHMHdzArffHcFo1PgHvCrdiZjQ1U/w480-h640/P6162330.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clifford G. Groseth, at age 18 in 1952.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-60634062379319363072023-11-26T05:43:00.001-07:002023-11-26T05:54:09.868-07:00The Black Hills Bounty - One Page To Link Them All <div><div>Over the course of many days of riding with me in 2020, cycling buddy Paul Brasby wondered aloud of a possible bikepacking tour of the Black Hills of South Dakota. We eventually developed the concept of a week long, mixed road tour on my favorite remote, rough roads in the Black Hills, designed around a rider like Paul on a bike like his Salsa CutThroat. That is, a relatively short, remote, rough road tour for a seasoned bike packer on a loaded mountain bike. With a treasure trove of roads and sights from which to choose, I called the ride The Black Hills Bounty and set out to create it.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_Wmq5T-kYNFsAF10z5mS21UrI7Nnzwur3nLdBou7ChlK-R9cvbCcpFPgXKsLdKz_p5qqmqhsCW_Scnd-96IdIvIV5uyu2pbHTHJLQKTJlUFz1zmIhXXPoORMuTbTVcHYwAkyX7b2s3c20If_wGIQDnsXU5S5CdVtWDmroo-jvYYKpJ-i3L3gXDEx_ZY/s640/197776617_10219920816271140_4421966471962150960_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_Wmq5T-kYNFsAF10z5mS21UrI7Nnzwur3nLdBou7ChlK-R9cvbCcpFPgXKsLdKz_p5qqmqhsCW_Scnd-96IdIvIV5uyu2pbHTHJLQKTJlUFz1zmIhXXPoORMuTbTVcHYwAkyX7b2s3c20If_wGIQDnsXU5S5CdVtWDmroo-jvYYKpJ-i3L3gXDEx_ZY/w480-h640/197776617_10219920816271140_4421966471962150960_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, we kick this whole thing off with a USFS Low Standard Road.<br />First road on Day 1 of Year 1 of the Black Hills Bounty. (image by Lane Bergen)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>For 2021, we eventually developed a plan to ride 5 days in the Central Black Hills, based out of the tourist town of Custer. Early that summer, a group of six friends rode throughout the Heart of the Hills, including a Bucket List ride up iconic Iron Mountain Road to Mount Rushmore and down Needles Highway. That bit of Bounty only fueled their desire for more.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, for 2022, we rode for 5 days deep into the Southern Black Hills, pedaling South from Custer and then both East to the prairie's edge and West back into the hills. The route covered a similar mix of rough back roads, but more remote, requiring the next level of water, food, and shelter management. Not surprisingly, the experience sparked further interest in the Bounty, both from within and without the group.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2023, we embarked on a 6 day tour of the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota and the Bear Lodge Mountains of Wyoming, with a jaunt out to Devil's Tower National Monument. Once again, we hit about every type of Forest Service road and added a few twists, including a climb on grass-covered trails through a cross-country ski area. Every day, big views and bold autumn colors flood our senses. And, yes, the group is already looking to next year.</div><div><p style="caret-color: rgb(108, 108, 108); color: #6c6c6c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"></p></div><div>Now I've created a separate Page that links my blog posts for each year of the Black Hills Bounty. This Page is for all riders of the Black Hills Bounty, along with everyone else willing to stretch their comfort zone into new experiences in unfamiliar lands. <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/p/black-hills-bounty-2021-present.html">Black Hills Bounty Page</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully, the Black Hills Bounty Page will be adding posts for years to come.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-79751258602909576552023-11-19T05:34:00.001-07:002023-11-19T07:38:11.082-07:002023 Black Hills Bounty (Day 6) - All Too Soon<div>The final day of a week long bikepacking trip always elicits a mix of emotions. Day 6 of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty is no different. We linger over breakfast at our idyllic camp site by Cook Lake, relishing the relaxed vibe. A few hours of steady climbing on good USFS Secondary Roads will deliver us to our waiting vehicles for the drive home. Of all days, this is no day to hurry. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Here are a selection of images from Day 6, as captured by our riders. For prior photo galleries of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty, go to <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-0-gathering.html">Day 0 - Gathering At Roubaix Lake</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-1-mining.html">Day 1 - Mining Camp Ghosts Lead To Deadwood</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-2-up-ski.html">Day 2 - Up Ski Trails & Down Rock Chutes</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-3-active.html">Day 3 - Active Recovery</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/11/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-4-tower-to.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR1mP2w5EO6nHxbfLkbmSZKRroUV4nahfuFQVFnt0FkokwAXsczwm19nkvM">Day 4 - Tower to Tower</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/11/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-5-back-up.html">Day 5 - Back Up To Bear Lodge</a>. </div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CFXFKHXXrGXtMfiXrrSr9Y-y3qLNjcGFShaADXVcoXIstT731ZEmFulSx_4BV79xal_30qlF6UDHjhWfjCMRcwisslhnpJp9Wzj2hHE4hUWPfVN0Jux_AbBbb5Ehc-nhxPsz89FpBMzzfKSZ_lpRZGUobJHjJtd1xFkMMXImGWnZXw63M_sGQSCTuac/s4032/20230930_074022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CFXFKHXXrGXtMfiXrrSr9Y-y3qLNjcGFShaADXVcoXIstT731ZEmFulSx_4BV79xal_30qlF6UDHjhWfjCMRcwisslhnpJp9Wzj2hHE4hUWPfVN0Jux_AbBbb5Ehc-nhxPsz89FpBMzzfKSZ_lpRZGUobJHjJtd1xFkMMXImGWnZXw63M_sGQSCTuac/w640-h288/20230930_074022.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slowly packing up at Cook Lake. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDpMeUqUI7pP-xEcjpdw6HADdys0jRJ-9uNqZTkSVTcmAAMdUns3zZqcKk5hkBxQubzLjfHoTdE8_Q-gKN28qJNkhUpJQDDz4TN9DU2XTGziwKLMnV0bT16qF-KBmFmJBoKyLQnD1hJeqYNhrhZV6JacPkm1Gx3u92LbNT8iGeb4xQMOIYrm9AbXyorw/s1080/Screenshot_20231001_175457_Message+.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1080" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDpMeUqUI7pP-xEcjpdw6HADdys0jRJ-9uNqZTkSVTcmAAMdUns3zZqcKk5hkBxQubzLjfHoTdE8_Q-gKN28qJNkhUpJQDDz4TN9DU2XTGziwKLMnV0bT16qF-KBmFmJBoKyLQnD1hJeqYNhrhZV6JacPkm1Gx3u92LbNT8iGeb4xQMOIYrm9AbXyorw/w640-h466/Screenshot_20231001_175457_Message+.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Bloom, Craig Groseth, Jon Naaf, Ben Cooper, Paul Brasby, Peggy Waite-Bradley.<br />Start of Day 6 from Cook Lake. (image by Peggy Waite-Bradley)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEXcma6jl_UkSPeKNjFekmW89QnG6dD1IfmamaNvpm4xOqXaSxfCE8knbLV1PxAKYzAqWFQ4fAeoJO3mJwf8E366jmb7OO3e5gyN5faBJWSVSglEZjNWaT5WbqK9HGEFUE55_N4yUELgtwabWCxfRuwnBRC3QvVswhaFqS9ZtchxlI-BSlAMMGToxoeY/s4032/20230930_080932.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEXcma6jl_UkSPeKNjFekmW89QnG6dD1IfmamaNvpm4xOqXaSxfCE8knbLV1PxAKYzAqWFQ4fAeoJO3mJwf8E366jmb7OO3e5gyN5faBJWSVSglEZjNWaT5WbqK9HGEFUE55_N4yUELgtwabWCxfRuwnBRC3QvVswhaFqS9ZtchxlI-BSlAMMGToxoeY/w640-h288/20230930_080932.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing on good Forest Service gravel most of the morning. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOdWmfy3DuajtFE7NtVBoRuz4bep-kuUI79H3g8BYNCoyORI4O7fTqrKFLIZrXWT6nBVC9hKTZtivS_tm3aeFQHZCJIloVYaExdjPrxsxx_vL2nL-GXW4MM5vmddzTf8WqKtQAxmDoEP2GeJetQ4XmZU2Zoo1Ee2n1hTEMJG7ISiVmSOd8YTln6q_eKs/s4032/20230930_082834.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOdWmfy3DuajtFE7NtVBoRuz4bep-kuUI79H3g8BYNCoyORI4O7fTqrKFLIZrXWT6nBVC9hKTZtivS_tm3aeFQHZCJIloVYaExdjPrxsxx_vL2nL-GXW4MM5vmddzTf8WqKtQAxmDoEP2GeJetQ4XmZU2Zoo1Ee2n1hTEMJG7ISiVmSOd8YTln6q_eKs/w640-h288/20230930_082834.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glimpse into a hardy lifestyle. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJT8fN0leK0kiB8ayh_mxHcZMGdh1nE6wclmn406Fy6k6Zmm74RaUdz0VIN1YnTFvyeGXJpy4mL_XhV84MhmmQAfNLH1KbzNB23SksUjual3UgTmTs8h4IhBVEgn68sjo44MAdxDxOHjcdjsma1au0wphEExLLT6jTc4YSfNU0Y8Zu13GGOenhYhT1UgA/s4032/20230930_083337.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJT8fN0leK0kiB8ayh_mxHcZMGdh1nE6wclmn406Fy6k6Zmm74RaUdz0VIN1YnTFvyeGXJpy4mL_XhV84MhmmQAfNLH1KbzNB23SksUjual3UgTmTs8h4IhBVEgn68sjo44MAdxDxOHjcdjsma1au0wphEExLLT6jTc4YSfNU0Y8Zu13GGOenhYhT1UgA/w640-h288/20230930_083337.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through yet another birch tree choir. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrgd7U5cTlmRTJVGIwb6eq7jLsZ7VU8U6azMgKGmFRo1TW9RfgYhrW2LHehVSEYsJC6VaYVYUwK70ThK4kimnDIk8YiYSrh63jXqgUavxjL5Zx1hTUYiXF_oGGK9Xrk0u4ekiVgQaVeqXQ2BYJRdZ45kcSDQbJ1_Qz1FRsKYcRasA54RlaJKHMVaB-h8/s4032/20230930_084832.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrgd7U5cTlmRTJVGIwb6eq7jLsZ7VU8U6azMgKGmFRo1TW9RfgYhrW2LHehVSEYsJC6VaYVYUwK70ThK4kimnDIk8YiYSrh63jXqgUavxjL5Zx1hTUYiXF_oGGK9Xrk0u4ekiVgQaVeqXQ2BYJRdZ45kcSDQbJ1_Qz1FRsKYcRasA54RlaJKHMVaB-h8/w640-h288/20230930_084832.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local traffic on the move. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIecWm99rHXAJFiHuCsIMbTU6qRy2eMVL5xtCazpV8kNGzaOEuIe7OaeKPE2Ht_jUj2jOyiFOVs9uJYVVwUh2xOM_Z9W_1U_8doCr2DC1sUhtpFowYfq54K4-ioAhMFe0BlNhu2hbqjlAS3EAJQ1DMUbWq72kJ_mALeHf3Ef3xQT87ycJuOPAUmxNK55A/s4032/20230930_101504.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIecWm99rHXAJFiHuCsIMbTU6qRy2eMVL5xtCazpV8kNGzaOEuIe7OaeKPE2Ht_jUj2jOyiFOVs9uJYVVwUh2xOM_Z9W_1U_8doCr2DC1sUhtpFowYfq54K4-ioAhMFe0BlNhu2hbqjlAS3EAJQ1DMUbWq72kJ_mALeHf3Ef3xQT87ycJuOPAUmxNK55A/w640-h288/20230930_101504.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A back road in the Black Hills. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCXNEfIEiWJiiusBsfqoKxzH8H_-LwAVM1IoD_wnQw5mWwH7I5gBH-agw9U5w-0gcRPs6IpL2zMPmgmuKn2gnwquwexiJM1yZcErAfNQt5Qv6BkDAF1PwO2uSEw0AbNcdFXQrXSgZ6uCGTbEeJ_cSYmQYg48xhy9B6YCBvvto59YmSCUnebTJ1mUhWOQ/s4032/20230930_102225.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCXNEfIEiWJiiusBsfqoKxzH8H_-LwAVM1IoD_wnQw5mWwH7I5gBH-agw9U5w-0gcRPs6IpL2zMPmgmuKn2gnwquwexiJM1yZcErAfNQt5Qv6BkDAF1PwO2uSEw0AbNcdFXQrXSgZ6uCGTbEeJ_cSYmQYg48xhy9B6YCBvvto59YmSCUnebTJ1mUhWOQ/w640-h288/20230930_102225.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even with the colors and the company, it's still up. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVWQmpX0opf3o0O33zgPiPMySq_uL4K27styoQAvbU3WRnsyu4-KeDUJKM4vY4GC0f8ncDUN1_7Hax4hAtTlxPVhJExDCFgtOAx7uDE1ierxAzTFIYaBxKgo4DH-x5rKclBqsHJ1lWHE4bwsGF726SjsZT39OLtK_q1TVX0hvY7WrNvjDS-ZUuUqG1-c/s3022/BCBA9DAB-A228-4436-A5D5-470C2ED49C0A.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2992" data-original-width="3022" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVWQmpX0opf3o0O33zgPiPMySq_uL4K27styoQAvbU3WRnsyu4-KeDUJKM4vY4GC0f8ncDUN1_7Hax4hAtTlxPVhJExDCFgtOAx7uDE1ierxAzTFIYaBxKgo4DH-x5rKclBqsHJ1lWHE4bwsGF726SjsZT39OLtK_q1TVX0hvY7WrNvjDS-ZUuUqG1-c/w640-h634/BCBA9DAB-A228-4436-A5D5-470C2ED49C0A.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Cooper and Jon Naaf refuel one last time. (image by Peggy Waite-Bradley)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8eNHGf9E7HIo2T-3J16hlSO5YLhu04-q3jYqY_8DWN2Ae_uFVlIaKbqPYdVB1eZFFRtF3JFImZoT-cczBK8Z5LTjdaxbD8HIg4_rMRtxdqLOFUzEN-lnAFiAk0o5xILEUlF3F77aOQ7phSfdQkkwytsQJRbIZwJy8uFwhTr8883J3MVmqZRobX-am90/s4032/20230930_102729.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8eNHGf9E7HIo2T-3J16hlSO5YLhu04-q3jYqY_8DWN2Ae_uFVlIaKbqPYdVB1eZFFRtF3JFImZoT-cczBK8Z5LTjdaxbD8HIg4_rMRtxdqLOFUzEN-lnAFiAk0o5xILEUlF3F77aOQ7phSfdQkkwytsQJRbIZwJy8uFwhTr8883J3MVmqZRobX-am90/w640-h288/20230930_102729.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One final hill. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The Riders on Day 6 of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9vglIWumq95JRvRsViDeoyaqmS5_R_jS2s7LCGubOZzbR-z5F37cLZJILlCq7pfx8d01vwBb9oACvB4OovYp6zT5SEahYVn8mVcsnUBXKWS7GpEFR1j_zu4om7yhuoai079iqmb2dVTaI15YCBTPmyP2fgqCtY8NYCw37MbU6u1rAIQ6MiKPlZf9q0w/s4032/20230930_080250.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9vglIWumq95JRvRsViDeoyaqmS5_R_jS2s7LCGubOZzbR-z5F37cLZJILlCq7pfx8d01vwBb9oACvB4OovYp6zT5SEahYVn8mVcsnUBXKWS7GpEFR1j_zu4om7yhuoai079iqmb2dVTaI15YCBTPmyP2fgqCtY8NYCw37MbU6u1rAIQ6MiKPlZf9q0w/w640-h288/20230930_080250.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Cooper leads the way. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJDycHLP2zwLDHDYB7ZFdpHCSwdZjwKnZuoYKzm6AkIOSpBtKIosaLJObP8DsyUh8TXbR_AHwuUtUMt3fPlzczM3Qws6er5BA3COcGeWvyJ3dkia1dSQ9UtKhcRhUivpzXC7GKRKa0g97qSiZVg9QtiwIYDy8_bnNpwdD6d0ZNb_rDGY4jO_9P85Mn-o/s4032/20230930_104635.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJDycHLP2zwLDHDYB7ZFdpHCSwdZjwKnZuoYKzm6AkIOSpBtKIosaLJObP8DsyUh8TXbR_AHwuUtUMt3fPlzczM3Qws6er5BA3COcGeWvyJ3dkia1dSQ9UtKhcRhUivpzXC7GKRKa0g97qSiZVg9QtiwIYDy8_bnNpwdD6d0ZNb_rDGY4jO_9P85Mn-o/w480-h640/20230930_104635.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon Naaf. (image by Ben Cooper)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJLWoT862yUB01Hn5YLwjkI5kZy72fk8ZCrwqzLpm_kjQDOKk10cbjkLaRb6_Kf0iPIjVH4P8PrnaEe3lHNvd82WJ47BBjGopJ5I0ShWX3Wp8ttv0E8ZXJKL9ZO524CjqkRgtRzP91xIl_9lmFVAKTu-HEOmJWvS2i5m97DUdbNJyUJtcvh2XVzgBwSs/s4032/20230930_104704.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJLWoT862yUB01Hn5YLwjkI5kZy72fk8ZCrwqzLpm_kjQDOKk10cbjkLaRb6_Kf0iPIjVH4P8PrnaEe3lHNvd82WJ47BBjGopJ5I0ShWX3Wp8ttv0E8ZXJKL9ZO524CjqkRgtRzP91xIl_9lmFVAKTu-HEOmJWvS2i5m97DUdbNJyUJtcvh2XVzgBwSs/w480-h640/20230930_104704.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Bloom. (image by Ben Cooper)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIhB3H_v88-W1HHBnngWSVOst1UqJJOXfXGu5I4xaBswlu0jVnIY-yEv-4yxqpRIng4TZiECaGzZRmWzoLUO7PLZuITAo8nyWQhFd1dUFHJ1bMFo8aV_VhlFbk0CL9RPUMYApta64q6gk4xwzbjfDPfG8yxYWS4dlYrTF1hfWcVylitD0z2cQxJs-lV4/s4032/20230930_104816.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIhB3H_v88-W1HHBnngWSVOst1UqJJOXfXGu5I4xaBswlu0jVnIY-yEv-4yxqpRIng4TZiECaGzZRmWzoLUO7PLZuITAo8nyWQhFd1dUFHJ1bMFo8aV_VhlFbk0CL9RPUMYApta64q6gk4xwzbjfDPfG8yxYWS4dlYrTF1hfWcVylitD0z2cQxJs-lV4/w480-h640/20230930_104816.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Brasby. (image by Ben Cooper)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0csKnPJdbII-yRvho0PtGKHhTd6IOmWSn0wVn3hd-Yx8RgrWSJll2_rCS5K8WOr00wIPhbT-qs-DVFjdFxpDNLmm2aQFRKdGzhYt3q1syvfwQGEfyvjuz-2KwyK9rowuynLYIJcTwfg_MGrZh2SIpH9F5tdBi5xrwnoLuq5-UHP_FDVBXOrtQ4D-w30/s4032/20230930_105032.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0csKnPJdbII-yRvho0PtGKHhTd6IOmWSn0wVn3hd-Yx8RgrWSJll2_rCS5K8WOr00wIPhbT-qs-DVFjdFxpDNLmm2aQFRKdGzhYt3q1syvfwQGEfyvjuz-2KwyK9rowuynLYIJcTwfg_MGrZh2SIpH9F5tdBi5xrwnoLuq5-UHP_FDVBXOrtQ4D-w30/w480-h640/20230930_105032.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peggy Waite-Bradley. (image by Ben Cooper)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQQF96rW7gAQOWj3GEScRbnX7He7YfPqonfZxxjH0VAQ6Dt7mWuKYtTy4deswXTrjB2qHSn4JxVl0KJ_NyCdEP6TozAUYUqv9klDTaKPEPXjvfQW4gC-5kV0TNUsVixmUwGdtG1xR-21eF-d8ixQdn7uhx688s2bFbBaJRWp3SwvItMH-XjEs9GKddVY/s4032/20230930_105756.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQQF96rW7gAQOWj3GEScRbnX7He7YfPqonfZxxjH0VAQ6Dt7mWuKYtTy4deswXTrjB2qHSn4JxVl0KJ_NyCdEP6TozAUYUqv9klDTaKPEPXjvfQW4gC-5kV0TNUsVixmUwGdtG1xR-21eF-d8ixQdn7uhx688s2bFbBaJRWp3SwvItMH-XjEs9GKddVY/w480-h640/20230930_105756.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig Groseth. (image by Ben Cooper)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-15921789760584001792023-11-12T05:29:00.001-07:002023-11-12T05:29:43.953-07:002023 Black Hills Bounty (Day 5) - Back Up To Bear Lodge<div>After a night at Devil's Tower National Monument that started with the movie "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" and ended with a brilliant lightening show, we climbed on good county gravel back into the Bear Lodge Mountains. Day 5 of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty delivered many more miles climbing than descending, but strengthened legs steadily covered the good gravel roads to reach USFS Cook Lake campground for the evening. We celebrated our last night together around a roaring camp fire.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Here are a selection of images from Day 5, as captured by our riders. For prior photo galleries of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty, go to <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-0-gathering.html">Day 0 - Gathering At Roubaix Lake</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-1-mining.html">Day 1 - Mining Camp Ghosts Lead To Deadwood</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-2-up-ski.html">Day 2 - Up Ski Trails & Down Rock Chutes</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-3-active.html">Day 3 - Active Recovery</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/11/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-4-tower-to.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR1mP2w5EO6nHxbfLkbmSZKRroUV4nahfuFQVFnt0FkokwAXsczwm19nkvM">Day 4 - Tower to Tower</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAbuqr1x9hPU3c7TWpx0acyDXuxAAKZT-62jhxLXNtniX5ecCoEt2n05N986IrEiZMoZGKt-xOYIsfAN1Dh9YDK2Vvz68SB-EMJxomaQ6Q8yOs5z-IeAW_844crCYTZ-X52EvnwFGdQ7FfdibrkiychNDnOB1YNCoqCx5v-WBjA_xU2TiWQNNQmSdk6w/s2048/387808230_6606536732778017_3034034266084111641_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAbuqr1x9hPU3c7TWpx0acyDXuxAAKZT-62jhxLXNtniX5ecCoEt2n05N986IrEiZMoZGKt-xOYIsfAN1Dh9YDK2Vvz68SB-EMJxomaQ6Q8yOs5z-IeAW_844crCYTZ-X52EvnwFGdQ7FfdibrkiychNDnOB1YNCoqCx5v-WBjA_xU2TiWQNNQmSdk6w/w640-h456/387808230_6606536732778017_3034034266084111641_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devil's Tower National Monument. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXr1pjp7l1qE_yRWTo7jbvpjzTvSxZfGICGYF2t4qrPiEv48a0Rzqsa4t5HOeIgiSUL6KfrTSvAhX-AleMAlMRu8pzQOv_0FiFQqELmxZ07xSqif0qQBH__Xk710Me6YxDaer6_O8cS5MxtFZTyvbpCuC05XQjtSGxOPgK_ZIrduZHo8hAK2c2lGzm4MM/s4032/20230929_070802.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXr1pjp7l1qE_yRWTo7jbvpjzTvSxZfGICGYF2t4qrPiEv48a0Rzqsa4t5HOeIgiSUL6KfrTSvAhX-AleMAlMRu8pzQOv_0FiFQqELmxZ07xSqif0qQBH__Xk710Me6YxDaer6_O8cS5MxtFZTyvbpCuC05XQjtSGxOPgK_ZIrduZHo8hAK2c2lGzm4MM/w640-h288/20230929_070802.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KOA Campground at Devil's Tower National Monument. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv742UeQa1K6BiDfwvzJsgeMaNbnIpn3kaCWwa1KNhZxCv33r1Jr5u9ctGO8JH60eBowKG_jQrlZq4qFfs_dh3UM3hjtJz77XrgYJnMNDNOdKkXQzxetTtvFkWlVHSL9AIs1VEXgYl-2eFcx8Kajem48bu9oaSMxAPSon_M61Pb9yI4hvShKofbaw3ptI/s2048/386696826_6606537366111287_3822591167454497615_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv742UeQa1K6BiDfwvzJsgeMaNbnIpn3kaCWwa1KNhZxCv33r1Jr5u9ctGO8JH60eBowKG_jQrlZq4qFfs_dh3UM3hjtJz77XrgYJnMNDNOdKkXQzxetTtvFkWlVHSL9AIs1VEXgYl-2eFcx8Kajem48bu9oaSMxAPSon_M61Pb9yI4hvShKofbaw3ptI/w458-h640/386696826_6606537366111287_3822591167454497615_n.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do we tell them it's uphill all day? (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRefAdtRVM3MIEqaEYYJB8B0W6unvWsDXl6Ls5Yiq2e5XKGTI0nKMwzYtMNtSqIlH9W22Q0FhijEf_vOv0IIAA2l009dNtoVG3Z-gIUuQD-FXnoeDyeJiJsuYft1ZvNFF-SH01ObkGehnFG8XI-uVY1BC5aoqDo5BeNYRoJsNfjdVBU1g6ftfkgswPrIk/s2048/386474548_6606537352777955_181784650931489479_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRefAdtRVM3MIEqaEYYJB8B0W6unvWsDXl6Ls5Yiq2e5XKGTI0nKMwzYtMNtSqIlH9W22Q0FhijEf_vOv0IIAA2l009dNtoVG3Z-gIUuQD-FXnoeDyeJiJsuYft1ZvNFF-SH01ObkGehnFG8XI-uVY1BC5aoqDo5BeNYRoJsNfjdVBU1g6ftfkgswPrIk/w640-h360/386474548_6606537352777955_181784650931489479_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devil's Tower National Monument. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQuQvcpiKvDhlFpzNnQl6q9LoL3kRsgshV4kblwsdG3O-94LwYRjUADBhvT5SDjOD56OIOfA4bGV-ZjFIhIhzkRiwWK5o5yW2KT2LM6lefskszugLBnP4uoIxoBZOf1jeqTXDuHyxiOC1ONWYJyXxtpfhCX0WDdtGqa0HAGeTWAPo2V8jKnAgfIGWzEA/s2876/20230929_092152.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="2876" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQuQvcpiKvDhlFpzNnQl6q9LoL3kRsgshV4kblwsdG3O-94LwYRjUADBhvT5SDjOD56OIOfA4bGV-ZjFIhIhzkRiwWK5o5yW2KT2LM6lefskszugLBnP4uoIxoBZOf1jeqTXDuHyxiOC1ONWYJyXxtpfhCX0WDdtGqa0HAGeTWAPo2V8jKnAgfIGWzEA/w640-h288/20230929_092152.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to roll. Devil's Tower National Monument. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocGkIIskoUgFwyZj0ij8KUTDrKMsBopRq_7GUUinmEHS8pui5jGM-B6sDZXBZqA37a_V9Bq4Rb-aADN4fSuwtN2Hb1S265UzUqE8K3AXCnMasoBoi5mz4KsDDApwLm2fa-h_xEzByL3F__BkZR9tTlfnctjwWm6OB2yF10MQWngUdHN2ee24HrdKjZ8c/s2336/20230929_093001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="2336" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocGkIIskoUgFwyZj0ij8KUTDrKMsBopRq_7GUUinmEHS8pui5jGM-B6sDZXBZqA37a_V9Bq4Rb-aADN4fSuwtN2Hb1S265UzUqE8K3AXCnMasoBoi5mz4KsDDApwLm2fa-h_xEzByL3F__BkZR9tTlfnctjwWm6OB2yF10MQWngUdHN2ee24HrdKjZ8c/w640-h288/20230929_093001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling out of the KOA at Devil's Tower National Monument. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb8rCuvuvw6LQbAwF03qAeXvJD_ec4qJZEPixVq2ImY3hgKL1ersc5xy7HgXBxp-ugFujfmLkfHknEODkhfY-XqgVhxg1hGI_1YqN4XbgwqWBudx039CiDYjdVBqtkF24wwCeqMZ2iLrGsuKM9mXWY3ODYgunqV0h1ZfsKiUDydYGCAEmaliMKk_-8lE/s4032/20230929_095632.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb8rCuvuvw6LQbAwF03qAeXvJD_ec4qJZEPixVq2ImY3hgKL1ersc5xy7HgXBxp-ugFujfmLkfHknEODkhfY-XqgVhxg1hGI_1YqN4XbgwqWBudx039CiDYjdVBqtkF24wwCeqMZ2iLrGsuKM9mXWY3ODYgunqV0h1ZfsKiUDydYGCAEmaliMKk_-8lE/w640-h288/20230929_095632.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back on gravel, for the rest of the day. Lytle Creek Road, County Road 196. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B2IvSmRmC5QtrrP77gkBqT7t8lzTkv1UzvXmURfFqll_SU3dl_BeaT9Iv1jE1byjTg5GGIWVEaZPEIMOtLWKp1pQcJiS4U_Z9xfFh9HsMba_jo2CFeTm78dzEtzJtCwg0D8Dub4LFKZdSnXiOKMo0x7BQSOOQr6MPPe2eHy0VPUOZToJJF5YEA89BYk/s4032/20230929_100418.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B2IvSmRmC5QtrrP77gkBqT7t8lzTkv1UzvXmURfFqll_SU3dl_BeaT9Iv1jE1byjTg5GGIWVEaZPEIMOtLWKp1pQcJiS4U_Z9xfFh9HsMba_jo2CFeTm78dzEtzJtCwg0D8Dub4LFKZdSnXiOKMo0x7BQSOOQr6MPPe2eHy0VPUOZToJJF5YEA89BYk/w640-h288/20230929_100418.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin Fox steaming up Lytle Creek Road, County Road 196. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WvA_qsR1VqyfKssOwR-7upYPZ6yiQtJXBjU6tYlp1dXQjCMD9ujzVQa9gBOba5nmN1Hicqrraqnq8lf5e7G3yTyhv-eJTS2Z-EzoS9KxJXhRMLhbeL13t6WRf_wQiai1x8ZwH8nxr5L26dKGobleyZTtB2UtJ82R2yYp3mE_RVtVSCPFEkgXv5AaiNU/s4032/20230929_100658.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WvA_qsR1VqyfKssOwR-7upYPZ6yiQtJXBjU6tYlp1dXQjCMD9ujzVQa9gBOba5nmN1Hicqrraqnq8lf5e7G3yTyhv-eJTS2Z-EzoS9KxJXhRMLhbeL13t6WRf_wQiai1x8ZwH8nxr5L26dKGobleyZTtB2UtJ82R2yYp3mE_RVtVSCPFEkgXv5AaiNU/w640-h288/20230929_100658.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking in the scenery on Lytle Creek Road, County Road 196. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuXtMftufC0B921ZpkKAYFZlwNFZfdkW_W3mCwHmB7dBwJOVz-85LG_ZrygLaop9PUZMnG1rPvI8i-PZysZkoqmsvpozDVE41HU7V8XrTuYHohF0az0AfAN8lYWSkbfNj8t9mTBz8n8y1ervOmJ1jA-Hz8Cm4Qa9aPYe0cyHQigAcId3J_pntcVvphyphenhyphen8/s4032/20230929_100749.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuXtMftufC0B921ZpkKAYFZlwNFZfdkW_W3mCwHmB7dBwJOVz-85LG_ZrygLaop9PUZMnG1rPvI8i-PZysZkoqmsvpozDVE41HU7V8XrTuYHohF0az0AfAN8lYWSkbfNj8t9mTBz8n8y1ervOmJ1jA-Hz8Cm4Qa9aPYe0cyHQigAcId3J_pntcVvphyphenhyphen8/w288-h640/20230929_100749.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig Groseth and Ben Cooper are ready to climb. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZZ0CZYs-Xu0EsCNws2vy1MRQVeYv8QgiGyhOoNdTI-BIK3xPFblJBVojUsNL6LzQqpar_syzjEiL1VMiw45dUiC3LdGYYDYD22jGEbH_4xBz_YFiFEnQLylffSWY35rQLfaIy2wvS_SMzFWS_2MwWgyYkM8_GSA-zetkG0P1YQ36xqNAnT2uoov2XE4/s4032/20230929_102003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZZ0CZYs-Xu0EsCNws2vy1MRQVeYv8QgiGyhOoNdTI-BIK3xPFblJBVojUsNL6LzQqpar_syzjEiL1VMiw45dUiC3LdGYYDYD22jGEbH_4xBz_YFiFEnQLylffSWY35rQLfaIy2wvS_SMzFWS_2MwWgyYkM8_GSA-zetkG0P1YQ36xqNAnT2uoov2XE4/w640-h288/20230929_102003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Bloom and Peggy Waite-Bradley spin up Lytle Creek Road, County Road 196. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVtQlMlKvNwhHB9sZvywtaXjM6E6hGFynFEkXWLvS35ql51eF8X1Ap4F6RC_SumJWmBy2yB8F7ndVitgTE5JF1Pkv_XBWkLrKyG6sB_1dICvQUxb69d0NLjJwIcdDwfg7Zenj3sWZurRjv6SH7_hXxERQHTOIRnBNl9g_C0ON61fIjm4vs8oQPpztQcs/s4032/20230929_102748.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVtQlMlKvNwhHB9sZvywtaXjM6E6hGFynFEkXWLvS35ql51eF8X1Ap4F6RC_SumJWmBy2yB8F7ndVitgTE5JF1Pkv_XBWkLrKyG6sB_1dICvQUxb69d0NLjJwIcdDwfg7Zenj3sWZurRjv6SH7_hXxERQHTOIRnBNl9g_C0ON61fIjm4vs8oQPpztQcs/w640-h288/20230929_102748.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon Naaf leads the charge up Lytle Creek Road, County Road 196. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iOTpmOGi7OkhNfw2JyFHw9FcIarzY4_sNNaDfn4F3KHeR-vyB5fHfKKk4CmnVKBKBVAEIRsQJCwEj99zeWuHrkVJUhDQvpqagfGA1PGmrrvLe9XwsN5IcSj9zWVQdRnkDA91ku6uXQeE6b191_JaK3fmjXI-wKTbpQUsx1c9JpFD6NRtxWKkuBC7mkA/s4032/20230929_104307.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iOTpmOGi7OkhNfw2JyFHw9FcIarzY4_sNNaDfn4F3KHeR-vyB5fHfKKk4CmnVKBKBVAEIRsQJCwEj99zeWuHrkVJUhDQvpqagfGA1PGmrrvLe9XwsN5IcSj9zWVQdRnkDA91ku6uXQeE6b191_JaK3fmjXI-wKTbpQUsx1c9JpFD6NRtxWKkuBC7mkA/w640-h288/20230929_104307.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Black Hills National Forest on USFS Secondary Road 847. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8SQQAjvx2Jp6hCYKk31t5HgqNtM86nnTYcIImU-bu9iIg5jCyVj7kskb15I4hxQEoX9H4aP0qo77mSZ1XKoH_zB8KHw08myEHiYa3rnfGWL6uiBLiNhGb8i8FnSfziZXH7HGPz00vA_TWsNqcY8uXNgEvnxpCwTMFVK4oWiXZ9ms80ekDApXM5vGsog/s1080/thumbnail-39.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8SQQAjvx2Jp6hCYKk31t5HgqNtM86nnTYcIImU-bu9iIg5jCyVj7kskb15I4hxQEoX9H4aP0qo77mSZ1XKoH_zB8KHw08myEHiYa3rnfGWL6uiBLiNhGb8i8FnSfziZXH7HGPz00vA_TWsNqcY8uXNgEvnxpCwTMFVK4oWiXZ9ms80ekDApXM5vGsog/w640-h480/thumbnail-39.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now we're back in the forest on USFS Secondary Road 847. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzH5zbxYyAW-OLI-1ElwEq2Av5yhbc0AdMKu0yry0sL-HZn3R9RamqoxJVJ4hqpFPabZT82erx-uA3uzPDC3g-yI5GffBYDTQO_8-K7vC1seBwhX7EFwBhe5EDHdoUNtQOpZf2cTnqMwwoX249zlX_f8h6rA6le81C-LrNBRH6mKuf686AklT7RdcxH98/s4032/20230929_141745.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzH5zbxYyAW-OLI-1ElwEq2Av5yhbc0AdMKu0yry0sL-HZn3R9RamqoxJVJ4hqpFPabZT82erx-uA3uzPDC3g-yI5GffBYDTQO_8-K7vC1seBwhX7EFwBhe5EDHdoUNtQOpZf2cTnqMwwoX249zlX_f8h6rA6le81C-LrNBRH6mKuf686AklT7RdcxH98/w640-h288/20230929_141745.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bad Asses. No doubt. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnLMfmCp3QBXyc2Wnun3jzTshnlhkzBIEamBWDN2Oj45UBOHGOWjFc7EJCzgZ0B-UZ6OmZg-BqzU-1R_QpZ4zIHdv2RVZfyITzw9d_hh6pTaPIrvLrncgebTbXesmocShsIjtmkis8SOhW8LHCWTnwkO-Lt8nmmfMWgQBBdtKGLYquXxisv-ccDv-jl4/s4032/20230929_143633.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnLMfmCp3QBXyc2Wnun3jzTshnlhkzBIEamBWDN2Oj45UBOHGOWjFc7EJCzgZ0B-UZ6OmZg-BqzU-1R_QpZ4zIHdv2RVZfyITzw9d_hh6pTaPIrvLrncgebTbXesmocShsIjtmkis8SOhW8LHCWTnwkO-Lt8nmmfMWgQBBdtKGLYquXxisv-ccDv-jl4/w640-h288/20230929_143633.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Better than Aspen Alley. A Birch Boulevard. USFS Secondary Road 847. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzjYsE4-r87_Us97h7PLULlJUnajRd5vuwwOYqJfd7ToppOpt0BaKOZhx7qY3uotbRdCkxQspFZ6jVSH85b15GpX_NjcQeoRMltk4PwSvNihZaHMJVoC72km0AKwtTpMeHvApdW1qFf51URt12LuL49N8oGqCSc7E9JeDIKGYHV1KfG32SsOFwiQnz2E/s4032/20230929_143700.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzjYsE4-r87_Us97h7PLULlJUnajRd5vuwwOYqJfd7ToppOpt0BaKOZhx7qY3uotbRdCkxQspFZ6jVSH85b15GpX_NjcQeoRMltk4PwSvNihZaHMJVoC72km0AKwtTpMeHvApdW1qFf51URt12LuL49N8oGqCSc7E9JeDIKGYHV1KfG32SsOFwiQnz2E/w640-h288/20230929_143700.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still climbing into the Bear Lodge Mountains on USFS Secondary Road 847. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0tTjqKqF5gSzXvzAgfrsCVTvBejIqb1L_kurTAmW785r_0heQ8SVzdXOYZA8GRsFIYYI2rDJlxSUo5YQXu5hbP_JaZ0McYumT7N8l-xaX7S0pCMF8-iSvS97SYKRKQhCSrS2vIfhUk2ialHrM7GmURxc-Y9ey85XkUWbxpEC6L6rgcuxrTIoDIfT2_U/s3799/20230929_144254.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1711" data-original-width="3799" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0tTjqKqF5gSzXvzAgfrsCVTvBejIqb1L_kurTAmW785r_0heQ8SVzdXOYZA8GRsFIYYI2rDJlxSUo5YQXu5hbP_JaZ0McYumT7N8l-xaX7S0pCMF8-iSvS97SYKRKQhCSrS2vIfhUk2ialHrM7GmURxc-Y9ey85XkUWbxpEC6L6rgcuxrTIoDIfT2_U/w640-h288/20230929_144254.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Secondary Road 847. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1-BQkgq1c0FIR5AMRWvMlKvGAdFkJisG_cP5vqQXiwx08zyoy7mdHjZkJTqqRDzQPpABZg-2cQzvwzmYpDn5bCtpModJrRm64Y9hewGj9_cXrvcCdei3Bv_PYZqpTGUDhURQXvrbKFVTEWKT_IO1RMmqv9sXardQuCh5LXuRiXlt4a-C-oVvZj3w1_A/s4032/20230929_144616.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1-BQkgq1c0FIR5AMRWvMlKvGAdFkJisG_cP5vqQXiwx08zyoy7mdHjZkJTqqRDzQPpABZg-2cQzvwzmYpDn5bCtpModJrRm64Y9hewGj9_cXrvcCdei3Bv_PYZqpTGUDhURQXvrbKFVTEWKT_IO1RMmqv9sXardQuCh5LXuRiXlt4a-C-oVvZj3w1_A/w640-h288/20230929_144616.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Secondary Road 847. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJILsqiO-cq4EqgZSu75hQN6DYjvkn-B7w2E4qzb49sF1YAn-ikn_IdH3I5c1g6ESlTBRPKnUCwXkz1ov5yRciZ1J2d4KxywesMG07ljHJxuRnFzgZMaoR35gTs1qEzaOlHg8MxhoGekr3-PS4seqWORBt52DnBurDilnLedCB33b2cRA1wN7-sUlUwc/s4032/20230929_144745.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJILsqiO-cq4EqgZSu75hQN6DYjvkn-B7w2E4qzb49sF1YAn-ikn_IdH3I5c1g6ESlTBRPKnUCwXkz1ov5yRciZ1J2d4KxywesMG07ljHJxuRnFzgZMaoR35gTs1qEzaOlHg8MxhoGekr3-PS4seqWORBt52DnBurDilnLedCB33b2cRA1wN7-sUlUwc/w640-h288/20230929_144745.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Primary Road 838. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMcgqY7RXVJ_YFPJx_7IIjwdSaVxXupi5WMbiJN76_HrdBrIA387ORg8vTr1ER-dTnDy8oZeBd0cqZ9VxNq1sI5b3P0qnz1cfVkvWQW-eIu6bBRHvDRmZdQo1X8MI4lFylBm9qWn5mEVN0jdDQ13y6glOpbdbI4QVKfz5H4un6zgct3qM4yc8SqKMOH0/s4032/20230929_145045.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMcgqY7RXVJ_YFPJx_7IIjwdSaVxXupi5WMbiJN76_HrdBrIA387ORg8vTr1ER-dTnDy8oZeBd0cqZ9VxNq1sI5b3P0qnz1cfVkvWQW-eIu6bBRHvDRmZdQo1X8MI4lFylBm9qWn5mEVN0jdDQ13y6glOpbdbI4QVKfz5H4un6zgct3qM4yc8SqKMOH0/w640-h288/20230929_145045.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Primary Road 838. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUY6UApQkPtJ4uEBJNA6lCA2m2K53m5kXZgt-b6V_wgNHYZ9CbxkbfT70Q2ytXnNy0A9E7dNtCACjYEaBDKDLUHhOFRIAfc2N6-6IZCslEP7w7af9oHfGmn48LQe9ctoX_LpMQ85DOZt3XlLlTQ2e_juyF61tEeGvRLwH4FAkw713EsV2lm-lMXiPejnI/s4032/20230929_145205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUY6UApQkPtJ4uEBJNA6lCA2m2K53m5kXZgt-b6V_wgNHYZ9CbxkbfT70Q2ytXnNy0A9E7dNtCACjYEaBDKDLUHhOFRIAfc2N6-6IZCslEP7w7af9oHfGmn48LQe9ctoX_LpMQ85DOZt3XlLlTQ2e_juyF61tEeGvRLwH4FAkw713EsV2lm-lMXiPejnI/w640-h288/20230929_145205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Primary Road 838. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOb2nAF-v1Frmcza3xNDAXsHQQArNSAiCll7Fkf-zyB1QWajzB-miFXd0uNA0Qb_oSSx8OTPsz2Mq4Sb5R4miZGcnAQ8zNC-F-1uafpD7SWn7fmPvrmG3IwuyXfXGsCGwSlFticGogxdPzaYg9N_l3bQH3ooewzc4d7ho22x0dLZ544cqZD7FvbPKiAs/s4032/20230929_145241.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOb2nAF-v1Frmcza3xNDAXsHQQArNSAiCll7Fkf-zyB1QWajzB-miFXd0uNA0Qb_oSSx8OTPsz2Mq4Sb5R4miZGcnAQ8zNC-F-1uafpD7SWn7fmPvrmG3IwuyXfXGsCGwSlFticGogxdPzaYg9N_l3bQH3ooewzc4d7ho22x0dLZ544cqZD7FvbPKiAs/w640-h288/20230929_145241.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Primary Road 838. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGnp6C-26OquFj_tLVZK1dW4Pwq1V80018X2sy-tH5VKCZhZYv2mb6NNsXJzyIFcckmIjufMePpLHc9RemCsip3b1J2IbMu7jvlwe_jV5Ut9d6BQqwmf0wr13IKg63Rgbf9pPmee2v9LQ_bfXLAxvlEpAJex3Lb_e0z74BKlsiUIf1PY0KWzzF2DvFw0/s4032/20230929_160358.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGnp6C-26OquFj_tLVZK1dW4Pwq1V80018X2sy-tH5VKCZhZYv2mb6NNsXJzyIFcckmIjufMePpLHc9RemCsip3b1J2IbMu7jvlwe_jV5Ut9d6BQqwmf0wr13IKg63Rgbf9pPmee2v9LQ_bfXLAxvlEpAJex3Lb_e0z74BKlsiUIf1PY0KWzzF2DvFw0/w640-h288/20230929_160358.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cook Lake. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitCJ_dP482y9-2fgaWiLzK9yEt_DLswxZMKOJ_d0lxKRsc3aXbHXAHn0jXLSTpsQRgiVZcymKRNZQqw7M-dwvWuJZhk98umhyv_pJbM6Ms6wLqRuTGuP3F497qNyGLTd-mhSO_daMrVWOJPlaQwBsJ3vtQ50emKr8oOkC_U6Ztx_2QyfXuUrjxYe__xo/s4032/20230929_173157.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitCJ_dP482y9-2fgaWiLzK9yEt_DLswxZMKOJ_d0lxKRsc3aXbHXAHn0jXLSTpsQRgiVZcymKRNZQqw7M-dwvWuJZhk98umhyv_pJbM6Ms6wLqRuTGuP3F497qNyGLTd-mhSO_daMrVWOJPlaQwBsJ3vtQ50emKr8oOkC_U6Ztx_2QyfXuUrjxYe__xo/w640-h288/20230929_173157.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cook Lake. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjicQpppO3fnZl-Sm16Pe2iFowYmxP0BRrV4WF-nPDew1nUTCkATsto6MMbrSIVpc98IEdtLDgNfuXmyYeAFRzWi64jB6NEr2HO6wQ4xKOuqctW_o7zHp34IEfBaDD9H8d7kiGRLkYmNX6nTdqtE-cc-cgmYhNadKMs0zfwgEtIGODv2KoMzqnzTidTEk/s4032/20230929_160552.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjicQpppO3fnZl-Sm16Pe2iFowYmxP0BRrV4WF-nPDew1nUTCkATsto6MMbrSIVpc98IEdtLDgNfuXmyYeAFRzWi64jB6NEr2HO6wQ4xKOuqctW_o7zHp34IEfBaDD9H8d7kiGRLkYmNX6nTdqtE-cc-cgmYhNadKMs0zfwgEtIGODv2KoMzqnzTidTEk/w480-h640/20230929_160552.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cook Lake. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAx03W63J_IGq6PU2scvw8cRw38qWCQdBDCcaf5_RRP2Z3TA_HMtP6ayGw676G9xXKH_Ul-EwM5NriTaTQUSn5Q6lU08cRLpIs9LmxVpweJwaEGn6cic5oHNgQZvjcSbrBsG321uRqJlF28Mx3qWSt6mRZ8i6GlcntIqMyM4jJbJOGrIdesqo3aJyGtUw/s4032/20230929_193527.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAx03W63J_IGq6PU2scvw8cRw38qWCQdBDCcaf5_RRP2Z3TA_HMtP6ayGw676G9xXKH_Ul-EwM5NriTaTQUSn5Q6lU08cRLpIs9LmxVpweJwaEGn6cic5oHNgQZvjcSbrBsG321uRqJlF28Mx3qWSt6mRZ8i6GlcntIqMyM4jJbJOGrIdesqo3aJyGtUw/w288-h640/20230929_193527.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campfire Master Ben Cooper. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJ94IQ6uOkWPA3SrNx-JNmErv4QbdmrOwHi8qCBIVzT0bhhyphenhyphencpm89FF7aqf6AsMb_PK56Mur0_eXOuzYJMBUFAdmFwxbIzq8a5vU3YE9a5onPE0fzneQDNIOItsVookJ6wU9Xx8oeKgwYFD6woFvN_wF7chZvqpoJBkHEI_KnwFpGBBkCkggeoNZVZec/s4032/20230929_195602.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJ94IQ6uOkWPA3SrNx-JNmErv4QbdmrOwHi8qCBIVzT0bhhyphenhyphencpm89FF7aqf6AsMb_PK56Mur0_eXOuzYJMBUFAdmFwxbIzq8a5vU3YE9a5onPE0fzneQDNIOItsVookJ6wU9Xx8oeKgwYFD6woFvN_wF7chZvqpoJBkHEI_KnwFpGBBkCkggeoNZVZec/w640-h288/20230929_195602.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professor of Campfire Philosophy Jon Naaf. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-7567181644784976632023-11-05T07:11:00.000-07:002023-11-05T07:11:22.380-07:002023 Black Hills Bounty (Day 4) - Tower to Tower<div>Day 4 of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty warms up with a brisk climb to the Warren Peak Lookout Tower in the Bear Lodge Mountains of Wyoming. Dave, the friendly U.S. Forest Ranger staffing the Lookout, greets us with a familiar smile and a favorable weather forecast.</div><div><br /></div><div>We skedaddle down the east side of Warren Peak on a series of Low Standard Roads and MUV trails to climb a ridge line for lunch with a view. Maybe it's the best lunch view of the entire ride, although that competition is stiff. Then more rough roads and trails, a few WHOO-HOO! mud holes, good county gravel, and a short stretch of pavement deposit us at Devil's Tower National Monument for the evening.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Here are a selection of images from Day 4, as captured by our riders. For prior photo galleries of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty, go to <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-0-gathering.html">Day 0 - Gathering At Roubaix Lake</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-1-mining.html">Day 1 - Mining Camp Ghosts Lead To Deadwood</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-2-up-ski.html">Day 2 - Up Ski Trails & Down Rock Chutes</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-3-active.html">Day 3 - Active Recovery</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6r3utCoFVfb3k-GZ9OuAKw5OjvuPlm8IjUr9Zod9aVYq_6CBsxfIPPqzZoLhMAm6rRocdqgfzBwnlOYiaqUC-N-uRymMQk6GpT5NTFflAytTE7WX24LugKTIORWNYxUcVi2YHy-MIJ95YKspgO-_kJ9D-VGUp-gDvpGVtKZXmIEzZfbKcxz00NPXHsYk/s4032/20230928_092050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6r3utCoFVfb3k-GZ9OuAKw5OjvuPlm8IjUr9Zod9aVYq_6CBsxfIPPqzZoLhMAm6rRocdqgfzBwnlOYiaqUC-N-uRymMQk6GpT5NTFflAytTE7WX24LugKTIORWNYxUcVi2YHy-MIJ95YKspgO-_kJ9D-VGUp-gDvpGVtKZXmIEzZfbKcxz00NPXHsYk/w640-h288/20230928_092050.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warren Peak Road, USFS Primary Road 838. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3r44MXvvv4NtLNsDU0bcCrrfU4v76T6zL2iKQz6KN32y6lfaqP_1bV2PXEhKRfpH9yUfKG3EbRrRndknw6Yp8xO1Qsptk6cuesW4sf-RLMuxj5e9e9spZjnlUCqd9zmKUc-zGVUN-ute_Sw_WyCVdrLw_h1YCl_RZt9sB7s4yQsobq1YBC5BAlGQtAc/s4032/20230928_092744.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3r44MXvvv4NtLNsDU0bcCrrfU4v76T6zL2iKQz6KN32y6lfaqP_1bV2PXEhKRfpH9yUfKG3EbRrRndknw6Yp8xO1Qsptk6cuesW4sf-RLMuxj5e9e9spZjnlUCqd9zmKUc-zGVUN-ute_Sw_WyCVdrLw_h1YCl_RZt9sB7s4yQsobq1YBC5BAlGQtAc/w640-h288/20230928_092744.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warren Peak Road, USFS Primary Road 838. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGm2GyGQFpDPDDqM6k2jDzG49gXFloUY43F1ev5q1zpYV7pq8ymduJpp5__bP3WjRK-VFT4bsjtRbLHuIIRDykHlwKqlhc6JdgQCmSqI7TuqVHaH-VWXnIOAvknndMyRgE93vZSyMk6b9MeXOqW7uP2BCZ9tJFzNN2ygx8Ys3xlC_XhNFIJ4GpziPqMk/s4032/20230928_093520.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGm2GyGQFpDPDDqM6k2jDzG49gXFloUY43F1ev5q1zpYV7pq8ymduJpp5__bP3WjRK-VFT4bsjtRbLHuIIRDykHlwKqlhc6JdgQCmSqI7TuqVHaH-VWXnIOAvknndMyRgE93vZSyMk6b9MeXOqW7uP2BCZ9tJFzNN2ygx8Ys3xlC_XhNFIJ4GpziPqMk/w640-h288/20230928_093520.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warren Peak Road, USFS Primary Road 838. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRJtQ1piS_2PfqNG5kKNWYxRpIRD7LjYht7NEbXSLb3-jn30lkVfamylIQHSm9kKOSrrUubYvqQ1WPvNpX3FO35iKqY5HLJ2KMWHtKq_MbvFv7e2Bs1lvWjc8ikbRTluVOJRK7OzG80GNFCxypJzauHSUbtBh8F9JWJZxdO92lucNjbK7kX9BGRmjZlQ/s4032/20230928_093947.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRJtQ1piS_2PfqNG5kKNWYxRpIRD7LjYht7NEbXSLb3-jn30lkVfamylIQHSm9kKOSrrUubYvqQ1WPvNpX3FO35iKqY5HLJ2KMWHtKq_MbvFv7e2Bs1lvWjc8ikbRTluVOJRK7OzG80GNFCxypJzauHSUbtBh8F9JWJZxdO92lucNjbK7kX9BGRmjZlQ/w640-h288/20230928_093947.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warren Peak Road, USFS Primary Road 838. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xk3-8pauTDRw3lA91fQSxzJDO0scVwXzr7uRLveTQ8meFiDxY8myaucLG7bOJlfVSLeeKSx1DDanxoD8VnhkjsA9O9P0XzDbJNmkMLi0D2UzXzFM1O1JmyA41WowAyDRsph1UjUmvop2Q-6opc1qFhflvzkhNiVEGGgZqpfw9kRBzMCKhxpeYLJGlDg/s1080/thumbnail-10.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xk3-8pauTDRw3lA91fQSxzJDO0scVwXzr7uRLveTQ8meFiDxY8myaucLG7bOJlfVSLeeKSx1DDanxoD8VnhkjsA9O9P0XzDbJNmkMLi0D2UzXzFM1O1JmyA41WowAyDRsph1UjUmvop2Q-6opc1qFhflvzkhNiVEGGgZqpfw9kRBzMCKhxpeYLJGlDg/w480-h640/thumbnail-10.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old School Lookout Tower on Warren Peak. (image by Craig Groseth)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUyuoCqcgiFAZiTKqhfyARI9OAj8CDlDEUSIB0HYXqWAOI1Ggx0fW3ofnROVGZe7jXvlUwMC5X6QlLGuPxROaMRUOGj_76zcPl4mhnmI3tfMn5r0tEAooqbVgITtOFAicSTeSx6oJGkfhRqNZxg2tK-VLrkqkpq221tmniFZ-k8eRpeNfiOKGp8vJum0/s2325/20230928_095445.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="2325" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUyuoCqcgiFAZiTKqhfyARI9OAj8CDlDEUSIB0HYXqWAOI1Ggx0fW3ofnROVGZe7jXvlUwMC5X6QlLGuPxROaMRUOGj_76zcPl4mhnmI3tfMn5r0tEAooqbVgITtOFAicSTeSx6oJGkfhRqNZxg2tK-VLrkqkpq221tmniFZ-k8eRpeNfiOKGp8vJum0/w640-h288/20230928_095445.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Lookout Tower on Warren Peak. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOwHmJ0YKsZalTliumSFIAmmee5VgQCR3NNt9CvyMYl2Gihe1x3dpZN0zzLF3I4nMfUm2A9y6yVCdhusszTUa7iDapvCHVf_NdQethPs5llWoG3LB53el9mUZJGFzZXhD8Z7bHgJ3Y7gVnl_xjhzY72cQ0svvYgdX5_vy7iInhargV_vuM7hNJj0SBCc/s4032/20230928_095450.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOwHmJ0YKsZalTliumSFIAmmee5VgQCR3NNt9CvyMYl2Gihe1x3dpZN0zzLF3I4nMfUm2A9y6yVCdhusszTUa7iDapvCHVf_NdQethPs5llWoG3LB53el9mUZJGFzZXhD8Z7bHgJ3Y7gVnl_xjhzY72cQ0svvYgdX5_vy7iInhargV_vuM7hNJj0SBCc/w640-h288/20230928_095450.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Lookout Tower on Warren Peak. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEGgHS1ws48e75qoaQSFxKsBVYf4Cc0u1Bcjpj37TUuOdtq9cyjIj_RbGucZuoAlu4zacO62Y1Pv5OY9MEkL_i5GiKbw4LqzUMzRm6XhVf2lZPC9q_-ZTM4Hdxs-C7VH8jKzeWAUJcpGFY7PJij1-RsJZ9wJevEixQfMq00H4c4cIsAa4b85jH0uDe2g/s4032/20230928_095658.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEGgHS1ws48e75qoaQSFxKsBVYf4Cc0u1Bcjpj37TUuOdtq9cyjIj_RbGucZuoAlu4zacO62Y1Pv5OY9MEkL_i5GiKbw4LqzUMzRm6XhVf2lZPC9q_-ZTM4Hdxs-C7VH8jKzeWAUJcpGFY7PJij1-RsJZ9wJevEixQfMq00H4c4cIsAa4b85jH0uDe2g/w640-h288/20230928_095658.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Lookout Tower on Warren Peak. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBvWUQu-oIsAuWDKYePSOwGlMyms9FyxDR7jWo4XlJi-O6wZMtLJpc8Hnz_hNOV-MwdGUw04x2T1G374zoO-e8bLErKINSDq2jtvzxajFBGvn5Zr-Pn8OCVUM6zoVKdXAfeOh4Fy5xIpAjqvqoL2c5OfkDcvFpy6UXll51SraoiA1rNmiqMeG70o3qFg/s4032/20230928_100007.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBvWUQu-oIsAuWDKYePSOwGlMyms9FyxDR7jWo4XlJi-O6wZMtLJpc8Hnz_hNOV-MwdGUw04x2T1G374zoO-e8bLErKINSDq2jtvzxajFBGvn5Zr-Pn8OCVUM6zoVKdXAfeOh4Fy5xIpAjqvqoL2c5OfkDcvFpy6UXll51SraoiA1rNmiqMeG70o3qFg/w640-h288/20230928_100007.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the base of the Lookout Tower on Warren Peak. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVVHKAxjvFHpa39fE7GafRV6isubT9wvHPYVtGEQ-OIJL-9VEXf2KO8ckuXAOxqZJu3NPVV_rC0-HH1aY1SU00SdAdv0HnS23M0LD-yArS8_UNnSYrnhxjXusDtI0Zrjhv0ko7ZCHh74MujRc-WsOePjehOcAjABxWCQfvPn76I4XANFelmHrNRtOPBk/s4032/20230928_111036.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVVHKAxjvFHpa39fE7GafRV6isubT9wvHPYVtGEQ-OIJL-9VEXf2KO8ckuXAOxqZJu3NPVV_rC0-HH1aY1SU00SdAdv0HnS23M0LD-yArS8_UNnSYrnhxjXusDtI0Zrjhv0ko7ZCHh74MujRc-WsOePjehOcAjABxWCQfvPn76I4XANFelmHrNRtOPBk/w640-h288/20230928_111036.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Secondary Road 830.1. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsbz1OoUn6xVpHmQyL-0d-ywDDu9GG_DPZpB1h2Zzg7Wf6RZj2EmxFYg6AariAW8Czc8A7Ie7srW4-uuY4zRLW92JdJCR4GmdD3uW-TiHGlxu2Vk4TwRXa5-MOPjiyDH7yxEoyUVxzEL6ymv7PtSgTiYD1eAhEIc7Fm73SUW6cqfVHzwZhyphenhyphenQvHXCcvPY/s4032/20230928_112911.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsbz1OoUn6xVpHmQyL-0d-ywDDu9GG_DPZpB1h2Zzg7Wf6RZj2EmxFYg6AariAW8Czc8A7Ie7srW4-uuY4zRLW92JdJCR4GmdD3uW-TiHGlxu2Vk4TwRXa5-MOPjiyDH7yxEoyUVxzEL6ymv7PtSgTiYD1eAhEIc7Fm73SUW6cqfVHzwZhyphenhyphenQvHXCcvPY/w640-h288/20230928_112911.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unnumbered USFS Low Standard Road, now MUV Trail #1281. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAi7D7sZayu2r0pjCES9icg38-JpwuJPp68fVgAQJjtPlIXBZGFQYbLIm013yhGAvYI57xuyQgFRfyRD78cIiCDWJzMvRzB4dlSiJyz0ecLstb3xlRCNjtPBwMFB4ynDfq_JdjYGttCRSX33XWIE6VSbUTqrlhIbt4xtwgJ-esNTQeIw9EXLKt-ORVap4/s4032/20230928_113237.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAi7D7sZayu2r0pjCES9icg38-JpwuJPp68fVgAQJjtPlIXBZGFQYbLIm013yhGAvYI57xuyQgFRfyRD78cIiCDWJzMvRzB4dlSiJyz0ecLstb3xlRCNjtPBwMFB4ynDfq_JdjYGttCRSX33XWIE6VSbUTqrlhIbt4xtwgJ-esNTQeIw9EXLKt-ORVap4/w640-h288/20230928_113237.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unnumbered USFS Low Standard Road, now MUV Trail #1281. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1bEYJpZNEKL06TCFxN3fsLex8KU7tmFVDpmn1hWZzLYH2j7Lw4qA584dPrtv44Gi4npDn1kzAt9SO2S48rtOgfK5jScXOiwsJX6mnZpsRQQGO30jU5bz2bkRk32tna2eK4gB861ko2HhJHCTNcmoKxltEOHV04aV7lsqgjNP2k2YoF05YLzJIKfQcCY/s4032/20230928_102907.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1bEYJpZNEKL06TCFxN3fsLex8KU7tmFVDpmn1hWZzLYH2j7Lw4qA584dPrtv44Gi4npDn1kzAt9SO2S48rtOgfK5jScXOiwsJX6mnZpsRQQGO30jU5bz2bkRk32tna2eK4gB861ko2HhJHCTNcmoKxltEOHV04aV7lsqgjNP2k2YoF05YLzJIKfQcCY/w480-h640/20230928_102907.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unnumbered Low Standard Road, now MUV #1283. (image by Ben Cooper)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7EZDNHv5xHYMHkyRagYHWYYqZn2a5o7LWj_QypgG9M46eVOFqbFuI0AyfUwri_lPBMQmU2dwF1Y7ajmnVRAxFWbPdLsAG85__k8YIvzK1gAIp-16gKSKiVtS7FITkkdQ_32e_iFuYlk8xk2I43kiPoGj6A-XcKMlpjvG8wBvBhJppprxHqtjoXGceh8/s2429/20230928_114944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="2429" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7EZDNHv5xHYMHkyRagYHWYYqZn2a5o7LWj_QypgG9M46eVOFqbFuI0AyfUwri_lPBMQmU2dwF1Y7ajmnVRAxFWbPdLsAG85__k8YIvzK1gAIp-16gKSKiVtS7FITkkdQ_32e_iFuYlk8xk2I43kiPoGj6A-XcKMlpjvG8wBvBhJppprxHqtjoXGceh8/w640-h288/20230928_114944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unnumbered USFS Low Standard Road, now MUV Trail #1283. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59tllS9vvl-h2fqym3UeBxLw7GXtae0X73CriMENdBwX1FMAp0T7sfMCYtGWMmbv7volQD7CyLUs13QVZfb1kwr79iyKhwyEXGpYPkkoilCo1ql2WtZkpWxfTFUYtaiY95HSL9UO-IXkrN6ab2m2JcERuFJTTlM59eBPCEBRWM4i3j1qdhmvqAzdHmE4/s4032/20230928_113322.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59tllS9vvl-h2fqym3UeBxLw7GXtae0X73CriMENdBwX1FMAp0T7sfMCYtGWMmbv7volQD7CyLUs13QVZfb1kwr79iyKhwyEXGpYPkkoilCo1ql2WtZkpWxfTFUYtaiY95HSL9UO-IXkrN6ab2m2JcERuFJTTlM59eBPCEBRWM4i3j1qdhmvqAzdHmE4/w640-h288/20230928_113322.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unnumbered USFS Low Standard Road, now MUV Trail #1283. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFM60OuEkSl_dKySI0N0-E-q4cp8LVNbsyNGOMwjlBzb8a28eCR0dubzxawrtCGAxE0WN00cx6s5b7_DhriqewD8sulK4npOFtHMLIYgusMvkllmdg2zp7hMV70D5CPaoT0E2dSAnNVYFt6jOmuVYQhy1Gjv4Rr8uS-PPehOT2CLYu5SOeRzrW92hja4/s4032/20230928_121417.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFM60OuEkSl_dKySI0N0-E-q4cp8LVNbsyNGOMwjlBzb8a28eCR0dubzxawrtCGAxE0WN00cx6s5b7_DhriqewD8sulK4npOFtHMLIYgusMvkllmdg2zp7hMV70D5CPaoT0E2dSAnNVYFt6jOmuVYQhy1Gjv4Rr8uS-PPehOT2CLYu5SOeRzrW92hja4/w480-h640/20230928_121417.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Way. USFS Low Standard Road 110. (image by Ben Cooper)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwf1x_jmtbyeWsRPS3gLqEvgGh2aHVqEyaypHrjdJo0tvDwW8xYwwzNlQ5pzUG86crcQ2hcmpzDQSZbXRJf8FWWYv44BVcLrEBeRplF5UTzNpWKy8NC7FfhuLw7v65jpNW1yvrqVbK0Y4JbtizyyDxOdFI9jDmgthN5PP1nis6uaJyjYHcMlXGXJXpek/s4032/20230928_122712.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwf1x_jmtbyeWsRPS3gLqEvgGh2aHVqEyaypHrjdJo0tvDwW8xYwwzNlQ5pzUG86crcQ2hcmpzDQSZbXRJf8FWWYv44BVcLrEBeRplF5UTzNpWKy8NC7FfhuLw7v65jpNW1yvrqVbK0Y4JbtizyyDxOdFI9jDmgthN5PP1nis6uaJyjYHcMlXGXJXpek/w640-h288/20230928_122712.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor County Road, USFS Low Standard Road 110. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7LeNGbRx_RzDspy0cyjpAJBcqcCwfME0ZrxwxfqTBOZHbmUfnJ0YKGm-00yIIwJHFzY9auqY2-kJeM5GgDcBMJCt2JiDKpgMnVdV8kwwHXYi5cyOBhI2eTg_Pj2tKY0nH1WdC8cT-FYxEUJetwmMhnI4HdqrYPyidUfAjjEjg2ChobRpR3kmOYv_EwI/s1038/thumbnail-13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1038" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7LeNGbRx_RzDspy0cyjpAJBcqcCwfME0ZrxwxfqTBOZHbmUfnJ0YKGm-00yIIwJHFzY9auqY2-kJeM5GgDcBMJCt2JiDKpgMnVdV8kwwHXYi5cyOBhI2eTg_Pj2tKY0nH1WdC8cT-FYxEUJetwmMhnI4HdqrYPyidUfAjjEjg2ChobRpR3kmOYv_EwI/w640-h480/thumbnail-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridge line pasture along Taylor County Road, USFS Low Standard Road 110. (image by Craig Groseth)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyREDF3jdnKidLvX7xS8isTXqs8lH1s7zO-vj6rWCEb1M02MX6yQ4d00dAm_dgod4xQgA6_hrbgnlUZpr3cmOe2oeKKVhdZJ46MAlArAWuA57JULO-KcpuMO2MIF3wb1AFUd-EWM8nQHAhIczrf8J5wzoRpCLBa2xsGgnZReRrr1W_TTRDCHeRXRViEqc/s4032/20230928_122721.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyREDF3jdnKidLvX7xS8isTXqs8lH1s7zO-vj6rWCEb1M02MX6yQ4d00dAm_dgod4xQgA6_hrbgnlUZpr3cmOe2oeKKVhdZJ46MAlArAWuA57JULO-KcpuMO2MIF3wb1AFUd-EWM8nQHAhIczrf8J5wzoRpCLBa2xsGgnZReRrr1W_TTRDCHeRXRViEqc/w640-h288/20230928_122721.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Taylor County Road, USFS Low Standard Road 110. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMa5BEsQ98IWSIJEOA8MapDcj6xCU4hYhnuA89QcMbStIPRIfGliWZ1UXqFuACUzGbifjpoGSXRKahQM4hOYzqCkzUwH8N_Rz7LN3I2-fDj0eNujtfEPm-RKA50-q4sNlWCNiEmdn9JfOyHFaml4Xpel-Z2T5xHcXUTJGydzFf6CSvQpPTPsiMou_xVg/s4032/20230928_123104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMa5BEsQ98IWSIJEOA8MapDcj6xCU4hYhnuA89QcMbStIPRIfGliWZ1UXqFuACUzGbifjpoGSXRKahQM4hOYzqCkzUwH8N_Rz7LN3I2-fDj0eNujtfEPm-RKA50-q4sNlWCNiEmdn9JfOyHFaml4Xpel-Z2T5xHcXUTJGydzFf6CSvQpPTPsiMou_xVg/w640-h288/20230928_123104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Taylor County Road, USFS Low Standard Road 110. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy6p5qLuGaWlTm3MGFX93-2jnGU6xJ6CCjTKRMkqYLbh48Xx_O9f6rWPTOfovOZndcH5VRF1hbXkJoJWZsYgUbuxBAs5Llw2u6fEVD45zS1N5oznrMHCocECuRSGuHeIUyiOJMGxNH44vAa42E9kugfKrwI-uCXBMiwD8MHH1ZhTLDSm8AQ23A6d3et0/s4032/20230928_123120.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy6p5qLuGaWlTm3MGFX93-2jnGU6xJ6CCjTKRMkqYLbh48Xx_O9f6rWPTOfovOZndcH5VRF1hbXkJoJWZsYgUbuxBAs5Llw2u6fEVD45zS1N5oznrMHCocECuRSGuHeIUyiOJMGxNH44vAa42E9kugfKrwI-uCXBMiwD8MHH1ZhTLDSm8AQ23A6d3et0/w640-h288/20230928_123120.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thumbs up for the view from Taylor County Road, USFS Low Standard Road 110. Peggy Waite-Bradley, Ben Cooper, Kevin Fox, Jeff Caldwell, Craig Groseth, Jon Naaf. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbhXTaHGPZLDZQQpiMlbtfVFkl3z6cv3BX96lTxHsKgzUyP0CHnZejuBG1pI14GALcPahKrsWHvkX1UdXYw0CYEMtDny0me7JaHew9_Ze2FbvtYXdNi8AqjBEjywTiWOt2ESnk6s3HQpuZCS3sy-FYJnurHi9rrMPNGK3En26O3hvGXFv9XNxKdQ9JJc/s4032/20230928_123245.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbhXTaHGPZLDZQQpiMlbtfVFkl3z6cv3BX96lTxHsKgzUyP0CHnZejuBG1pI14GALcPahKrsWHvkX1UdXYw0CYEMtDny0me7JaHew9_Ze2FbvtYXdNi8AqjBEjywTiWOt2ESnk6s3HQpuZCS3sy-FYJnurHi9rrMPNGK3En26O3hvGXFv9XNxKdQ9JJc/w640-h288/20230928_123245.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Taylor County Road, USFS Low Standard Road 110. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNStFhJbaXSqNiISKiSz3htffeXRF75SfzeGr3M5DDGzzuWDKdxuubU1Ob34kCHJJ8wE7oo1eaDC_7QfkFwQUeZhdUCFsEvspoKQb0ZxTLRs0XFEaw5CnQRCDqlKc1fTqy7KprMYbBeD1zk1T50fYk_vl4yNNAmCAjGsmVO6nRiwSEqqo9369ZRv6SQNM/s2048/382048471_10159983814168925_5403016508706613409_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNStFhJbaXSqNiISKiSz3htffeXRF75SfzeGr3M5DDGzzuWDKdxuubU1Ob34kCHJJ8wE7oo1eaDC_7QfkFwQUeZhdUCFsEvspoKQb0ZxTLRs0XFEaw5CnQRCDqlKc1fTqy7KprMYbBeD1zk1T50fYk_vl4yNNAmCAjGsmVO6nRiwSEqqo9369ZRv6SQNM/w640-h480/382048471_10159983814168925_5403016508706613409_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch along Taylor County Road, USFS Low Standard Road 110. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACck8qcTCFqXOe5yp73ljVuhqgRrLfVKVybQ7g-euJXzZYwvSLXsKEIjr2PMoDgWKscUvoPeaeMUH5XIK3Bz45IKwSqjUZHN9dsvY-yDMIKXyaTGg5d2x6fa7tepQPQS5OAuIEx9G1kFQ4_obL-eal2vkVKHQIy4qsDZLreJxHuS1EGILVSvG5EB6OkE/s4032/20230928_131108.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACck8qcTCFqXOe5yp73ljVuhqgRrLfVKVybQ7g-euJXzZYwvSLXsKEIjr2PMoDgWKscUvoPeaeMUH5XIK3Bz45IKwSqjUZHN9dsvY-yDMIKXyaTGg5d2x6fa7tepQPQS5OAuIEx9G1kFQ4_obL-eal2vkVKHQIy4qsDZLreJxHuS1EGILVSvG5EB6OkE/w640-h288/20230928_131108.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unnumbered USFS Low Standard Road, now MUV Trail 1105. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQ-k5381W7m7oZRVXh02iY32UEcpZfxxfnL3s4aIk4LoVMnzFnKAr7ZInJ7O_-AZatEvF3ciBA577om0eZp3A7jaSB52paBOtPGIMykRB2EglGTG0vwuZsmO2qiglTDOX5t06qs392fqhvZl2NoXuPNdibS1fXnIaHTAVWD9LZsK6LQPCTfbVGyQupOY/s4032/20230928_131110.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQ-k5381W7m7oZRVXh02iY32UEcpZfxxfnL3s4aIk4LoVMnzFnKAr7ZInJ7O_-AZatEvF3ciBA577om0eZp3A7jaSB52paBOtPGIMykRB2EglGTG0vwuZsmO2qiglTDOX5t06qs392fqhvZl2NoXuPNdibS1fXnIaHTAVWD9LZsK6LQPCTfbVGyQupOY/w640-h288/20230928_131110.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unnumbered USFS Low Standard Road, now MUV Trail 1105. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tYlLjlbYZ9ITh6pVmZmgWRKkPsylwZ4zfv9h7O4SFHn-5mkwdT7jWWy2s34obuWwvxYbOqlchV7l5qGVCkDeZVcTh6wTPfN5gALZs63pIUcWY_GXkBQcr1fQmFXG1he3hHU7mNWvqD8sfxbYMnF-pPwYxKr5mX80dpzaL_GFkiSFUExwbDPOMjDDX60/s4032/20230928_131809.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tYlLjlbYZ9ITh6pVmZmgWRKkPsylwZ4zfv9h7O4SFHn-5mkwdT7jWWy2s34obuWwvxYbOqlchV7l5qGVCkDeZVcTh6wTPfN5gALZs63pIUcWY_GXkBQcr1fQmFXG1he3hHU7mNWvqD8sfxbYMnF-pPwYxKr5mX80dpzaL_GFkiSFUExwbDPOMjDDX60/w640-h288/20230928_131809.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unnumbered USFS Low Standard Road, now MUV Trail 1105. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZu_l8hmI3xQNf0QYEE9EJo5mx0Zy3pa9SQnyfqS1FeyaISZO0KlF6r5Oj3NGs5w4XGNQR4ebB5sKzKCixXoxEiZMW7Na2f4CzMk4MF1joyFV7dX2-zTNWwO9HMUMoDw8n4ntTghykrN-IHfEnUyM0JHgygE46fLRgm5Z1208WqUKUFN85WBLgKq4t4Ww/s3596/20230928_140942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="3596" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZu_l8hmI3xQNf0QYEE9EJo5mx0Zy3pa9SQnyfqS1FeyaISZO0KlF6r5Oj3NGs5w4XGNQR4ebB5sKzKCixXoxEiZMW7Na2f4CzMk4MF1joyFV7dX2-zTNWwO9HMUMoDw8n4ntTghykrN-IHfEnUyM0JHgygE46fLRgm5Z1208WqUKUFN85WBLgKq4t4Ww/w640-h288/20230928_140942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Primary Road 209. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygLoTx3DQnJwtUQW0cw1TFdVdeEFipT6rG1KMPOvdYrFp8fg6ZXEzRHjzGEHhhtJPxGwSh-9IbgK5DXlq3K6hLvQaN0AAwlzfrB_5QFL7R8QHeR78WhFYmHTpU59img9fgMHuLBL5o1x4EPpan4df9YzSiCwNDmUGo8aYiDmotQOMMUdOH2J-Elib5b0/s4032/20230928_143045.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygLoTx3DQnJwtUQW0cw1TFdVdeEFipT6rG1KMPOvdYrFp8fg6ZXEzRHjzGEHhhtJPxGwSh-9IbgK5DXlq3K6hLvQaN0AAwlzfrB_5QFL7R8QHeR78WhFYmHTpU59img9fgMHuLBL5o1x4EPpan4df9YzSiCwNDmUGo8aYiDmotQOMMUdOH2J-Elib5b0/w640-h288/20230928_143045.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Primary Road 209. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRSKu_FWeETq2kywL5kapq0TTnNaA-MEp5EXtVmjH89U_q_5xAhUI-m78re1cFdzgoUkE24JcGnsCnZo0kmj1QY1dU6I9bY0ZQMgaZ4Py85Z9BGIRas70YCcqlQYP4QNxG6tyLuE9C9i7C5QXP4qnnPeKccuLZvAvs7EYW7vmJk0EojvN0aqYCBZ_TBY/s4032/20230928_151727.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRSKu_FWeETq2kywL5kapq0TTnNaA-MEp5EXtVmjH89U_q_5xAhUI-m78re1cFdzgoUkE24JcGnsCnZo0kmj1QY1dU6I9bY0ZQMgaZ4Py85Z9BGIRas70YCcqlQYP4QNxG6tyLuE9C9i7C5QXP4qnnPeKccuLZvAvs7EYW7vmJk0EojvN0aqYCBZ_TBY/w640-h288/20230928_151727.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wyoming State Highway 24. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx44mGlXd1fCKKLHvLktnWam6cVw5s1jGlU6MJdxnZP8u_TYOKEOQ1ugyX2WNqnxXYb6cA8hu5x4wjh25IoCleTXRPPfyCYSqQ0aMtE_tEBqVeqIi8bdeDzy3NvnGMwsEoWAF1I_Zu2mY2aes8ZzzL-HDp_fXrOeUwW31nxrsNk0WW-yzraR1GqTe1Vs/s2434/9A66A464-089B-4382-A1DD-14C5E25F8B3B.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2128" data-original-width="2434" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx44mGlXd1fCKKLHvLktnWam6cVw5s1jGlU6MJdxnZP8u_TYOKEOQ1ugyX2WNqnxXYb6cA8hu5x4wjh25IoCleTXRPPfyCYSqQ0aMtE_tEBqVeqIi8bdeDzy3NvnGMwsEoWAF1I_Zu2mY2aes8ZzzL-HDp_fXrOeUwW31nxrsNk0WW-yzraR1GqTe1Vs/w640-h560/9A66A464-089B-4382-A1DD-14C5E25F8B3B.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Cooper, Jon Naaf, Peggy Waite-Bradley, Jeff Caldwell, Paul Brasby, Kevin Fox.<br />(image by Peggy Waite-Bradley)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TCG0l95y_bLjTDZiK88KbrewvXHaAQvIeEVEDWv3S2V7cSuHGaYJ56p_JEKrjDCxKV-oOhRxgv8qmL1dBwDB6ZLOuAcF-yIvHUADrWavxVlk3YNrJy4CBtalsJOQqw1k7AF-lL7uxJzojPwuv_UQrtZhlL42Rb93hNyyPgfTZ5IzBbb5TJ002i_bktY/s4032/20230928_180950.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TCG0l95y_bLjTDZiK88KbrewvXHaAQvIeEVEDWv3S2V7cSuHGaYJ56p_JEKrjDCxKV-oOhRxgv8qmL1dBwDB6ZLOuAcF-yIvHUADrWavxVlk3YNrJy4CBtalsJOQqw1k7AF-lL7uxJzojPwuv_UQrtZhlL42Rb93hNyyPgfTZ5IzBbb5TJ002i_bktY/w640-h288/20230928_180950.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KOA at Devil's Tower National Monument. (image by Paul Brasby) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-36715060149224738052023-10-29T07:01:00.000-06:002023-10-29T07:01:10.917-06:002023 Black Hills Bounty (Day 3) - Active Recovery<div>Day 3 of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty backs off for a day of active recovery after our challenging two day start. A surprisingly chilly descent past Roughlock Falls drops us to Savoy for hot coffee and breakfast at the Latch String Restaurant. After the sun starts to work its way into the canyon, we welcome a relaxed warmup climb up Spearfish Canyon to Cheyenne Crossing.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the sun now fully present, we shed layers and meander back toward Roubaix Lake, spinning lightly on well surfaced, moderately inclined roads and paths. Downright civilized. A final pitch reaches a ridge line with 360 degree views along a rollicking, rocky two-track that delightfully drops us into camp. After all, even on an "active recovery" day, it's still the Black Hills Bounty.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Here are a selection of images from Day 3, as captured by our riders. For prior photo galleries of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty, go to <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-0-gathering.html">Day 0 - Gathering At Roubaix Lake</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-1-mining.html">Day 1 - Mining Camp Ghosts Lead To Deadwood</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-2-up-ski.html">Day 2 - Up Ski Trails & Down Rock Chutes</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW3Ykw8EDYMEBzycOXdEqUiV1ngOiHyj26pLkmPhSesHFmk15ti4MmJsV_laJLGZVZqOoNWVEEuo2rbiUDywU9hcYB42Kri9RQYq1cPwIg9MvOLLsaspL_Sc92YNfBlExnhpyMbxQqz0NPut9b1Y1L92gEp7cis-R2w1k2TvmuVoXmOgzSSAf2ZP_DkY/s4032/20230927_074230.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW3Ykw8EDYMEBzycOXdEqUiV1ngOiHyj26pLkmPhSesHFmk15ti4MmJsV_laJLGZVZqOoNWVEEuo2rbiUDywU9hcYB42Kri9RQYq1cPwIg9MvOLLsaspL_Sc92YNfBlExnhpyMbxQqz0NPut9b1Y1L92gEp7cis-R2w1k2TvmuVoXmOgzSSAf2ZP_DkY/w640-h288/20230927_074230.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilly start to the day on Roughlock Falls Road (USFS 222). (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkBCeC8luPTDGIjLnhBaXJoFh6O60fiCaYJgsl6yiYdSI-hPbnjdlrlXKvia90lANY3aVnTmR_TaKRzoVQMKm06LHrzCYIIxT10U5pMR0OGQnsWzeqdNWFFM4zqQbgES3dHZS80h1XEdwEsw66jiTb8kx3SlwzREYyvO5PtIEcdaymJ9mm477a-0vjZs/s2208/20230927_074202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2208" data-original-width="2208" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkBCeC8luPTDGIjLnhBaXJoFh6O60fiCaYJgsl6yiYdSI-hPbnjdlrlXKvia90lANY3aVnTmR_TaKRzoVQMKm06LHrzCYIIxT10U5pMR0OGQnsWzeqdNWFFM4zqQbgES3dHZS80h1XEdwEsw66jiTb8kx3SlwzREYyvO5PtIEcdaymJ9mm477a-0vjZs/w640-h640/20230927_074202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, Paul, you're in the start picture, too. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUK-BS9GbtDRjQH7zXv5-kRV3ZLcYE6e9UibWcfX2IoKIGniHhyphenhyphenABjPm_LaR8E7k-TYRBk7AAXfLWUl79vuoGqpoYsPiSjRcGvgSdgA4rhsU_Zclr1uLGp7hi-fYZBtZKBP8hisQYumdaX6T2awKlcB3yG90jOxEyLarO2aISVDW9LN2E6svJaPmfIJ_0/s4032/20230927_074734.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUK-BS9GbtDRjQH7zXv5-kRV3ZLcYE6e9UibWcfX2IoKIGniHhyphenhyphenABjPm_LaR8E7k-TYRBk7AAXfLWUl79vuoGqpoYsPiSjRcGvgSdgA4rhsU_Zclr1uLGp7hi-fYZBtZKBP8hisQYumdaX6T2awKlcB3yG90jOxEyLarO2aISVDW9LN2E6svJaPmfIJ_0/w640-h288/20230927_074734.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold early morning descent on Roughlock Falls Road. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2T7wl6acsYre7tf8Hkf0b4KpIbQB8bD6xEKv8Mny5ZJYLh3a4z2pW6zcawGzym3UqElsAFgRvQm0ozjnRkZaovzZMF11be93F5nCdUDjpjlsOp5PGg2qCeucmyLxgppUKMChlhmYpHOS7lalZ63Z9FhbaEhc_GV2tFJRfscYLaN4ywNyZAiG4Qdm-sk/s2048/385289293_7120284548005707_2088985739194113959_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2T7wl6acsYre7tf8Hkf0b4KpIbQB8bD6xEKv8Mny5ZJYLh3a4z2pW6zcawGzym3UqElsAFgRvQm0ozjnRkZaovzZMF11be93F5nCdUDjpjlsOp5PGg2qCeucmyLxgppUKMChlhmYpHOS7lalZ63Z9FhbaEhc_GV2tFJRfscYLaN4ywNyZAiG4Qdm-sk/w640-h288/385289293_7120284548005707_2088985739194113959_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down hoodies on for chilly Roughlock Falls Road. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEFgUpH5MDfjhCpcWsiLaNvy8vJYcCO_F9CvxVRpMm07J9qEShZZJW49KM-qL_9lM1ojEfJ6nLYAD6T_X3eaX3S9L2BKzgXSwnHfTDyz2XAsSMdbNe0y2qebb1QInBB2n2vi3dRXAy0YAGyYAozvgiIIO20Q8psSIMiKYpLq6CQIlxFV_EPFm4YaxT64/s2048/383347939_7120278494672979_776448157476416675_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEFgUpH5MDfjhCpcWsiLaNvy8vJYcCO_F9CvxVRpMm07J9qEShZZJW49KM-qL_9lM1ojEfJ6nLYAD6T_X3eaX3S9L2BKzgXSwnHfTDyz2XAsSMdbNe0y2qebb1QInBB2n2vi3dRXAy0YAGyYAozvgiIIO20Q8psSIMiKYpLq6CQIlxFV_EPFm4YaxT64/w640-h288/383347939_7120278494672979_776448157476416675_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some sunlight starts to reach into the valley on Roughlock Falls Road. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpYr0EVOHhVfS7vmabxdEnk1g7LCpQG5pkmX4y2MmddiHM6XvylU71tsYLVLdM25-vHaiO3t1hLVErGBF2szvUyowQr2zzFH5xvKH2igVkiqDL5waMxudFkeaIJzW1goLSaiiP1xz_FNsnqrGOjH_ZGL7QUYafphExu4MFHcuitPZB1MCTELttTpGMLQ/s2048/383964680_6563997183698639_8459647590644672683_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpYr0EVOHhVfS7vmabxdEnk1g7LCpQG5pkmX4y2MmddiHM6XvylU71tsYLVLdM25-vHaiO3t1hLVErGBF2szvUyowQr2zzFH5xvKH2igVkiqDL5waMxudFkeaIJzW1goLSaiiP1xz_FNsnqrGOjH_ZGL7QUYafphExu4MFHcuitPZB1MCTELttTpGMLQ/w640-h480/383964680_6563997183698639_8459647590644672683_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After breakfast view from Spearfish Canyon Road. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewUZHNxZvOdDDMtIMMXRRZmwNd_Pk5BeSsgYXLXvvFyEgG01NfmYzvI3hvTXYdKyNDG5vMOWeCTx3OaJ6yQ2QeLc0c9q5eRVo7wdtDA6r8gWa8Bp5LLO6KGSAJME6QsYa5UyNhyphenhyphenyhZsvPKKtMSQ0fEI-o0W8x7gFv2EJRlDbPJlcN6W6Rik8BfqWxrzs/s2048/383959334_6563997023698655_5948975848297323401_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewUZHNxZvOdDDMtIMMXRRZmwNd_Pk5BeSsgYXLXvvFyEgG01NfmYzvI3hvTXYdKyNDG5vMOWeCTx3OaJ6yQ2QeLc0c9q5eRVo7wdtDA6r8gWa8Bp5LLO6KGSAJME6QsYa5UyNhyphenhyphenyhZsvPKKtMSQ0fEI-o0W8x7gFv2EJRlDbPJlcN6W6Rik8BfqWxrzs/w458-h640/383959334_6563997023698655_5948975848297323401_n.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Spearfish Canyon Road. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6-EAUaMmUg9AhDmu7tlCq8GArC8stPX42nYjB9DmMaiKJfxAXNi5iQggM9GYWbln4zdMh_usZAE8jLZjKV9k_QuTp2MzOOIRE5y5yj1RTHtk6zqBFo4DGNpKoU2eDPYxAszfWdDyPF2umDt7Ea_Ix378m8uedLQuaYvS9nulAdIdJnzIvfOTcaGfCrA/s4032/20230927_100420.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6-EAUaMmUg9AhDmu7tlCq8GArC8stPX42nYjB9DmMaiKJfxAXNi5iQggM9GYWbln4zdMh_usZAE8jLZjKV9k_QuTp2MzOOIRE5y5yj1RTHtk6zqBFo4DGNpKoU2eDPYxAszfWdDyPF2umDt7Ea_Ix378m8uedLQuaYvS9nulAdIdJnzIvfOTcaGfCrA/w640-h288/20230927_100420.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Re-grouping at Cheyenne Crossing, which was closed on a Wednesday. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAXgNw7r3SXhYi50CO8w8GSDgpVzYXWhW228u6bX0dm-8dSs_aM4aROO-X9WtihBSgMN6_ovPOcl7k5tt9XaWWu83LdwQ7zCGwkEMRAg5scxNxt9f4xvfhvw6DyIMbE5ULRHvitbH_GVY_Kr52nia-r1Jlc_ATKoBTI7ITU-0Vo25y_wiMTVQy4im1w8/s4032/20230927_115215.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAXgNw7r3SXhYi50CO8w8GSDgpVzYXWhW228u6bX0dm-8dSs_aM4aROO-X9WtihBSgMN6_ovPOcl7k5tt9XaWWu83LdwQ7zCGwkEMRAg5scxNxt9f4xvfhvw6DyIMbE5ULRHvitbH_GVY_Kr52nia-r1Jlc_ATKoBTI7ITU-0Vo25y_wiMTVQy4im1w8/w640-h288/20230927_115215.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Bloom lightly spins up the Mickelson Trail. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OalkdQHIgj53UhcGLqmRVD9Pnm4yE76xIgRwIKXqiBe878gkWFzCcRva1Vwam_18jLikpFXhhwIrOZeEwjEh0KDPOUmUqp8qFa0lA2tkVcsyvinkn7jXZXSF6xqGPd6PSXtxVAeko-c23s72-gXY-T9yyY5zs_CtV5q4ntpg4_MyHFyTbM99bef5gT0/s4032/20230927_120113.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OalkdQHIgj53UhcGLqmRVD9Pnm4yE76xIgRwIKXqiBe878gkWFzCcRva1Vwam_18jLikpFXhhwIrOZeEwjEh0KDPOUmUqp8qFa0lA2tkVcsyvinkn7jXZXSF6xqGPd6PSXtxVAeko-c23s72-gXY-T9yyY5zs_CtV5q4ntpg4_MyHFyTbM99bef5gT0/w640-h288/20230927_120113.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mickelson Trail provides a welcomed break from rocks, ruts, and steeps. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWsf6AG92L135TZf08FxxHYp2JYQcL2Q-iKszDz1ECTpWwoRdSaj7hkg5Kr0kCK5pd6-AQfxcBGhoC_q9x3ODcWOCOt2z5EJ28mznk5YNNu0reTWvkKwG-I4Vljm_5fJrxepnzeCYaRH8rWKzIXaWybFtRjgBbrsXBg4tFAFgq5e-tr0BlWAWQHhwn_E/s4032/20230927_120118.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWsf6AG92L135TZf08FxxHYp2JYQcL2Q-iKszDz1ECTpWwoRdSaj7hkg5Kr0kCK5pd6-AQfxcBGhoC_q9x3ODcWOCOt2z5EJ28mznk5YNNu0reTWvkKwG-I4Vljm_5fJrxepnzeCYaRH8rWKzIXaWybFtRjgBbrsXBg4tFAFgq5e-tr0BlWAWQHhwn_E/w640-h288/20230927_120118.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking in the view from Mickelson Trail. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmQYC8vw5w6WhSmHwakWL8wZ6Qre4-k7WZ9AbLAzWw3GLXYLOwYZVaAYB-Pj7EsirTxlIvzwYolHjrGIlVgJxZRg4bZJ3pxe-i6qPELmcw6_BhMVq-UzHf7QtvZEJtAw21gc0Q_8g-wuz28hRyJ6smno0UDO4v6vDz4CRqgWYRAxDVSXLkhf3RM5QYHI/s2736/20230927_130918.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="2736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmQYC8vw5w6WhSmHwakWL8wZ6Qre4-k7WZ9AbLAzWw3GLXYLOwYZVaAYB-Pj7EsirTxlIvzwYolHjrGIlVgJxZRg4bZJ3pxe-i6qPELmcw6_BhMVq-UzHf7QtvZEJtAw21gc0Q_8g-wuz28hRyJ6smno0UDO4v6vDz4CRqgWYRAxDVSXLkhf3RM5QYHI/w640-h640/20230927_130918.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stoked to finally find some dirty two track on USFS Low Standard Road 256.1A. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEoLYKQ-Cws165CRDjrvSB52N0gNKqp1JADLvLiQJnVelUF0c-Yk3XsJrlfoNrSckmR7JHWNCEs_P_KKnsK6JqsQErredgPhA0XyQ4ykc0scoWZLtU0XHmfz6_S9tdgjF9Q0h8RUgVTA5l7vaUeTjha4y6mPvibzM_M7TmMlLx624Z2XkjkYxOTN1LUo/s4032/20230927_185815.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEoLYKQ-Cws165CRDjrvSB52N0gNKqp1JADLvLiQJnVelUF0c-Yk3XsJrlfoNrSckmR7JHWNCEs_P_KKnsK6JqsQErredgPhA0XyQ4ykc0scoWZLtU0XHmfz6_S9tdgjF9Q0h8RUgVTA5l7vaUeTjha4y6mPvibzM_M7TmMlLx624Z2XkjkYxOTN1LUo/w640-h288/20230927_185815.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing at USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eLRWDXqEhVHSqasRvsMOzm2Z2sJDvUHqIiUNACFWlC9-n57fxHLc-ETiW8JdYX6EQaO9gSmEAohWkjHGZbK_ACG1YusUXKrygz-MSHjvj7HsFWMiwg1WT0Q559U4SQFtvztBAiGBRDs6hT3F86gEMS-XvPkBTM0NnUonVk0W0lpEDtemGr9Tta2NAi0/s4032/20230927_193810.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eLRWDXqEhVHSqasRvsMOzm2Z2sJDvUHqIiUNACFWlC9-n57fxHLc-ETiW8JdYX6EQaO9gSmEAohWkjHGZbK_ACG1YusUXKrygz-MSHjvj7HsFWMiwg1WT0Q559U4SQFtvztBAiGBRDs6hT3F86gEMS-XvPkBTM0NnUonVk0W0lpEDtemGr9Tta2NAi0/w288-h640/20230927_193810.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sHwkUF-FqgnrQdLm5o-0aLJ6acwMDgoxHTWHhIopIXO5rCYXmeyHkvtkdcMIstzRnUHokhbp67v9fPo9vfNLLuTJP_5ksIogTYgz-IMh2FtuU4nfsAunBkV8-Jau1zDTaHE3CvKsHsAH261x8B05p6mODemkIhsauc_Bmrksmfw9tWoYjPf4qrWru_8/s4032/20230927_193558.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sHwkUF-FqgnrQdLm5o-0aLJ6acwMDgoxHTWHhIopIXO5rCYXmeyHkvtkdcMIstzRnUHokhbp67v9fPo9vfNLLuTJP_5ksIogTYgz-IMh2FtuU4nfsAunBkV8-Jau1zDTaHE3CvKsHsAH261x8B05p6mODemkIhsauc_Bmrksmfw9tWoYjPf4qrWru_8/w480-h640/20230927_193558.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66Q5k1f30zzvQ30hqg89NF1I_vZ0PeGdt-tDSQy25PP_NChy4yT7ChDHwZpSMYevD8puP9pSi2HgtU89Dwen2mSBLbUR95B0eMagGudCz8Flz69dpA_Z_cldKSK5DBIxJoeIvOMTtw7rGa4Lb5vFZA1nd5-RpZAuLuuPUZL2J9A_3GxTYaiLgRkj5VSA/s2048/385395419_7120286161338879_3047742179434864727_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="922" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66Q5k1f30zzvQ30hqg89NF1I_vZ0PeGdt-tDSQy25PP_NChy4yT7ChDHwZpSMYevD8puP9pSi2HgtU89Dwen2mSBLbUR95B0eMagGudCz8Flz69dpA_Z_cldKSK5DBIxJoeIvOMTtw7rGa4Lb5vFZA1nd5-RpZAuLuuPUZL2J9A_3GxTYaiLgRkj5VSA/w288-h640/385395419_7120286161338879_3047742179434864727_n.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5P1nBua_rUnFtoHIxPrZUvTTqofJt16b-t7JryhW-nPUt2LVrUu6y75gq9JGbAh_lfuPVZOzEeFIDaO-yMHcttn8gLHOSWERXqhab0J0boHX9X7ubnc22xsujmOpuHzp1uARGwpmSoNsskCFpwwqTEVTZfWwKWw3SZNkcNL9kanyKuRDc78HlfzZI44/s4032/20230927_193613.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5P1nBua_rUnFtoHIxPrZUvTTqofJt16b-t7JryhW-nPUt2LVrUu6y75gq9JGbAh_lfuPVZOzEeFIDaO-yMHcttn8gLHOSWERXqhab0J0boHX9X7ubnc22xsujmOpuHzp1uARGwpmSoNsskCFpwwqTEVTZfWwKWw3SZNkcNL9kanyKuRDc78HlfzZI44/w480-h640/20230927_193613.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Ben Cooper)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ICYDzWZILgychIvaoTrpY8w-adLPnwQ7N8YBcQ0GySuh4J3OHR5bmC1rAWFJKZ_h_fOmcbubPRvOQj-D-cu32g3EZ7TihGJimYuwBoSV3xy_C3WKEglt6lPeDcJQDjGT6KHSBeYvuIFv4yp7tE5v0wTCD7X6yopPG32pqtfjlJ_Thg3qS4EK4tGkJcY/s4032/20230927_202048.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ICYDzWZILgychIvaoTrpY8w-adLPnwQ7N8YBcQ0GySuh4J3OHR5bmC1rAWFJKZ_h_fOmcbubPRvOQj-D-cu32g3EZ7TihGJimYuwBoSV3xy_C3WKEglt6lPeDcJQDjGT6KHSBeYvuIFv4yp7tE5v0wTCD7X6yopPG32pqtfjlJ_Thg3qS4EK4tGkJcY/w288-h640/20230927_202048.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQXEllkuVcvEPOl7uhbNt9oHiZHz4jWUsvZ5RmGqk80qNfkfA2KcNX_kf-M5DgzDxiasGhH7ZmDonlWy7Xv40acKD9fwLV87MU9p3fniXIJ3-0GDG9DdZx9mZroQ2pEVXwC1kTefpIABVf5YWYX7zbjXW43GQSmQpJg1nP8xDmoAP4gPviR1ksqEE7b4/s4032/20230927_212114.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQXEllkuVcvEPOl7uhbNt9oHiZHz4jWUsvZ5RmGqk80qNfkfA2KcNX_kf-M5DgzDxiasGhH7ZmDonlWy7Xv40acKD9fwLV87MU9p3fniXIJ3-0GDG9DdZx9mZroQ2pEVXwC1kTefpIABVf5YWYX7zbjXW43GQSmQpJg1nP8xDmoAP4gPviR1ksqEE7b4/w640-h288/20230927_212114.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-35938453468822945182023-10-22T06:07:00.000-06:002023-10-22T06:07:22.469-06:002023 Black Hills Bounty (Day 2) - Up Ski Trails and Down Rock Chutes<div>Day 2 of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty climbs most of the day on a variety of rough roads through the Northern Black Hills, culminating in a sweet climb up grassy cross-country ski trails, a relaxing spin on ridge line gravel, and a raggedy rock plunge down a cliff-lined canyon that (finally!) bottoms out at an idyllic campground. Once again, the payoffs today are high, and hard-earned.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a selection of images from Day 2, as captured by our riders. For prior photo galleries of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty, go to <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-0-gathering.html">Day 0 - Gathering At Roubaix Lake</a>; <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-1-mining.html">Day 1 - Mining Camp Ghosts Lead To Deadwood</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESHC8LvR-crTcoyn7yoMXFKtMSnEA2Pbws7fUcXid10KMdx51ZR2zkSw0BTsaVdBIFZnJxcrTy_VSh9yAhfW5BhJTmgxrCXXRD-wvAloVgTbBoWLyqtVCIdPPl02dgAkBWZsUKuGUz5gw6UFVyhFnZk3CIeWpzLvp7Pl664hNbHepXtHIhBKg5GoDnhM/s4032/20230926_081608.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESHC8LvR-crTcoyn7yoMXFKtMSnEA2Pbws7fUcXid10KMdx51ZR2zkSw0BTsaVdBIFZnJxcrTy_VSh9yAhfW5BhJTmgxrCXXRD-wvAloVgTbBoWLyqtVCIdPPl02dgAkBWZsUKuGUz5gw6UFVyhFnZk3CIeWpzLvp7Pl664hNbHepXtHIhBKg5GoDnhM/w640-h288/20230926_081608.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packing up after breakfast. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyNIAj44tM8tt3ep_EjHj1BYragQ29m5Bi568iM7aseHjSdCK55n3aHQVuzYBT2DsUgD-onyBOl3b3dOMM2w-x2IZpbJ5cI-EwohWh1CUynO8kjQ1H3PWlADMmgnQshD7gjOJ_kubLvhnYekr5YkVuR4PD-tAipe1ZRHrMqPoxzb6m0pvWMjWIuSpw0w/s4032/20230926_084537.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyNIAj44tM8tt3ep_EjHj1BYragQ29m5Bi568iM7aseHjSdCK55n3aHQVuzYBT2DsUgD-onyBOl3b3dOMM2w-x2IZpbJ5cI-EwohWh1CUynO8kjQ1H3PWlADMmgnQshD7gjOJ_kubLvhnYekr5YkVuR4PD-tAipe1ZRHrMqPoxzb6m0pvWMjWIuSpw0w/w640-h288/20230926_084537.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warming up on USFS Primary Road 227. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9osOZQbetJ_geyTK_M_JnLuMVL269p7WEQ5RQ5Z07meRfJ9NKoHnon-9jgG48VPL-0ThuLFPrVe0WSTvaEijjPQiVLk4zfeNsPPufBV4mau0y6Qn8wwn6IXKnP0D9QC820MZD8iL60TlnR7OELtWxSTJLO6f4CianlEAxhICD6edSrqf1AjZOBTbH3r8/s4032/20230926_093035.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9osOZQbetJ_geyTK_M_JnLuMVL269p7WEQ5RQ5Z07meRfJ9NKoHnon-9jgG48VPL-0ThuLFPrVe0WSTvaEijjPQiVLk4zfeNsPPufBV4mau0y6Qn8wwn6IXKnP0D9QC820MZD8iL60TlnR7OELtWxSTJLO6f4CianlEAxhICD6edSrqf1AjZOBTbH3r8/w640-h288/20230926_093035.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinning up USFS Secondary Road 209 before the morning sun hits. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFyC0hC1u7PIiUxdBjArF8aG3V2CgZhMBBolRqKjQ-RUrgv5P8QKKLXeXUKOq5z5_-900bhJHUT2PMEXHeC2fmv6i9T6sU4h4GOcQU5g9VZOhQj-W_jwdtDDCMhK-qq5qnyGurS6aGKjhDa6YSTPe1r6izqnRt7-GIfp6P3OVnKDbOKZF8SVNsKAqkv0/s960/385265773_6593162760782081_1856724191371598153_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFyC0hC1u7PIiUxdBjArF8aG3V2CgZhMBBolRqKjQ-RUrgv5P8QKKLXeXUKOq5z5_-900bhJHUT2PMEXHeC2fmv6i9T6sU4h4GOcQU5g9VZOhQj-W_jwdtDDCMhK-qq5qnyGurS6aGKjhDa6YSTPe1r6izqnRt7-GIfp6P3OVnKDbOKZF8SVNsKAqkv0/w640-h360/385265773_6593162760782081_1856724191371598153_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View along USFS Secondary Road 209. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wyZfa9Wvp2K8XCW2N44ZOdcm-PDMxGAc31E3MWsN0p1U1v2SVjCzIheIPmoIhXr-jtEw8gV2pVQwzzRApWchlrSOk4xKSZAkD6ZLxJgRYPdEBGUqC6tPVB3hyphenhyphenmodLB8fPXWjclTnv1GSPxiJte2W3QYo2fRZvgyij7ALFNLibHmqtqk4DEph22obcuc/s4032/20230926_093208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wyZfa9Wvp2K8XCW2N44ZOdcm-PDMxGAc31E3MWsN0p1U1v2SVjCzIheIPmoIhXr-jtEw8gV2pVQwzzRApWchlrSOk4xKSZAkD6ZLxJgRYPdEBGUqC6tPVB3hyphenhyphenmodLB8fPXWjclTnv1GSPxiJte2W3QYo2fRZvgyij7ALFNLibHmqtqk4DEph22obcuc/w640-h288/20230926_093208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now we're cruising up USFS Secondary Road 209. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe-FXGEvVOE30UuSstrcQDGVen-bo0v7HKfLA1WkCuOF_eXhZ0xg4D_m9fGPcylaGH7naz1BpPy6cSNUCp8fmZ-WEylhwLMYuFRxd-B0CDMKVI0xL_4UbAuXKLTvvdl5OEfjOMCcGK8bxTvOJKFvp4NW4G8wHHBCtL1Fh4UG5AK5c-iCABs52mmeukrE/s4032/20230926_110055.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe-FXGEvVOE30UuSstrcQDGVen-bo0v7HKfLA1WkCuOF_eXhZ0xg4D_m9fGPcylaGH7naz1BpPy6cSNUCp8fmZ-WEylhwLMYuFRxd-B0CDMKVI0xL_4UbAuXKLTvvdl5OEfjOMCcGK8bxTvOJKFvp4NW4G8wHHBCtL1Fh4UG5AK5c-iCABs52mmeukrE/w640-h288/20230926_110055.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View along USFS Secondary Road 209. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYTqc8VS2xecetdxlsbcPCHjc0sN17-ZA-GrOdg1efp-zZV7NjRMDLNWpId1W-aZ5pJfnUk1rwvMoUlUBp39sKNvxiJr7VWDgDvdSxwHlfUR0vdWjqL6gmlEpoP_78hg1C-4ti6QXCJGofWfk_qvCTzqZruNDjmJIJ3FWRSa15wCLSqK00JBSECqdyNI/s4032/20230926_114339.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYTqc8VS2xecetdxlsbcPCHjc0sN17-ZA-GrOdg1efp-zZV7NjRMDLNWpId1W-aZ5pJfnUk1rwvMoUlUBp39sKNvxiJr7VWDgDvdSxwHlfUR0vdWjqL6gmlEpoP_78hg1C-4ti6QXCJGofWfk_qvCTzqZruNDjmJIJ3FWRSa15wCLSqK00JBSECqdyNI/w640-h288/20230926_114339.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Switching to dirt, now climbing on USFS Low Standard Road 209.3C. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84te2DZbmM4SxVKZjeeXQH2hkrHjSYsZXPwBVFQF77yZGSXVHcnOSzL5hF2ZFyACvDLejlNPlPUfCKVtwYhfwEqqEadsvR756cip2jQYcouYBGp0QVrUHe8_nEQQQ_zULUFFDYwegSlWly1jzejo0TG5YyAYOEY-N7YEi1GR57bHu9HtMBiUgr9khJfc/s4032/20230926_114441.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84te2DZbmM4SxVKZjeeXQH2hkrHjSYsZXPwBVFQF77yZGSXVHcnOSzL5hF2ZFyACvDLejlNPlPUfCKVtwYhfwEqqEadsvR756cip2jQYcouYBGp0QVrUHe8_nEQQQ_zULUFFDYwegSlWly1jzejo0TG5YyAYOEY-N7YEi1GR57bHu9HtMBiUgr9khJfc/w640-h288/20230926_114441.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We rode uphill most of the day. USFS Low Standard Road 209.3C. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WkgzP6ew8C_YnIRBQPFf6EU7Y8r69jXNdxbvclEZjW0wH8KhqLUh-R9VmyGOJI-_cJQ6-NmAXuIDPV0uGxiZsQ2WX1hUlmPnaRayjHo6XtbwPNFFArOKTYGjyiXMWtggLW9LLVFFKgT8zIg3nWxqRuumFYz4fUgoFnP8Xu_bH_rnaOQgiNQavtO0E2Q/s4032/20230926_114803.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WkgzP6ew8C_YnIRBQPFf6EU7Y8r69jXNdxbvclEZjW0wH8KhqLUh-R9VmyGOJI-_cJQ6-NmAXuIDPV0uGxiZsQ2WX1hUlmPnaRayjHo6XtbwPNFFArOKTYGjyiXMWtggLW9LLVFFKgT8zIg3nWxqRuumFYz4fUgoFnP8Xu_bH_rnaOQgiNQavtO0E2Q/w640-h288/20230926_114803.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still up. USFS Low Standard Road 209.3C. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-WDLir4KQzNH3DvTRGDaCGnLk7QVaHvTXDYoYIq3_FPaV_aF3qgu3IHRffcGGXiZy2Lg97EFDeF18SfU_KEUmgizFd8Ag0BUJb_j_m2Wrw80SpGwnwvE92PQ35TWYUA90GRWj6zbaA9tgSbF1QLhkRoKXjXq7U1Xx4Oe0nLkyrDAS4X0qfIfIPXuKzc/s4032/20230926_114820.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-WDLir4KQzNH3DvTRGDaCGnLk7QVaHvTXDYoYIq3_FPaV_aF3qgu3IHRffcGGXiZy2Lg97EFDeF18SfU_KEUmgizFd8Ag0BUJb_j_m2Wrw80SpGwnwvE92PQ35TWYUA90GRWj6zbaA9tgSbF1QLhkRoKXjXq7U1Xx4Oe0nLkyrDAS4X0qfIfIPXuKzc/w640-h288/20230926_114820.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Cooper opens an old school cattle gate along USFS Low Standard Road 209.3D.<br />Jon Naaf engineers appropriate supervision. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNaKw5ICn8AzA-PAjVRIs49HAbCvgk9mOF5vCB5Gv87_cRleYyag4LFsQH_4lle5vDVKPYC__INTg4hhOlKROF4b6cTNjzUpi8h3Kr4yEzwSSogDaVe-wFNSFnbkqCekiaHxgcWQLU8Fum7QKQTvarjcDn3EBVx0P743zhWmNsrgXcbIRjNCuoyhV_0U/s4032/20230926_115108.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNaKw5ICn8AzA-PAjVRIs49HAbCvgk9mOF5vCB5Gv87_cRleYyag4LFsQH_4lle5vDVKPYC__INTg4hhOlKROF4b6cTNjzUpi8h3Kr4yEzwSSogDaVe-wFNSFnbkqCekiaHxgcWQLU8Fum7QKQTvarjcDn3EBVx0P743zhWmNsrgXcbIRjNCuoyhV_0U/w640-h288/20230926_115108.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A brief break of the gradient along USFS Low Standard Road 209.3D. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp9bs7Ifm-OgB6eL5fJbILVPY-EUqyzEu19JIfiUBa0HOFWGlhkgBwUn4z3YUki-xuUJz67tszOOW0N3rCBveQItx_YR6BXYZDYOe8M7sWWhE_e3FyjBogipp8X0j7RHVJ7_H5g4gCVPj4Hc4oZmas9nn04Tlla-r5BIZfMwpp3X064iYgEGjOhZ_9uM/s4032/20230926_115841.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp9bs7Ifm-OgB6eL5fJbILVPY-EUqyzEu19JIfiUBa0HOFWGlhkgBwUn4z3YUki-xuUJz67tszOOW0N3rCBveQItx_YR6BXYZDYOe8M7sWWhE_e3FyjBogipp8X0j7RHVJ7_H5g4gCVPj4Hc4oZmas9nn04Tlla-r5BIZfMwpp3X064iYgEGjOhZ_9uM/w640-h288/20230926_115841.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remote meadow accessed only by USFS Low Standard Road 209.3D. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4m1e9TVglHkpCgaKfCcNI8JO0kmsF_FUAzqOxHnjHzskgDiG5EIrittinNHVHofni3RliSdsfmevpxPKVSUJGEYZXbyXH6mLgKkylLvFt-KI2vM-84WayjiMp94MPQVytk85OkfV3bEe1tXMMWQFafPLuO_CyRIgwyjO8oWS8mE9P_Gy4MIDOKxczWI/s1080/thumbnail-5.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4m1e9TVglHkpCgaKfCcNI8JO0kmsF_FUAzqOxHnjHzskgDiG5EIrittinNHVHofni3RliSdsfmevpxPKVSUJGEYZXbyXH6mLgKkylLvFt-KI2vM-84WayjiMp94MPQVytk85OkfV3bEe1tXMMWQFafPLuO_CyRIgwyjO8oWS8mE9P_Gy4MIDOKxczWI/w640-h480/thumbnail-5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch break along USFS Low Standard Road 117.7. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqvl7kH3VCHeN_XQ8zGTmGhI-I8kZh8E9PhfgetuL2TyVMmmBsflDoEbZPn_bq9NnzWKN393f9MMgJ3mmziOXflOj4dpNWUSnKCBUfmIJx5wL7QxWk65kUobG4xPmHUF2ssmg3155AhENwi_SVrFCPn7WzYTUqxBZsDo9p8UfQw1ShM46EYT5i5SXWzk/s4032/20230926_133857.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqvl7kH3VCHeN_XQ8zGTmGhI-I8kZh8E9PhfgetuL2TyVMmmBsflDoEbZPn_bq9NnzWKN393f9MMgJ3mmziOXflOj4dpNWUSnKCBUfmIJx5wL7QxWk65kUobG4xPmHUF2ssmg3155AhENwi_SVrFCPn7WzYTUqxBZsDo9p8UfQw1ShM46EYT5i5SXWzk/w640-h288/20230926_133857.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to climbing. USFS Low Standard Road 117.7. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrnxdofBCsRdjSlZQDbMUTqDu7cbKBhiuRoACsEBxFoNMlO1dyOX136NKi6u0aLd6jngMSD8NOwLoPGDEHWXDBxRm9qMNeoWNwTR84tyaG1IaddI5MSddlolPrj1LQnQYn2SjTWHNikaHpl15n4qjg_Jb8wXezBkhTyltS8rxBkuTmdvDmNeK7hBsTK4/s4032/20230926_134100.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrnxdofBCsRdjSlZQDbMUTqDu7cbKBhiuRoACsEBxFoNMlO1dyOX136NKi6u0aLd6jngMSD8NOwLoPGDEHWXDBxRm9qMNeoWNwTR84tyaG1IaddI5MSddlolPrj1LQnQYn2SjTWHNikaHpl15n4qjg_Jb8wXezBkhTyltS8rxBkuTmdvDmNeK7hBsTK4/w640-h288/20230926_134100.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Low Standard Road 117.7. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT7MjM5rGePGifbTO1iydeYaU2TtcgLv2ynNPiZdxmBLvp3rKV454Jw-27UKqjfplB8nCG-bZ00x5farlJYmVWjr586Lzbmaw85vsCNMzRUdWfwEPKs9njcKil9HsQYxgVt-718O7zBShkmTkLGjtLrTxyLxN4IwWpCaSCfIB5JUZOMsWiuPdb5eNXoI/s4032/20230926_134334.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT7MjM5rGePGifbTO1iydeYaU2TtcgLv2ynNPiZdxmBLvp3rKV454Jw-27UKqjfplB8nCG-bZ00x5farlJYmVWjr586Lzbmaw85vsCNMzRUdWfwEPKs9njcKil9HsQYxgVt-718O7zBShkmTkLGjtLrTxyLxN4IwWpCaSCfIB5JUZOMsWiuPdb5eNXoI/w640-h288/20230926_134334.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Caldwell, Ben Cooper & Jon Naaf lead the charge up USFS Low Standard Road 117.7. <br />(image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzryRJ0jzSCGSKZXwKFNc49wRvWqloiNA3Yu6sRkPKpd5dTskxxjOQjar0xKvnlvhMVQ3EYSDIUKGUi23Rw5dVzSDd8eHgCObA-_AWz4AxMqVFGhMF9LTDncQgU0RH-hSvlLRiL1TnZL4048WtlaR5dejK-oE6ZA9f4dcaas2MUYhrgeeaRP1CrX7cHlU/s4032/20230926_134521.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzryRJ0jzSCGSKZXwKFNc49wRvWqloiNA3Yu6sRkPKpd5dTskxxjOQjar0xKvnlvhMVQ3EYSDIUKGUi23Rw5dVzSDd8eHgCObA-_AWz4AxMqVFGhMF9LTDncQgU0RH-hSvlLRiL1TnZL4048WtlaR5dejK-oE6ZA9f4dcaas2MUYhrgeeaRP1CrX7cHlU/w640-h288/20230926_134521.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Bloom and Craig Groseth churn up USFS Low Standard Road 117.7. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGyHorKPeH9I-F1Afgp7SSufANa2mkASdRChHAH7UXXehW411NCuVXCUcUo90XJXSc2rcfx8oonz-ko20x4QQOcsT7SfV_yJWriMoju7E9v3D2V3n8yStjQPV5kJ5IA-qwBGEzXsfuw1xWEuhP9Tlr4MN10pq1riVzU0cpIJns4Q_0q-zvsYcFngAm9c/s4032/20230926_135604.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGyHorKPeH9I-F1Afgp7SSufANa2mkASdRChHAH7UXXehW411NCuVXCUcUo90XJXSc2rcfx8oonz-ko20x4QQOcsT7SfV_yJWriMoju7E9v3D2V3n8yStjQPV5kJ5IA-qwBGEzXsfuw1xWEuhP9Tlr4MN10pq1riVzU0cpIJns4Q_0q-zvsYcFngAm9c/w640-h288/20230926_135604.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up Bratwurst Trail in the Eagle Cliff Trail Ski Area. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcYiEaCuHAANiPQFROTSfUNwfbfzGef6OrskM3UtuzLy-urxt6FZYGXkgwAvR3jrKWcVgIJ8GY9meMZBiDQFfvvorgfgcRuLkrTqNETFjaqXtz6UXF3hBzy6JWyQxtWYV83-IRuZz1xfJ_OLnkf_ZmYfVHG7-rbxpPnqttZ87n0gZPBSLqEAPVHfgRTI/s1080/thumbnail.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcYiEaCuHAANiPQFROTSfUNwfbfzGef6OrskM3UtuzLy-urxt6FZYGXkgwAvR3jrKWcVgIJ8GY9meMZBiDQFfvvorgfgcRuLkrTqNETFjaqXtz6UXF3hBzy6JWyQxtWYV83-IRuZz1xfJ_OLnkf_ZmYfVHG7-rbxpPnqttZ87n0gZPBSLqEAPVHfgRTI/w640-h480/thumbnail.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More up on Bratwurst Trail in the Eagle Cliff Trail Ski Area. (image by Craig Groseth)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyb70I0JyWPXWCp57fv-RR3MgTHXYm-YuGnNiSKNCC9XNL1BBLbKW6b4n8J8HVFWcR-pwBERWQ4BDwePHWWdt8e4I33L6gU7lJsgD27arAObJJP4e_ffKas4yCLEJSuhuSatHxARPaGZDtDouOs9QDRteUveTPkNt8xBXtSATN4nWCa8pxg1Rj_hrxsc/s4032/20230926_135846.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyb70I0JyWPXWCp57fv-RR3MgTHXYm-YuGnNiSKNCC9XNL1BBLbKW6b4n8J8HVFWcR-pwBERWQ4BDwePHWWdt8e4I33L6gU7lJsgD27arAObJJP4e_ffKas4yCLEJSuhuSatHxARPaGZDtDouOs9QDRteUveTPkNt8xBXtSATN4nWCa8pxg1Rj_hrxsc/w480-h640/20230926_135846.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Brasby and Jon Naaf power up Bratwurst Trail, as Jeff Bloom pleads for lower gears.<br />(image by Ben Cooper)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZ4UZfk5XQBu7GG80CK2q3u-wbV4ZgXq8oKpxJPfgZqj8QtlrIuyH-FqrPdyCBCMv8bcJ3TFkSA9hAr9BHjaRik1k63OaEoaYHfALLVFJ2QjofGDk_AnqzsrFG6P6C-eKnX32vGuiCNkX1S-KwX1_e9KVlSkcvLxA2YwVoS9hEVf_F459CFgeMoZay8Y/s4032/20230926_141439.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZ4UZfk5XQBu7GG80CK2q3u-wbV4ZgXq8oKpxJPfgZqj8QtlrIuyH-FqrPdyCBCMv8bcJ3TFkSA9hAr9BHjaRik1k63OaEoaYHfALLVFJ2QjofGDk_AnqzsrFG6P6C-eKnX32vGuiCNkX1S-KwX1_e9KVlSkcvLxA2YwVoS9hEVf_F459CFgeMoZay8Y/w640-h288/20230926_141439.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling along the Intake Meadows Trail in the Eagle Cliff Trail Ski Area. <br />Ahead loom Eagle Cliffs. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKhsqpgPCib3M-2Sv15eWrQe6lm7i4a6s7CXhRgMxj53vWVfx1XlZirUBY7i0P1QZV1ryNU-Cm-REEGt10XvxGcOREgThlS3kazZ5x85ohWQCEzWAzdCholG8PAfgUNlW8nY0vqOz19zubvKLulQEsQq3qKE3ehTkmW_99WLzaCGskhro4ZAiF3oYFCY/s4032/20230926_141710.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKhsqpgPCib3M-2Sv15eWrQe6lm7i4a6s7CXhRgMxj53vWVfx1XlZirUBY7i0P1QZV1ryNU-Cm-REEGt10XvxGcOREgThlS3kazZ5x85ohWQCEzWAzdCholG8PAfgUNlW8nY0vqOz19zubvKLulQEsQq3qKE3ehTkmW_99WLzaCGskhro4ZAiF3oYFCY/w288-h640/20230926_141710.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is. The Eagle Cliff Trail. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSbAJbiukkrtPgePrrnYcS1EOD_OmWnOiGoVl3eXfF5Wfa5GqCLGyJQJ3m0VHMGhosMOrLldUJ3J5PD5go1LcXzRQLK9K6UIXcO5Xy2aSuEwtRqX0TW0kvmOZMxbQq6sfKKNyiU6YNYicGQ7UZze_Brf0cw2yXnYw2Vhbt53VRSjbgmH5enkMVO5t7lE/s1080/thumbnail-8.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSbAJbiukkrtPgePrrnYcS1EOD_OmWnOiGoVl3eXfF5Wfa5GqCLGyJQJ3m0VHMGhosMOrLldUJ3J5PD5go1LcXzRQLK9K6UIXcO5Xy2aSuEwtRqX0TW0kvmOZMxbQq6sfKKNyiU6YNYicGQ7UZze_Brf0cw2yXnYw2Vhbt53VRSjbgmH5enkMVO5t7lE/w640-h480/thumbnail-8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep your eye on the Eagle Cliff Trail. (image by Craig Groseth)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGvise7dLuht3bybnerjgPLgFt8NXEXY3WWDZixZhhU1aFmsu4rdgbjyr2Ev_MzB6paMGuOAT6MM3-wagYD7Y8-itujMnlZMM154a8vde18Z9aqRr2Oc5Z4e3eWvw9-W5E0aRIM1k9cdOHuG1H4B-5pt6VyV_mNDpLLSmiljp_SqkgdXUBAAyZKy1g5M/s4032/20230926_142253.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGvise7dLuht3bybnerjgPLgFt8NXEXY3WWDZixZhhU1aFmsu4rdgbjyr2Ev_MzB6paMGuOAT6MM3-wagYD7Y8-itujMnlZMM154a8vde18Z9aqRr2Oc5Z4e3eWvw9-W5E0aRIM1k9cdOHuG1H4B-5pt6VyV_mNDpLLSmiljp_SqkgdXUBAAyZKy1g5M/w288-h640/20230926_142253.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cattle maintain the Eagle Cliff Trail. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZIa_OSkTAhXpYasXhlk_A7ROjLmvOVshwf5sWZaj6lZ1HsUAl0ovuNx5sjdSkAnfFJHv9EYzLSlcEkRWZERJ3ADo0kCqbmRBfEvz5MZzKU7OMotTqYu4yICH_VbJdrJ11eoNIhXINSdMumAJKLTjiUket5JyaXEO_kPIxZt1xky1rrbqwrK7mX15caI/s4032/20230926_142459.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZIa_OSkTAhXpYasXhlk_A7ROjLmvOVshwf5sWZaj6lZ1HsUAl0ovuNx5sjdSkAnfFJHv9EYzLSlcEkRWZERJ3ADo0kCqbmRBfEvz5MZzKU7OMotTqYu4yICH_VbJdrJ11eoNIhXINSdMumAJKLTjiUket5JyaXEO_kPIxZt1xky1rrbqwrK7mX15caI/w288-h640/20230926_142459.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagle Cliff Trail. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr3xksR2rj00jnmDmzb-lrVEx4mSmskznoD652x1F-Xe8EcArhcbSXFZmVyl0XPI28LbjElDkYbTsPa9XlpJxb2CegticnjUfO1VS4RCOxjVbJ_sM2lMJ_PnJhtrRxD8cgjlXAulNLCRhejzVgghPxO-mKCwqTKPPYz6rFAhNNJjWTMFowrcedcIeAB8/s4032/20230926_143025.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr3xksR2rj00jnmDmzb-lrVEx4mSmskznoD652x1F-Xe8EcArhcbSXFZmVyl0XPI28LbjElDkYbTsPa9XlpJxb2CegticnjUfO1VS4RCOxjVbJ_sM2lMJ_PnJhtrRxD8cgjlXAulNLCRhejzVgghPxO-mKCwqTKPPYz6rFAhNNJjWTMFowrcedcIeAB8/w288-h640/20230926_143025.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagle Cliff Trail. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLKe5YcUcq24L2NbBkOMi6DlWehkNWdW7G-QHwwXtLuQKei8dFiTCbGxA1Rv8V15bPstjPvowzPUAWCDAnYMSzLABdq892KWssm22-3-Av20mNZ2n88TTR2rFhZioW2fJzBkqCTIGiXb6LqQsrjStVp444k-aK3o7S6VfQML7c6CU6zsuwMFYAhnmQck/s4032/20230926_144347.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLKe5YcUcq24L2NbBkOMi6DlWehkNWdW7G-QHwwXtLuQKei8dFiTCbGxA1Rv8V15bPstjPvowzPUAWCDAnYMSzLABdq892KWssm22-3-Av20mNZ2n88TTR2rFhZioW2fJzBkqCTIGiXb6LqQsrjStVp444k-aK3o7S6VfQML7c6CU6zsuwMFYAhnmQck/w640-h288/20230926_144347.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working our way up the Eagle Cliff Trail. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg676pcjG0yBKUAafVpG8hQk822Ef0COgy_vGMen4MQZMSlq9F2hWO7D1tW2r7UdsTgCWgQjgKBe4MQbFXfITTm6oJgDd1UKnGwhKt8VnSVlRMkmh5LTduYj4q4JvexLOnGcMYlbJTzhYSmZHCrCXpy2SENwKRuNIzzWVW_LH5lTeniAjyRn8AICbcW7JA/s4032/20230926_145941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg676pcjG0yBKUAafVpG8hQk822Ef0COgy_vGMen4MQZMSlq9F2hWO7D1tW2r7UdsTgCWgQjgKBe4MQbFXfITTm6oJgDd1UKnGwhKt8VnSVlRMkmh5LTduYj4q4JvexLOnGcMYlbJTzhYSmZHCrCXpy2SENwKRuNIzzWVW_LH5lTeniAjyRn8AICbcW7JA/w640-h288/20230926_145941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It doesn't get easier on Toni's Trail in the Eagle Cliff Trail Ski Area. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Fr0sVCcke9v2VFR_gZ0ZD9JUtf0yHbGXQc369YOC4CZDKwhyphenhyphenitzBg3PGYJtKp8AkO24hD9RKGtJmT3TH_yJJ_ABf19jbM7cVu2D7qS3VWtnZrUoalrqvy2-mdzQAOCBkYlnzNXC2VFiAW4k5-mTHiz-7Jwp86L5KZ61LOpB1cpX8u5mFEPh8l15oKM0/s4032/20230926_153214.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Fr0sVCcke9v2VFR_gZ0ZD9JUtf0yHbGXQc369YOC4CZDKwhyphenhyphenitzBg3PGYJtKp8AkO24hD9RKGtJmT3TH_yJJ_ABf19jbM7cVu2D7qS3VWtnZrUoalrqvy2-mdzQAOCBkYlnzNXC2VFiAW4k5-mTHiz-7Jwp86L5KZ61LOpB1cpX8u5mFEPh8l15oKM0/w640-h288/20230926_153214.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally rolling along a ridge line on USFS Low Standard Road 733.1A. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4ud0FpBQKKfKJ4DcNJkE0PuS_5yeeKPPw18bCigg3MRFfFLmS-1VRUM3mQER8km3SiSNNM_S8Xtd0PeUpghFg09WPgtwTpHpmCheyFmB_mX2OEvfWJ9ZHE4w3N25FqqYzpGHYgHryp4C-T3HcAVWCVxd6Od_GcXhBVy39DUPniXYsC5dotJ77RuKEC8/s4032/20230926_160050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4ud0FpBQKKfKJ4DcNJkE0PuS_5yeeKPPw18bCigg3MRFfFLmS-1VRUM3mQER8km3SiSNNM_S8Xtd0PeUpghFg09WPgtwTpHpmCheyFmB_mX2OEvfWJ9ZHE4w3N25FqqYzpGHYgHryp4C-T3HcAVWCVxd6Od_GcXhBVy39DUPniXYsC5dotJ77RuKEC8/w640-h288/20230926_160050.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Low Standard Road 223 starts off innocently enough. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksJ3T_3Y5mEQ_81-UXbg5Ef9qnGVr7vBc8YaCKmUuAb9p6FClq57NZ5JVSNwx5orVqztw9ouQQIdLcAjWN1LtYhmphCW8s4jm7hMJH6RJZ6cfL3nzwIeLiEmGVbBhyUCm_Db6lm5HAQFm_4O05Od2x5EVa5niWhHUfCBVH8XXRdxbog3uF91pLUXmUPU/s1080/thumbnail-9.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksJ3T_3Y5mEQ_81-UXbg5Ef9qnGVr7vBc8YaCKmUuAb9p6FClq57NZ5JVSNwx5orVqztw9ouQQIdLcAjWN1LtYhmphCW8s4jm7hMJH6RJZ6cfL3nzwIeLiEmGVbBhyUCm_Db6lm5HAQFm_4O05Od2x5EVa5niWhHUfCBVH8XXRdxbog3uF91pLUXmUPU/w640-h480/thumbnail-9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Low Standard Road 223 narrows. (image by Craig Groseth)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZsDKc6j4RR0xrlKGn7VFpDjOQYBSKON0xRrlXF7kTt-1xDYhRaW8OC02UOp3YZ08QIjq8rsqe_Bz0Z6k0W9YOHe-EU4bQjwjnDXzsiJ8LbxfgAPzYZ-AE9KI360Igu3UlCShWExIkMtkG9BJhIihf3msltXrBgUz-uno6m-m9fXEn1Jy-kMBCJ11AqE/s4032/20230926_162755.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZsDKc6j4RR0xrlKGn7VFpDjOQYBSKON0xRrlXF7kTt-1xDYhRaW8OC02UOp3YZ08QIjq8rsqe_Bz0Z6k0W9YOHe-EU4bQjwjnDXzsiJ8LbxfgAPzYZ-AE9KI360Igu3UlCShWExIkMtkG9BJhIihf3msltXrBgUz-uno6m-m9fXEn1Jy-kMBCJ11AqE/w640-h288/20230926_162755.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imposing cliffs portend more rocks ahead on USFS Low Standard Road 223. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpLG_EnreQXYLKf5ICN8c2_WWNPDmtX8la_VRPY3zEy4lQSRBiY8tqmsWxWVTRw79ZkoGm8DWdIkYxjXeyboh63xMB-EpscoLa5vvp_V33qfn07kFXpFVmB1rIJdCWSeCb7JXlzSd_HDRHFfKaP4-cmMtK0j28W4Dd7zIZZRe2r9Tla8TLoVWl-o2r-s/s2048/385318831_7117452831622212_8540578947251823663_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="922" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpLG_EnreQXYLKf5ICN8c2_WWNPDmtX8la_VRPY3zEy4lQSRBiY8tqmsWxWVTRw79ZkoGm8DWdIkYxjXeyboh63xMB-EpscoLa5vvp_V33qfn07kFXpFVmB1rIJdCWSeCb7JXlzSd_HDRHFfKaP4-cmMtK0j28W4Dd7zIZZRe2r9Tla8TLoVWl-o2r-s/w288-h640/385318831_7117452831622212_8540578947251823663_n.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glimpse of the start of the rock infestation on USFS Low Standard Road 223. <br />The road demanded two hands, so we have few pictures here. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUSsORntMdxMFyd-wllRO9dWvq0shdSlCZZcPY1_1f8fqchdlME8r7lr4Vht_aSgJbLHL2KAj6kaZ4LKYd4ZA06RkTnVz_fuog2vi1WpVV4rpHNfbEdG8fzi2VmctD1AjgsT3inoB8WUxMiWTv66y53K_7dweyCIRfYg9xQGckji1Cl0C-uQQJy8dTxg/s2048/383344434_7117453861622109_2155764995055157605_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUSsORntMdxMFyd-wllRO9dWvq0shdSlCZZcPY1_1f8fqchdlME8r7lr4Vht_aSgJbLHL2KAj6kaZ4LKYd4ZA06RkTnVz_fuog2vi1WpVV4rpHNfbEdG8fzi2VmctD1AjgsT3inoB8WUxMiWTv66y53K_7dweyCIRfYg9xQGckji1Cl0C-uQQJy8dTxg/w640-h288/383344434_7117453861622109_2155764995055157605_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're all ready to relax at USFS Rod & Gun Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-2330932887425718322023-10-15T04:42:00.001-06:002023-10-17T05:49:10.230-06:002023 Black Hills Bounty (Day 1) - Mining Camp Ghosts Lead to Deadwood<div><div>Day 1 of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty introduces the crew to the lush beauty of the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota via a circuitous path of USFS Primary, Secondary, and Low Standard Roads that eventually plop into Galena, a haunted 19th Century mining camp that warns visitors of Ghost Crossings.</div><div><br /></div><div>We climb out of that spirited valley on rocky, rutted steeps to big views of Bear Butte and the surrounding prairie, drop through stunningly brilliant birch groves, and power back to Deadwood for late lunch. As the sun retreats beyond the hills, we spin to a dispersed campsite for the night.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a selection of images from Day 1, as captured by our riders. For prior posts on the 2023 Black Hills Bounty, go to <a href="https://blackhillsbackbone.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-black-hills-bounty-day-0-gathering.html">Day 0 - Gathering At Roubaix Lake</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYJsGHIVIW0SEr2dUHdadoFsYb8oKwrv2ftL3R5zi-AsOVmvHYQ2pwiaFZ8zun3qsaFx6Hvv-6DQx-yfHHqK8joayCLxk4zo67QDHgrSCGnsaAlo4oSiVU1B0xIO6BmrO6zk3uNmCy171aoBqcQ6yNrafmU7Nyaj7Kmbm_4Q-ZjXMBqvNJYWwpdtaAnE/s4032/20230925_084741.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYJsGHIVIW0SEr2dUHdadoFsYb8oKwrv2ftL3R5zi-AsOVmvHYQ2pwiaFZ8zun3qsaFx6Hvv-6DQx-yfHHqK8joayCLxk4zo67QDHgrSCGnsaAlo4oSiVU1B0xIO6BmrO6zk3uNmCy171aoBqcQ6yNrafmU7Nyaj7Kmbm_4Q-ZjXMBqvNJYWwpdtaAnE/w640-h288/20230925_084741.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Bloom, Jeff Caldwell, Ben Cooper, Paul Brasby, Craig Groseth, Jon Naaf, Kevin Fox.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMpMBQGZbHLWzrxZfCFLKjP71RndZf8qgSaonAuIw40JoBEEeeQbao9e5kCGeyi1fJSWgTO1-609jOASf9VM7yj9PwfPJSt6iuYdV1zbVdNNz8wvy1dvTdbk_3fJG25RIRWeuzdobsB0NQQtlnJVX4qyBPhp12xkKlcazPLChky6M2cBnGc67LPPezVM/s4032/20230925_085815.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMpMBQGZbHLWzrxZfCFLKjP71RndZf8qgSaonAuIw40JoBEEeeQbao9e5kCGeyi1fJSWgTO1-609jOASf9VM7yj9PwfPJSt6iuYdV1zbVdNNz8wvy1dvTdbk_3fJG25RIRWeuzdobsB0NQQtlnJVX4qyBPhp12xkKlcazPLChky6M2cBnGc67LPPezVM/w640-h288/20230925_085815.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bikes are ready to roll. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHqHx9-d2l19-Too6kZUJE1j5pH94LIdLjOTV7kUSXWFvAPVMu5FitqGhzqeywWzUVwjWxOM_NbXWbuGqAgxptyKeGb_R7b0oIxb5cQLkydJK3Io6tfSCGNNHqBM8p8tR9bMfFt6vkO2yzI7tLQh5Dmm7zc04fA84C6oXEHsVeAhFhB5p4VcQ8rGAxLo/s4032/20230925_093019.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHqHx9-d2l19-Too6kZUJE1j5pH94LIdLjOTV7kUSXWFvAPVMu5FitqGhzqeywWzUVwjWxOM_NbXWbuGqAgxptyKeGb_R7b0oIxb5cQLkydJK3Io6tfSCGNNHqBM8p8tR9bMfFt6vkO2yzI7tLQh5Dmm7zc04fA84C6oXEHsVeAhFhB5p4VcQ8rGAxLo/w640-h288/20230925_093019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warmup spin on USFS Primary Road 198. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamg0cBT39hQuaJvg7UGOvDFbQ_c1SH70kP3rEcbcuWBmUw1UX7j9gV-Y1oNGEBhU1c_wBN_ZTsSRJK34xgmt1qI3HgLpvEkaL5orSJcn16EAaI8AFSDDWnvV5HLYEwLiJkWOvPTP3CYD7BH8XNcll64_Ndh4hXM86Vts4-dQjcSkEOQcw6f0TCNnMank/s4032/20230925_093356.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamg0cBT39hQuaJvg7UGOvDFbQ_c1SH70kP3rEcbcuWBmUw1UX7j9gV-Y1oNGEBhU1c_wBN_ZTsSRJK34xgmt1qI3HgLpvEkaL5orSJcn16EAaI8AFSDDWnvV5HLYEwLiJkWOvPTP3CYD7BH8XNcll64_Ndh4hXM86Vts4-dQjcSkEOQcw6f0TCNnMank/w640-h288/20230925_093356.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Gentle grades on USFS Primary Road 198. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-8KP9GiEkycZ-XRVr9KVDM2rx4MF10fQUuOgb08SQnQpTfY8IjERkdunIQPszdvquRVqLpb0XglJuEivNFvFCZREZ2L6eAX2BqUcutn5SZ-iW8Tkw2knmg7RClVnjfh3E11C4yNqQtLxIccTlpFSgGmfrqbU_r1xauYd-Awgwu7uGZ0EvaxwnH8EV2U/s4032/20230925_110042.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-8KP9GiEkycZ-XRVr9KVDM2rx4MF10fQUuOgb08SQnQpTfY8IjERkdunIQPszdvquRVqLpb0XglJuEivNFvFCZREZ2L6eAX2BqUcutn5SZ-iW8Tkw2knmg7RClVnjfh3E11C4yNqQtLxIccTlpFSgGmfrqbU_r1xauYd-Awgwu7uGZ0EvaxwnH8EV2U/w640-h288/20230925_110042.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our path narrows and steepens a bit on USFS Secondary Road 151. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34Pz0vbG2aVp97PiiRQQUBN8SWE00Xh0Rbdv-fJGPyk7Y7KWGep3dGZJCedQ_vl7pnBve5IdiC9eZzjmrgdBHF7lYWZIgfQAwYtBQ7chLuMuzjoBONgtbQaV_u53Bnb29XXO5NphlAyD2Xs_0QK3iphIOePUfm8_O-dyF_UprjQ2IE5mRz6xkQ6aG_0s/s4032/20230925_110050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34Pz0vbG2aVp97PiiRQQUBN8SWE00Xh0Rbdv-fJGPyk7Y7KWGep3dGZJCedQ_vl7pnBve5IdiC9eZzjmrgdBHF7lYWZIgfQAwYtBQ7chLuMuzjoBONgtbQaV_u53Bnb29XXO5NphlAyD2Xs_0QK3iphIOePUfm8_O-dyF_UprjQ2IE5mRz6xkQ6aG_0s/w640-h288/20230925_110050.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still climbing further along on USFS Secondary Road 151. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFZFqcgAkvzk8rtZTokU_lRa_s68D9vJi59yoXshcG9Uuk78NIUe0W9wBWWESo4UeUGFQH6dHPH42iGJZO8UnDDr1O6LlzJHhbMEioSlQRnIibTZ2k07BqcRQqbtcu4CYLwiNZpoF0d8OZfo09HJgIQ3iJiiLQ7HLZ0xSA13zjV1v8nqeXtQhEh_YrUA/s4032/20230925_115417.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFZFqcgAkvzk8rtZTokU_lRa_s68D9vJi59yoXshcG9Uuk78NIUe0W9wBWWESo4UeUGFQH6dHPH42iGJZO8UnDDr1O6LlzJHhbMEioSlQRnIibTZ2k07BqcRQqbtcu4CYLwiNZpoF0d8OZfo09HJgIQ3iJiiLQ7HLZ0xSA13zjV1v8nqeXtQhEh_YrUA/w480-h640/20230925_115417.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Caldwell considers a more direct route. (image by Ben Cooper)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09FDM1BtSTefJQ8GVg48UqYNuUrsVspsItdy_Q3aVgfZ1YFF9GOc92N0zCsx1ubphX5ZbIF3Zd7t_R0W7bABIHRbNypRgN9YYqf008BrACED_H255w-5TT6zVie9RrdiwqBtJPlGWkyj6rAKc-qdUI2FVEihQJ2Dwf5dE8n0nOOKB9XM1nJnkYL8059s/s4032/20230925_111310.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09FDM1BtSTefJQ8GVg48UqYNuUrsVspsItdy_Q3aVgfZ1YFF9GOc92N0zCsx1ubphX5ZbIF3Zd7t_R0W7bABIHRbNypRgN9YYqf008BrACED_H255w-5TT6zVie9RrdiwqBtJPlGWkyj6rAKc-qdUI2FVEihQJ2Dwf5dE8n0nOOKB9XM1nJnkYL8059s/w640-h288/20230925_111310.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're going ballistic! USFS Low Standard Road 567.1E. (image by Paul Brasby).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJ5UlojJ-9NoM1CH_boYyvkkLYnIT3m2GPUhzZaD3mBnc9HuDmV-pGg3ru6lKGoy09mXWNdpCtGbhCoB8fFoNL6X8w4TRMjIDoOZ7wF_6ggK87jbgHQaEuuNS-C4xnrbdt9s5gJlWJpxdPG-kC9ad-7KjtHabdnJruh8UqR2sDwl6dSGrdyUeIDa8dSY/s4032/20230925_111348.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJ5UlojJ-9NoM1CH_boYyvkkLYnIT3m2GPUhzZaD3mBnc9HuDmV-pGg3ru6lKGoy09mXWNdpCtGbhCoB8fFoNL6X8w4TRMjIDoOZ7wF_6ggK87jbgHQaEuuNS-C4xnrbdt9s5gJlWJpxdPG-kC9ad-7KjtHabdnJruh8UqR2sDwl6dSGrdyUeIDa8dSY/w640-h288/20230925_111348.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pushing a section of USFS Low Standard Road 567.1E. (image by Paul Brasby).</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYhOjhduMQy1smKSDwqK2CYTuah5kITPJhOh2kZqroxH8tBgEpmeI9_sDKokxzxTf-FzX36o4gR9mSAZ1411CzJPUU0Nl7kF5LieVIwc7l7zqfcT21V665lWCKfob6cKveKNdOZptxxl3514tk-bpM9rvJfo6z67PJCPLNfmsCV8KktR0kD0fEQvNBMA/s2048/383992690_6579150962183261_6665905326207536986_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYhOjhduMQy1smKSDwqK2CYTuah5kITPJhOh2kZqroxH8tBgEpmeI9_sDKokxzxTf-FzX36o4gR9mSAZ1411CzJPUU0Nl7kF5LieVIwc7l7zqfcT21V665lWCKfob6cKveKNdOZptxxl3514tk-bpM9rvJfo6z67PJCPLNfmsCV8KktR0kD0fEQvNBMA/w640-h360/383992690_6579150962183261_6665905326207536986_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View while climbing USFS Low Standard Road 567.1E. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBzIAbH7mLPnVgDGSPbF0oQMIomBZkPm3ZbCEXu_6Flqhh521CScW6ZbAao_CZAtvWPG62a5LrLXks455kM8O_hAetS_XbYUpjPfLpI2VtqFj7aHUhC8mXd5oBPXzzLsrUnX69iyWu0H3cpCWyPC_ax_4RZcCnyufv_Nbwzh1XiMZEx4YjMYFPbmm2uc/s720/384673800_6579150942183263_8773922408593919894_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="514" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBzIAbH7mLPnVgDGSPbF0oQMIomBZkPm3ZbCEXu_6Flqhh521CScW6ZbAao_CZAtvWPG62a5LrLXks455kM8O_hAetS_XbYUpjPfLpI2VtqFj7aHUhC8mXd5oBPXzzLsrUnX69iyWu0H3cpCWyPC_ax_4RZcCnyufv_Nbwzh1XiMZEx4YjMYFPbmm2uc/w456-h640/384673800_6579150942183263_8773922408593919894_n.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Low Standard Road 567.1E makes a statement. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kxSab_29_qp5fhwXL8kZXifjRCE5GtpVjAyEbbvfIpiLgrp9qsGs2XnTisZ0C2tpKWPSI8UAzhk7w1wMxfo5eQHbzZjuFcdb-1E7Pn1bbF2K1bGNxLGwDHPqosgYK44YJ9baHlRab6X60Dx3SWBbV1nBhWtvpUfD58292kVkCzy78W1ugmrtbfqMOfA/s4032/20230925_111555.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kxSab_29_qp5fhwXL8kZXifjRCE5GtpVjAyEbbvfIpiLgrp9qsGs2XnTisZ0C2tpKWPSI8UAzhk7w1wMxfo5eQHbzZjuFcdb-1E7Pn1bbF2K1bGNxLGwDHPqosgYK44YJ9baHlRab6X60Dx3SWBbV1nBhWtvpUfD58292kVkCzy78W1ugmrtbfqMOfA/w640-h288/20230925_111555.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Caldwell claws up USFS Low Standard Road 567.1E. (image by Paul Brasby).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2a2BOpIG-w-KHgrT0Z222Jv3yVkxBKIVyzrqLQW_fsDaa03HvoCKZSePoeOAvF0CvIQPpK_mc_YT2QtX73ygSz453uYljxEXYQEfQIDvD4VNSgty59Qu6-wKvPjbYj9TKYN4ze6O5YsqgBj1LwPIXruQ-5T-QpMBQHm30kAqY5MjL1BJU4XayXFCku4I/s4032/20230925_112208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2a2BOpIG-w-KHgrT0Z222Jv3yVkxBKIVyzrqLQW_fsDaa03HvoCKZSePoeOAvF0CvIQPpK_mc_YT2QtX73ygSz453uYljxEXYQEfQIDvD4VNSgty59Qu6-wKvPjbYj9TKYN4ze6O5YsqgBj1LwPIXruQ-5T-QpMBQHm30kAqY5MjL1BJU4XayXFCku4I/w288-h640/20230925_112208.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Bloom takes a breather on USFS Low Standard Road 567.1E. (image by Paul Brasby).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iD9Y-6TaoKd5DUWuaFkuym9QRF2KaYlm_BJT0_b0hEe9ucMuS-3D0Hpgs47qTriZ9sigDKhDyCIY_DMgfgqnywZ-Q9mDtm3kcv5_QlzQCZHEqjrmcznuoA0E27-g4nKyas6jXMttv5dXGYTcwgjjsfvPHWRN1dgN3RIWoallNHKzPu0Kur8HPGbf3Zw/s4032/20230925_115757.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iD9Y-6TaoKd5DUWuaFkuym9QRF2KaYlm_BJT0_b0hEe9ucMuS-3D0Hpgs47qTriZ9sigDKhDyCIY_DMgfgqnywZ-Q9mDtm3kcv5_QlzQCZHEqjrmcznuoA0E27-g4nKyas6jXMttv5dXGYTcwgjjsfvPHWRN1dgN3RIWoallNHKzPu0Kur8HPGbf3Zw/w640-h288/20230925_115757.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Caldwell works his way up USFS Low Standard Road 567.1. (image by Paul Brasby).</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGGsWBNsUoCJ5_SPE4A495DR68E28x0ISjZdB6tOQsWshEVQyGavzwQffkTzpeq43ivcaY45jYnA2xC1U7K7XHDqCikvjDcwBYKvYd5AiJ3D_LPjDs9BsB4hrYev7Peyk7ZzuMZRDMhv5pQ1shaoD_2SGF1EXuJ9ex0Qc_E0YrYgp4Uzo40iHwClDf0s/s4032/20230925_122849.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGGsWBNsUoCJ5_SPE4A495DR68E28x0ISjZdB6tOQsWshEVQyGavzwQffkTzpeq43ivcaY45jYnA2xC1U7K7XHDqCikvjDcwBYKvYd5AiJ3D_LPjDs9BsB4hrYev7Peyk7ZzuMZRDMhv5pQ1shaoD_2SGF1EXuJ9ex0Qc_E0YrYgp4Uzo40iHwClDf0s/w640-h288/20230925_122849.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Butte view from USFS Low Standard Road 567.1. (image by Paul Brasby).</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZR0y0K2ln3njbqhnBIuL9S1ZPaVW2lqBGvPEJ5xu4i3cenNkU5Z0FPhEuZW2r7yL1pu55R5L3oYY0ZBFPr2QiC1BiE63D86f_N-WYwYsKmshiPk64HTCBDXAwMXC2b8e32rzF6QdgZB8JT9gGgGlrD6R5LhQM9315hi6BPH0L8l9TUQpPfeMRIxYkZE/s1080/thumbnail-1.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZR0y0K2ln3njbqhnBIuL9S1ZPaVW2lqBGvPEJ5xu4i3cenNkU5Z0FPhEuZW2r7yL1pu55R5L3oYY0ZBFPr2QiC1BiE63D86f_N-WYwYsKmshiPk64HTCBDXAwMXC2b8e32rzF6QdgZB8JT9gGgGlrD6R5LhQM9315hi6BPH0L8l9TUQpPfeMRIxYkZE/w640-h480/thumbnail-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big views atop climb of USFS Low Standard Road 567.1E and 567.1.<br />(image by Craig Groseth)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiqTtF6LlM1htelEBUaihA269mnU58jne1ftkGPnLMxMjr1ZKdFSvXyZRQqk2A0IQ2YSW018YD3igfPLhDTKemVvsGlXyrpdVxMcI7jFJg0-Imbsno6gAAOlT24BP9CTqI3Q-nYUE2simC2cSLAhW0qNTygunOcJQsgN1Vwb1bQRRuloEnMYqNUwKVBY/s2048/384551943_7109868069047355_2523492173917740825_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiqTtF6LlM1htelEBUaihA269mnU58jne1ftkGPnLMxMjr1ZKdFSvXyZRQqk2A0IQ2YSW018YD3igfPLhDTKemVvsGlXyrpdVxMcI7jFJg0-Imbsno6gAAOlT24BP9CTqI3Q-nYUE2simC2cSLAhW0qNTygunOcJQsgN1Vwb1bQRRuloEnMYqNUwKVBY/w640-h288/384551943_7109868069047355_2523492173917740825_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard earned Second Breadfast along USFS Low Standard Road 567.1. (image by Paul Brasby).</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidw9O_3LnwmNdrORErpIqLhLqO2FJ4ZrTfSkV1Oca6daAhXVA8oEE5bExuwZowWeizlyhupb8glqIWOUb78o2b7B6dkiVV82q1e2ZHxdwyF-tDQDuOCdpC4ZyDyrPRLsFOIRSnIPDtyHDQhDh_F-ALSQTNApDnwwYE3M-nZG8XfFf0j3SH3VwaZoYWY94/s4032/20230925_114538.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidw9O_3LnwmNdrORErpIqLhLqO2FJ4ZrTfSkV1Oca6daAhXVA8oEE5bExuwZowWeizlyhupb8glqIWOUb78o2b7B6dkiVV82q1e2ZHxdwyF-tDQDuOCdpC4ZyDyrPRLsFOIRSnIPDtyHDQhDh_F-ALSQTNApDnwwYE3M-nZG8XfFf0j3SH3VwaZoYWY94/w640-h288/20230925_114538.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dreams of Saloon #10 dance through Jon Naaf's head. USFS Low Standard Road 172.1. (image by Paul Brasby).</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogG7T0VOf2qvliN6EZAnHMyYrr_nzfNwkySMSji7b4eT-zgEJbYdZiGrlKt8SaFyOWssTgAOOB4sPIb0fhITcOdqV95v67IXzLGAjUgYwSGB3ZEx_B_VlHtskES0TRc_7DxRFjiOhlOMTM2gZWUYA-joykJVZbwSzwkcgiLYZfBnc23eiF5-9xuH4Qz0/s2048/384741495_6579151225516568_1413783670066584931_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogG7T0VOf2qvliN6EZAnHMyYrr_nzfNwkySMSji7b4eT-zgEJbYdZiGrlKt8SaFyOWssTgAOOB4sPIb0fhITcOdqV95v67IXzLGAjUgYwSGB3ZEx_B_VlHtskES0TRc_7DxRFjiOhlOMTM2gZWUYA-joykJVZbwSzwkcgiLYZfBnc23eiF5-9xuH4Qz0/w640-h480/384741495_6579151225516568_1413783670066584931_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highway 14A? How'd 14A get here? (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0Y-ynbJeISZjrTxgectgy1ZY_REDA_HtWj2qxvjv07QGBBVCfSqzYD4FzO2ZzyvEd-XwBPudsk79Y4smMCRfTkyG6fQylUEtR6bkdmJT8Gbq3QfEUSi2vXttH8r6N-47YNcKpCwfVHof6wn0ncMIb8gSe_itImJqHbXh8HWcG7z84fq-5uypICccfAc/s2048/384483678_7109871195713709_6766066634550397380_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0Y-ynbJeISZjrTxgectgy1ZY_REDA_HtWj2qxvjv07QGBBVCfSqzYD4FzO2ZzyvEd-XwBPudsk79Y4smMCRfTkyG6fQylUEtR6bkdmJT8Gbq3QfEUSi2vXttH8r6N-47YNcKpCwfVHof6wn0ncMIb8gSe_itImJqHbXh8HWcG7z84fq-5uypICccfAc/w640-h288/384483678_7109871195713709_6766066634550397380_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deadwood! (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWEnyYZY2o3He-TDZPHinOGXtOycaYLnTwu3AKeQth-z4YfjKjh2V6b52GaVAZja4KZGqVekHICZjYDMs5_3XwbblsMEyi_4Erh2_qDKSj0XS800V2WhQkKx_hyphenhyphen4mcHhNrxPNz5tc_n0uRPg8Kx9viu4BQKN9OUicbSODj-JI4ytsJQbDhj8PLKhVS3A/s2048/385289005_7109872349046927_2002992869699750525_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWEnyYZY2o3He-TDZPHinOGXtOycaYLnTwu3AKeQth-z4YfjKjh2V6b52GaVAZja4KZGqVekHICZjYDMs5_3XwbblsMEyi_4Erh2_qDKSj0XS800V2WhQkKx_hyphenhyphen4mcHhNrxPNz5tc_n0uRPg8Kx9viu4BQKN9OUicbSODj-JI4ytsJQbDhj8PLKhVS3A/w640-h288/385289005_7109872349046927_2002992869699750525_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling through downtown Deadwood. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaO49-5JCaQxqbkjoYhnzjV59ab-clH5T2tE2KHNDcA3eAD5JaL9AxjsrxImBa_4UrsQfhD0JfGMiYc5T8lBs2OhDbnBjFXw0MmoUu5KCQypn0ZvFJx6OK5rDAcBuS7YGSRRCMXEc9ynTo8prJ1ulZW6_UQpm5pMJgvNRjzYQ5tHB3vnTuS0nmiHczN4/s2048/382242248_7109873359046826_4307074882354038157_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaO49-5JCaQxqbkjoYhnzjV59ab-clH5T2tE2KHNDcA3eAD5JaL9AxjsrxImBa_4UrsQfhD0JfGMiYc5T8lBs2OhDbnBjFXw0MmoUu5KCQypn0ZvFJx6OK5rDAcBuS7YGSRRCMXEc9ynTo8prJ1ulZW6_UQpm5pMJgvNRjzYQ5tHB3vnTuS0nmiHczN4/w640-h288/382242248_7109873359046826_4307074882354038157_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail weary steeds huddle in cover. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KjmlI6ZvTcjOtdBGigNH_UMXumEnfSKzz4urR2Wpfe-58Nv-ZwjY1pu4R4s_bhyphenhyphenKHgFDBDeBGlKWsDEIr3geQqY6iTXMq6TI6TS57AchHTUW4_Vjm_aPENfvoJ06NS4bASgLP5B8Z-sUTgFfaunaH5hUankR9_vx7stYM3wN4lIwS1gKctm7SimlZiM/s2048/384664565_6579151138849910_1698626196360781415_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KjmlI6ZvTcjOtdBGigNH_UMXumEnfSKzz4urR2Wpfe-58Nv-ZwjY1pu4R4s_bhyphenhyphenKHgFDBDeBGlKWsDEIr3geQqY6iTXMq6TI6TS57AchHTUW4_Vjm_aPENfvoJ06NS4bASgLP5B8Z-sUTgFfaunaH5hUankR9_vx7stYM3wN4lIwS1gKctm7SimlZiM/w640-h458/384664565_6579151138849910_1698626196360781415_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Searching for a campsite. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPCW_ZVCOXrRq9IbjqA7EaE7bsl-ylq9LD8RuKKsU0RcsLEXc3FapdO2l_dlyRWU_BirNnmC5LS-mrHfoMGAMVlWkWBqKjvyMQbe8cwRipnp7tFVCJTRMpyWmi06qIn6jxSQ5zi0qpWmbLqu_Lnz-jafOJqaZv6cA2EsMvpRCPPPRdPdfb7E3LnugE9U/s4032/20230925_170158.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPCW_ZVCOXrRq9IbjqA7EaE7bsl-ylq9LD8RuKKsU0RcsLEXc3FapdO2l_dlyRWU_BirNnmC5LS-mrHfoMGAMVlWkWBqKjvyMQbe8cwRipnp7tFVCJTRMpyWmi06qIn6jxSQ5zi0qpWmbLqu_Lnz-jafOJqaZv6cA2EsMvpRCPPPRdPdfb7E3LnugE9U/w640-h288/20230925_170158.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinning up the Mickelson Trail. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsTCsi63hJfDsgcNb9mnNXExXHZSGMi_5sXBc83CdqMLLZ1PtB6gws6NWigLXxEE4OcN86WLn7T6v9bRk37nnSfM2u9iOio-f-ClvFG-XeeRPexbrEQSFjySZA7SaFEtDT6dqzaq5AJpSAgwOxE9j6i6nHYph7tq_k0dr0L9XV705x5sdfsP_xtw3RL8/s4032/20230925_170335.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsTCsi63hJfDsgcNb9mnNXExXHZSGMi_5sXBc83CdqMLLZ1PtB6gws6NWigLXxEE4OcN86WLn7T6v9bRk37nnSfM2u9iOio-f-ClvFG-XeeRPexbrEQSFjySZA7SaFEtDT6dqzaq5AJpSAgwOxE9j6i6nHYph7tq_k0dr0L9XV705x5sdfsP_xtw3RL8/w640-h288/20230925_170335.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daylight slipping away along the Mickelson Trail. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3MdqGG_bXUvbpnoACPjhajGM-Wsc3Uf3kv1UnAzeAt5CLqK_zYxmuTTToFIW6ev4UzVpJJ4ZPyPASMfhjMJOLnWeneZhj3PAERvF4xaKYwTWO-ERbZlfrt8-3yGMfkbmsVpNuKzw7Cs8c4W8uS8FtPVR3A3x73w8d1YKTHGqjRlTBE-hTpUCr9w6OtY/s4032/20230925_194254.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3MdqGG_bXUvbpnoACPjhajGM-Wsc3Uf3kv1UnAzeAt5CLqK_zYxmuTTToFIW6ev4UzVpJJ4ZPyPASMfhjMJOLnWeneZhj3PAERvF4xaKYwTWO-ERbZlfrt8-3yGMfkbmsVpNuKzw7Cs8c4W8uS8FtPVR3A3x73w8d1YKTHGqjRlTBE-hTpUCr9w6OtY/w640-h288/20230925_194254.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lights out soon at our dispersed campsite. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5388975638191016144.post-68950252634805023012023-10-08T06:13:00.000-06:002023-10-08T06:13:50.775-06:002023 Black Hills Bounty (Day 0) - Gathering at Roubaix Lake<div>On a brisk Sunday evening, we gather at USFS Roubaix Lake Campground for the 2023 Black Hills Bounty. Friends from Nebraska, Kansas, and South Dakota sprinkle in, as the moon rises and stars fill the sky. We joyfully re-connect over a roaring campfire, sharing stories and making s'mores.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the morning, we start a 6 day rough road bikepacking tour of the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota and the Bear Lodge Mountains of Wyoming, with a jaunt into the prairie to Devil's Tower National Monument. It's a typical Black Hills Bounty mix of Forest Service back roads, abandoned two-tracks, some single track, a stretch of Mickelson Trail, and even a bit of pavement. A self-supported, self-navigated adventure/vacation, with a nod toward vacation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our story of the 2023 Black Hills Bounty will be told primarily in images captured by our assembly of experienced endurance cyclists. Paul Brasby, Ben Cooper and Jeff Caldwell of North Platte, NE. Jeff Bloom of Lincoln, NE. Jon Naaf of Manhattan, KS. Peggy Waite-Bradley of Kansas City, MO. Kevin Fox of Rapid City, SD (a relatively recent migrant from NE). And me, Craig Groseth of Rapid City, SD.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few images from Roubaix Lake USFS Campground as we gather and prepare our bikes. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3pPWm4PliYnZj8nJa8sy0dqGrzol_lRM65CH2OIvkG00tZfaCTa22LSG9BBYAdnG8-c_0zn6OQETKna_L55mVR3bKQffT8sIZ2lmNQk74l900F2XZDX57SsGST5IcRLNLZARoeW_W5uOw7zSY07gsKF1eiHnf-rjk5pXiARj7hZXHBem_p1nnUgIN6s/s4032/20230925_070917.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3pPWm4PliYnZj8nJa8sy0dqGrzol_lRM65CH2OIvkG00tZfaCTa22LSG9BBYAdnG8-c_0zn6OQETKna_L55mVR3bKQffT8sIZ2lmNQk74l900F2XZDX57SsGST5IcRLNLZARoeW_W5uOw7zSY07gsKF1eiHnf-rjk5pXiARj7hZXHBem_p1nnUgIN6s/w640-h288/20230925_070917.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Roubaix Lake Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkqH2OWd7Rksa8Lel7nSLv4Nn0dEgBkbWm2RtO9U4lk5bLtW80UFZdhGh1xxYM_beqnV18oAEWIqFHEeif2_1uDRLZHSHojc1L146pYEROC1kz_zkN8bKjXXo3_satOo_MxZ09rJk4gc0oSY_eyuC3C5Y93806Jvf-XMYaMQEerT0KCuVM5JwFSeW_yc/s4032/20230925_071328.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkqH2OWd7Rksa8Lel7nSLv4Nn0dEgBkbWm2RtO9U4lk5bLtW80UFZdhGh1xxYM_beqnV18oAEWIqFHEeif2_1uDRLZHSHojc1L146pYEROC1kz_zkN8bKjXXo3_satOo_MxZ09rJk4gc0oSY_eyuC3C5Y93806Jvf-XMYaMQEerT0KCuVM5JwFSeW_yc/w640-h288/20230925_071328.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Roubaix Lake Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXc6qt-bDCjEB7sZwlPq8OI-o2JqloxD7hd0I-J5m88PkKhuXCvjDM-hAGV6DjRDD-Ud-URo8wwxJbXjL_A0s-ZopwL8lB_AsJuTE_q6DfeK9TqIdpVR9lfQWSqUMFl5ixdUZrrcF7GSLIIH-WIMt3Rs97nX2tm7uPHuPsgIouc63QD8SV_htRdNV6FiA/s4032/20230925_071314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXc6qt-bDCjEB7sZwlPq8OI-o2JqloxD7hd0I-J5m88PkKhuXCvjDM-hAGV6DjRDD-Ud-URo8wwxJbXjL_A0s-ZopwL8lB_AsJuTE_q6DfeK9TqIdpVR9lfQWSqUMFl5ixdUZrrcF7GSLIIH-WIMt3Rs97nX2tm7uPHuPsgIouc63QD8SV_htRdNV6FiA/w640-h288/20230925_071314.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">USFS Roubaix Lake Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8KhPDiOZHAY08FTsv3uIJCPz78kc7JQTCvcAMFYrI45h2qeoGLfctFdedym6wQwtRWV9olxJVdatDRbQtA9MHDPSd0CPmhBcwMfUrW9Ig0Ki9xmcVbOFmKNxfG9vxL8PE1eB5j1GesBUp0eU4jiFvIIkzZ3z2Y8DgW488f3Y4s0XHiBdu4y6PqoyJBA/s2048/386150714_6579058038859220_7300084704661108982_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1462" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8KhPDiOZHAY08FTsv3uIJCPz78kc7JQTCvcAMFYrI45h2qeoGLfctFdedym6wQwtRWV9olxJVdatDRbQtA9MHDPSd0CPmhBcwMfUrW9Ig0Ki9xmcVbOFmKNxfG9vxL8PE1eB5j1GesBUp0eU4jiFvIIkzZ3z2Y8DgW488f3Y4s0XHiBdu4y6PqoyJBA/w456-h640/386150714_6579058038859220_7300084704661108982_n.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Brasby and his Salsa CutThroat. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWfEK7zUTeB7Z-Jm7lrWciyp54U9j6kTwNhUvZsi5tszrNTDus1UEA3dmEKnOJBNkTTZfeNnll9G59hUwTI32vx30EIlZQNPdDXr0S2nprSZ7a3DvxGWRs4EmLoiL4I9grbG_vSgTtF65ujvIwvGYYKGOOFgB5UOcpnsZi385yuLO9dkMfsRuHvfoSVM/s2048/385860475_6579058198859204_7227761754449761639_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1462" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWfEK7zUTeB7Z-Jm7lrWciyp54U9j6kTwNhUvZsi5tszrNTDus1UEA3dmEKnOJBNkTTZfeNnll9G59hUwTI32vx30EIlZQNPdDXr0S2nprSZ7a3DvxGWRs4EmLoiL4I9grbG_vSgTtF65ujvIwvGYYKGOOFgB5UOcpnsZi385yuLO9dkMfsRuHvfoSVM/w456-h640/385860475_6579058198859204_7227761754449761639_n.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Cooper and his Salsa CutThroat. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-wjNCu9ZwjG4e8fs_jML9a20V9osF90XhkMt7TsV_PH6LuqJ7MEQanlSLX_gpl0EN4iK3-waMhk-SS-nZogqkFsfziD0u12yyl-vV3yanle5cnzHUKMVeRWUoSVB0My8_RI5F1RYHD-iteOl9utwCrPsNasLWhko_MlSCerq5yQPgHLVKXIjKLibFaE/s2048/384763266_6579058145525876_6687536366143087329_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1462" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-wjNCu9ZwjG4e8fs_jML9a20V9osF90XhkMt7TsV_PH6LuqJ7MEQanlSLX_gpl0EN4iK3-waMhk-SS-nZogqkFsfziD0u12yyl-vV3yanle5cnzHUKMVeRWUoSVB0My8_RI5F1RYHD-iteOl9utwCrPsNasLWhko_MlSCerq5yQPgHLVKXIjKLibFaE/w456-h640/384763266_6579058145525876_6687536366143087329_n.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Caldwell and his Salsa CutThroat. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yFDh1-944CJJCTR3m0MMDyJL_4rZiGiPGpAiIJ0-b1omJofBzsLnB92iNJyISN-Cj_RnArZWRppQm6Z7aLxrb4v1VZOmRah41o3qHYKwbWevdp8WvUDotEDdi3T8ixWd315aoS-FYjdr5o78pEx-AcTVvP30K052kUqAgjt3DC2MJUnU3anOee-qzOY/s2048/383969974_6579058428859181_6984129014482750308_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yFDh1-944CJJCTR3m0MMDyJL_4rZiGiPGpAiIJ0-b1omJofBzsLnB92iNJyISN-Cj_RnArZWRppQm6Z7aLxrb4v1VZOmRah41o3qHYKwbWevdp8WvUDotEDdi3T8ixWd315aoS-FYjdr5o78pEx-AcTVvP30K052kUqAgjt3DC2MJUnU3anOee-qzOY/w512-h640/383969974_6579058428859181_6984129014482750308_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon Naaf and his Salsa Deadwood. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijm6K-MLZXHODWH9UsDmZW9l8Eskbre0Xqv8TEZSXc6KVwXZNS4j0_46HCDnMnGujeB04ysZpv5R1dFSSz643K19OldURtIOAXu6FptqIdeO-HtZi62D9thUUnXF2EhQPRJ0t9BSKtgMkoPPvnwiM_rhourUCdmOJ-CGqZ-g1P1i9jZ4o7bEkxTNyDEns/s2048/384342179_10159983813938925_4048004277690817186_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijm6K-MLZXHODWH9UsDmZW9l8Eskbre0Xqv8TEZSXc6KVwXZNS4j0_46HCDnMnGujeB04ysZpv5R1dFSSz643K19OldURtIOAXu6FptqIdeO-HtZi62D9thUUnXF2EhQPRJ0t9BSKtgMkoPPvnwiM_rhourUCdmOJ-CGqZ-g1P1i9jZ4o7bEkxTNyDEns/w480-h640/384342179_10159983813938925_4048004277690817186_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Bloom's Salsa CutThroat. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNFoaQJfySM1HST3VNuN7gnIPyQjqNlDTr7KBr_TMopB-IGnhGZdHdOhF9kGCAiLy3Qx0mdBYEKaHbQQGYa_Jucibyo_wGtQwDTyUytGrKX2madmzXlUNAyJxB3ZYyVg6px_ItXUlKmHM_hTL2L9gpe2bzKjVQ6qTjbWJtoJ3aBPKmKFugFNylwDGLF0/s2048/384740572_6579058378859186_8071605847535510308_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1462" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNFoaQJfySM1HST3VNuN7gnIPyQjqNlDTr7KBr_TMopB-IGnhGZdHdOhF9kGCAiLy3Qx0mdBYEKaHbQQGYa_Jucibyo_wGtQwDTyUytGrKX2madmzXlUNAyJxB3ZYyVg6px_ItXUlKmHM_hTL2L9gpe2bzKjVQ6qTjbWJtoJ3aBPKmKFugFNylwDGLF0/w456-h640/384740572_6579058378859186_8071605847535510308_n.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peggy Waite-Bradley and her Salsa CutThroat, as she joins us for Day 4.<br />(image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxrDTY0L6TgbkawNy511w_mbgptjhPL8MkD-GomFIGun_LCpqUKBRWszI72Ll4haJQ0srLPOgaDGjmnl7pkWo471uJbAmpp2GpP6-FkkaQ3asKrfHrN_774o3rjGC26F9K6mR-ZYu3wXIuwEG8bGIPr7muCV9nmIHv75mpWOK5FMiBtKlBNDl0wmI5Aw/s2048/384656950_6579057898859234_3532506305165348533_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxrDTY0L6TgbkawNy511w_mbgptjhPL8MkD-GomFIGun_LCpqUKBRWszI72Ll4haJQ0srLPOgaDGjmnl7pkWo471uJbAmpp2GpP6-FkkaQ3asKrfHrN_774o3rjGC26F9K6mR-ZYu3wXIuwEG8bGIPr7muCV9nmIHv75mpWOK5FMiBtKlBNDl0wmI5Aw/w640-h456/384656950_6579057898859234_3532506305165348533_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin Fox's Trek. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxn21YGJtg4x-ciJElgifmrkT2V1gs3DIWaLZfvVLHPDT7NNv4aMFSwzOuJaaZv6dWySgyVj7sb9t-WgI7tgAC5XIU3lWTJUKIjl1jjl2GF2p37nbpGi1xfIUsbJ5Z8fXaHLgWI4wDsc3spVZhwgxWQdqnU1hYfkQuFc4NG1bVsxOCsxFxqCL7leWMTs/s2048/386316177_6579058505525840_8840739183297698203_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxn21YGJtg4x-ciJElgifmrkT2V1gs3DIWaLZfvVLHPDT7NNv4aMFSwzOuJaaZv6dWySgyVj7sb9t-WgI7tgAC5XIU3lWTJUKIjl1jjl2GF2p37nbpGi1xfIUsbJ5Z8fXaHLgWI4wDsc3spVZhwgxWQdqnU1hYfkQuFc4NG1bVsxOCsxFxqCL7leWMTs/w458-h640/386316177_6579058505525840_8840739183297698203_n.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig Groseth and his Jones 29+. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDcH_1a4BLupyLVgP1Tq8WSX93r-0G6U9hnu70zJ36asUQxCox86WxJBfPeVfndQbIYqLxS_IP7HlB8_-1V87Av5FetoT3zdHqjqneUM9Bgqp0dbtFfH3als8z3uaKnUNb9SdklOE0VTyMJAgUIJxRxR204WipUs9hqlNxMGs51jauI37c9GI8r3pIZY/s2048/384749466_6579058278859196_6305996648075404902_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDcH_1a4BLupyLVgP1Tq8WSX93r-0G6U9hnu70zJ36asUQxCox86WxJBfPeVfndQbIYqLxS_IP7HlB8_-1V87Av5FetoT3zdHqjqneUM9Bgqp0dbtFfH3als8z3uaKnUNb9SdklOE0VTyMJAgUIJxRxR204WipUs9hqlNxMGs51jauI37c9GI8r3pIZY/w640-h456/384749466_6579058278859196_6305996648075404902_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for takeoff. (image by Kevin Fox)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CrossTrailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02837193725204106745noreply@blogger.com0