2023 Black Hills Bounty (Day 3) - Active Recovery

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.

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.

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 Day 0 - Gathering At Roubaix Lake; Day 1 - Mining Camp Ghosts Lead To Deadwood; Day 2 - Up Ski Trails & Down Rock Chutes.

Chilly start to the day on Roughlock Falls Road (USFS 222). (image by Paul Brasby)

OK, Paul, you're in the start picture, too. (image by Paul Brasby)

Cold early morning descent on Roughlock Falls Road. (image by Paul Brasby)

Down hoodies on for chilly Roughlock Falls Road. (image by Paul Brasby)

Some sunlight starts to reach into the valley on Roughlock Falls Road. (image by Paul Brasby)

After breakfast view from Spearfish Canyon Road. (image by Kevin Fox)

View from Spearfish Canyon Road. (image by Kevin Fox)

Re-grouping at Cheyenne Crossing, which was closed on a Wednesday. (image by Paul Brasby)

Jeff Bloom lightly spins up the Mickelson Trail. (image by Paul Brasby)

The Mickelson Trail provides a welcomed break from rocks, ruts, and steeps. (image by Paul Brasby)

Soaking in the view from Mickelson Trail. (image by Paul Brasby)

Stoked to finally find some dirty two track on USFS Low Standard Road 256.1A. (image by Paul Brasby)

Relaxing at USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)

USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)

USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)

USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)

USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Ben Cooper)

USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)

USFS Reuter Campground. (image by Paul Brasby)