2018 Black Hills Gravel Series - a Lucas Haan production

Gravel maestro Lucas Haan announces a return engagement for the Black Hills Gravel Series.

Hip! Hip! Hooray!

Over the shoulder, I hear Race Director Lucas Haan, out on the course at Week 6 of the 2017 Black Hills Gravel Series,
welcoming newcomer Dave Litzen, with veterans Jessica Linquist and Eric Linquist pulling up to join.
It's a party of five, rolling toward Spearfish on primo South Dakota gravel.

Last spring, Lucas created something special with the Black Hills Gravel Series. For six consecutive Saturdays, area cyclists awoke to the opportunity to embark on a remote rough road adventure into the unmatched scenery and tucked away history of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Each week Lucas actually offered two routes:  a loop of about 50 miles/5,000 feet of elevation gain and a shorter, less difficult loop of about 25 miles nestled therein. Great spring rides.

As cool as the courses were, the best part of this labor of love was the creation of a low key, regular gathering for area cyclists of all kinds to connect and re-connect. Each week drew a patchwork assortment of cyclists, from speedsters to tourists, seasoned to beginners, young to old. Half hailed from Spearfish. A quarter were women. All were welcomed to share the experience. What a fabulous contribution to the Black Hills cycling community. Here's a link to my post of last year's festivities. A Six Course Feast.

This is grass roots cycling. No fees. No licenses. No aid stations. No course markings. No course marshals. No on course support of any kind. No t-shirt. No schwag bag. No specialized bike, gear or clothing. Routes that are rideable on most any bike, although a road racing bike with tires skinnier than an inch would be a challenge. Bring friends and family. All are welcome and will be welcomed.

Deep into the Black Hills, the Black Hills Gravel Series throws in some dirt roads, too.

This year looks to be even better, with more folks learning about it and with a true "Starter"10 mile route added to the "Social" 25 mile and the "Scenic" 50 mile. For updated information, go to the FaceBook page for Black Hills Drop Bar Dirt, Gravel and Cyclocross Riders. Black Hills Drop Bar Group. Also, here's a link to a post about registration, which is free. 2018 Black Hills Gravel Series - Registration. Finally, the schedule, straight from Lucas.

See you out there.

*******Black Hill Gravel Series Post*******
Schedule:
#1 - Sunday April 8th @ Crow Peak
#2 - Saturday April 14th @ Moonshine Gulch ...
#3 - Sunday April 22nd @ Mt. Rushmore Brewing
#4 - Saturday April 28th @ Silver Dollar Saloon