Grinding Away Some Rust

My my, hey hey

Rock and roll is here to stay

. . .

It's better to burn out, than it is to rust

The king is gone, but he's not forgotten

My My, Hey Hey (Out Of The Blue), Neil Young (1978)

That was a climb to start the day. Glad for a break at the Needles.

rust (noun):  the reddish brittle coating formed on iron, especially when chemically attacked by moist air and composed essentially of hydrated ferric oxide

rust (intransitive verb): 1. to form rust : become oxidized 2. to degenerate, especially from inaction, lack of use, or passage of time

Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

That second definition of the verb form of RUST hits home. For me, however, the rust is not from inaction, but rather a substantial drop in the frequency, duration, and intensity of action. Since my solo 24 Hours In The Old Pueblo (Two Four HOP) over 20 months ago, I simply have not been moving like I have over the years. I don't know why. 

No matter. Earlier this week, I decided it was past time for a long ride through the Black Hills. Something like the long gravel grinders of Odin's Revenge, Almanzo Royal, and Dirty Kanza, but on a shorter, local, signature route. 

Time to grind away some of that rust.

Time for the Monumental Loop. Mickelson Trail from Hill City southbound, Sylvan Lake Road to the Needles, down Needles Highway past Cathedral Spires, up two track Remington Camp Road, on stream-hopping, single track Iron Creek Trail, up and down Iron Mountain (Pigtail Highway), up a steep 2 mile pitch to Mt. Rushmore, across USFS Low Standard Road 356 to Old Hill City Road, and back to the Hill City trailhead of the Mickelson Trail. For a RideWithGPS file, go to Monumental Loop.

On a cool, overcast, breezy fall day, with little direct sunlight and an altogether too fast sunset, I rode that Monumental Loop. Long, grinding climbs. Chilly, screaming descents. Too late and too cold to stop at Mt. Rushmore for its renowned ice cream. Grateful to soft pedal back to the trailhead before dark. Utterly spent.

But I ground off some rust, physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Next up. Back out on prairie gravel.

First tunnel of the day. On the climb up Sylvan Lake Road.

Approaching the Needles on Sylvan Lake Road. Well past peak fall colors.

First climb complete. At the Needles.
(image by unknown tourist)

Needles Eye Tunnel, looking back.

Ready to roll down Needles Highway!

Descending Needles Highway, with Cathedral Spires in the background.
(image by a different unknown tourist)

Iron Mountain Road tunnel frames Mount Rushmore, the destination ahead.

God Bless America.

RideWithGPS file for the Monumental Loop.

My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue), Neil Yound & Crazy Horse (1979).