2025 Bounty Gear List

Here's my gear list for the 2025 Black Hills Bounty. Well, for the initial 3 days/2 nights.

This year, the week breaks into smaller pieces, so that more folks can work at least some of it into their schedules. We'll start with a three day/two night self-supported bikepacking trip on a freshly created route that will push the remoteness envelope for some. Then we'll shuttle for an unloaded tourist day to Mt. Rushmore via Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. Finally, we're back for a 2 day/1night victory lap to a remote USFS campground.

As this will be a late September ride, I included a few things for cooler nights and mornings. Including the 30 pound bike, this all weighs about 68 pounds, with 3 days of food and 4 liters of water.

Like my bike, and me, this kit's built for comfort. It aint built for speed.

68 pounds fully loaded to start the 2025 Black Hills Bounty.

Sleep Kit:  Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1 Bikepack tent, Western Mountaineering VersaLite sleeping bag, ThermaRest Elite NXT pad, Outdoor Vitals UL stretch pillow.

Clothes:  2 pair Voler bib shorts, Voler jersey, 2 pair SmartWool socks, Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit shoes, Voler arm warmers, Voler knee warmers, Voler wind jacket, Showers Pass Refuge rain jacket, Marmot down hoodie, SmartWool camp shirt, nylon camp shorts, SmartWool liner gloves, Bontrager cycling gloves, Voler skull cap, SmartWool 250 stocking cap, Oakley Aero5 helmet, Oakley M-frame prescription sunglasses, Oakley athletic prescription glasses.

First Aid/Hygiene/Personal:  Ace bandage, gauze pads, large & small bandaids, butterfly bandaids, alcohol wipes, zinc oxide, Neosporin, lip balm, aspirin, ibuprofen, Tums, toilet paper, hand towel, toothbrush/paste, soap, phone, wallet, Spot X tracker/messenger, battery, cords.

Tool Kit:  Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HV pump, Lezyne SV-16 multi-tool, spork wrench for brakes, Lezyne Tubeless CO2 Blaster repair kit, 2 ounces of sealant, 1 tube, 2 valve cores, 1 valve stem, patch kit, 2 tire irons, Leatherman Skeletal CX, Jones derailleur hanger, 4 chain links, 2 quick links, chain lube, duct tape, zip ties.

Navigation:  Garmin 530 GPS device, USFS Black Hills National Forest paper maps, Stem Captain compass, Cateye cyclocomputer, Lezyne MicroDrive Pro 800XL head light, Mountain Miser thermometer, Gideon's pocket Bible.

Documentation:  Phone camera, paper journal, pencil.

Hydration (about 7 liter capacity):  2 x 38 ounce Soma Further water bottles, 3 x 26 ounce water bottles, 1 liter backup bag, Sawyer Squeeze filter, iodine tablets.

Food (3 days):  instant oatmeal/coffee (breakfast), peanut butter/honey/tortilla (lunch), nutrition bars/Hammer Gels/Snickers/trail mix/Hammer Fizz (during the day), freeze dried entree (dinner).

Kitchen:  Jet Boil MiniMo stove, fuel, matches, lighter, 2 SeaToSummit collapsible bowls, 2 sporks, GI Joe can opener, salt/pepper.

Although I make some modifications every trip, this gear list is not all that different from the first four years of the Black Hills Bounty, as well as my rides of the Black Hills BackBone Grande (2023), Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (2021), and Cloud Peak 500 (2020). In any event, it's always good to review gear.

A WarmUp on the Mickelson Trail

Guess who just got back today?

Them wild-eyed boys that had been away

Haven't changed, haven't much to say

But man, I still think them cats are great

The Boys Are Back In Town, Phil Lynott (1976)

Enjoying the shade and cooler temperatures through a Mickelson Trail tunnel.

The Mickelson Trail is a 109 mile rails-to-trails treasure that winds through much of the Black Hills of South Dakota, from the gold mines of Deadwood to the railroad center of Edgemont. Folks travel from all over to ride it, and many locals ride it over and over.

Although I've ridden it many times, in many different ways, I have not been out there this year at all. In fact, since my truncated 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo race in February, I haven't ridden much of anything longer than an hour or two. For some reason, I always find a reason not to ride long these days.

So, when long time cycling friend Mark Almer of Colorado (finally) retired and announced he was (finally, no really this time) riding the Mickelson Trail, I suggested a fully loaded bikepacking tour from Edgemont to Deadwood to Edgemont. In addition to riding every bit of the entire trail, both directions, such a multi-day bikepacking ride would also be a nice warmup ride before the upcoming Black Hills Bounty.

The Mickelson Trail is a natural gear shakedown ride for an aspiring bikepacker like Mark:  no navigation, no technical riding, very few road crossings, frequent trailheads with water, multiple re-supply opportunities, and little motorized traffic other than the ubiquitous e-bike rentals around Hill City. With all that simplified, Mark can focus on gear, the bike, and time in the saddle, while enjoying the off-road experience of a beautiful rails-to-trails system. He readily agreed.

Just a week after that conversation, we eagerly pedaled north out of Edgemont on our little excursion. Four hot summer days and 218 trail miles later, we returned sun scorched, less than fully hydrated, and perhaps a bit saddle sore. But we're fully charged for a run at the Black Hills Bounty next month. 

Not every ride is epic or life changing. But this was my best ride this month. And I can't wait to get back out there.

The Boys Are Back In Town, Thin Lizzy (1976).

2025 Black Hills Bounty - Aint Worried

I don't know what you've been told,

But time is running out, no need to take it slow.

I'm stepping to you toe to toe,

I should be scared, honey, maybe so.

But I aint worried 'bout it right now (right now),

Keeping dreams alive, 1999 heroes.

I aint worried 'bout it right now (right now),

Swimming in the floods, dancing on the clouds below,

I aint worried 'bout it. 

I Aint Worried, Ryan Tedder, Brent Kutzle, Tyler Spry, John Eriksson, Peter Moren & Bjorn Yttling (2022).

AI composite image of a Black Hills Bounty rider.
JK - this is Gustaf Hakansson, the famous "Steel Grandpa."

The 2025 Black Hills Bounty approaches.

Bikepacking buddy Paul Brasby inspired this ride during our 2020 Cloud Peak 500 adventure by asking me to create a week-long bikepacking tour of the Black Hills of South Dakota. At the time, he was diving headlong into bikepacking and longed to share this new-found passion with his friend circle of experienced cyclists.

Since then, Paul has enthusiastically herded friends from Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado to join week long tours through the Central Black Hills (2021), the Southern Black Hills (2022), the Northern Black Hills/Bear Lodge Mountains (2023), and along my BackBone Grande route from the Nebraska border to Spearfish (2024). See, Black Hills Bounty Page (2021-present).

After four years, they're still coming back for more, drawing more friends each year. 

It's all coming up again soon.

And this group just shows up and rides. Aint worried about a thing.

The Official Theme Song for the Black Hills Bounty.

I Aint Worried, New Republic (2022).

BackBone Grande Visual Tour (7) - Buffalo to North Dakota Border (miles 380-421)

Well, it's all right, riding around in the breeze

Well, it's all right, if you live the life you please

Well, it's all right, even if the sun don't shine

Well, it's all right, we're going to the end of the line.

End Of The Line, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty (1989).

The BackBone Grande is my 420+ mile backroad bikepacking route across the State of South Dakota along the spine of the Black Hills and through the surrounding prairie. Inspired by my experience riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, I designed it to create that type of experience here in my back yard. Tracking rough roads that showcase the best of our scenery, history, culture, and wildlife, the BackBone Grande is a great ride on its own and as a shakedown for the GDMBR.  For a collection of my stories all about it, go the BackBone Grande Page.

For those more visual learners, I've selected images along the route from various scouting trips, the first through-ride, and other rides. Here is my seventh installment of the BackBone Grande Visual Tour, from the town of Buffalo to the North Dakota border (miles 380-421). 

From the cowboy town of Buffalo, the BackBone Grande continues to streak across the Northern Prairie on solid county gravel past large cattle ranches. Then, with the North Dakota border practically within sight, a fun Low Standard Road climbs to a forested, lumpy oasis in the midst of millions of acres of grassland. It's a lonely outcropping of Custer Gallatin National Forest, with the surprising Picnic Springs Campground waiting on top. 

This isn't part of the Black Hills, but rather a farewell gift of a final, backcountry gem before the border.

It's the end of the line. And it's all right.

Here's a photo gallery of the BackBone Grande route from the town of Buffalo to the North Dakota border (miles 380-421). Also, here are links to prior blog posts about this section. BackBone Grande Introduction - Oasis in the Northern Prairie; BackBone Grande Through-Ride - Grand Finale.

Also, here are links to prior Visual Tour posts:  Nebraska Border to Buffalo Gap (miles 0-95); Buffalo Gap to Custer (miles 95-135); Custer to Hill City (miles 135-163 & alternative); Hill City to Hanna Campground (miles 163-225); Hanna Campground to Spearfish (miles 225-265).

Rolling out of Buffalo on Lyons Road (Old Highway 85).
(image by Paul Brasby)

Further east on Lyons Road.

(image by Paul Brasby)

Turning north on Brown-Johnson Road.

(image by Paul Brasby)

Approaching a big ranch on Brown-Johnson Road.

(image by Paul Brasby)

Wily fox surveys from a unique vantage point.

(image by Paul Brasby)

Pondering the journey ahead on South Cave Road.

(image by Paul Brasby)

South Cave Road looks to be climbing toward some hills.

(image by Paul Brasby)

Surprising evergreen-topped lumps ahead along Tufte Road.
What's that doing out here?

Tufte Road starts to climb up that valley.

(image by Paul Brasby)

Climbing in earnest on Tufte Road.

(image by Paul Brasby)

Turning off Tufte Road onto USFS Low Standard Road 3123.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Another sweeping switchback on Road 3123.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Topping out.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Another curve leads to another pitch.
(image by Paul Brasby)

It's not flat on top.

Still rolling around on Road 3123.

Road 3123.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Approaching Fuller Pass.

A view from USFS Picnic Springs Campground in Custer Gallatin National Forest.
It feels like you're back in the Black Hills.

No reservation, no fee, first-come-first-served USFS campground, with 9 sites and 2 group sites.
Spring water, picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets.

Looking back toward Buffalo from Picnic Springs Campground.

(image by Paul Brasby)

Cresting Fuller Pass on Road 3123.

(image by Paul Brasby)

Time to descend.

Fuller Pass Road, USFS Low Standard Road 4113.

Dropping back onto the prairie on Fuller Pass Road.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Final stretch to the border on Rhame Road.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Mile 0. The border between South Dakota and North Dakota.

End of the line.

(image by Paul Brasby)

End Of The Line, Traveling Wilburys (1989).

BackBone Grande Visual Tour (6) - Spearfish City Campground to Buffalo (miles 265-380)

Ventura Highway in the sunshine

Where the days are longer

The nights are stronger than moonshine

You're gonna go, I know

'Cause the free wind is blowin' through your hair

And the days surround your daylight there

Seasons crying, no despair

Alligator lizards in the air, in the air

Ventura Highway, Dewey Bunnell (1972).

The BackBone Grande is my 420+ mile backroad bikepacking route across the State of South Dakota along the spine of the Black Hills and through the surrounding prairie. Inspired by my experience riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, I designed it to create that type of experience here in my back yard. Tracking rough roads that showcase the best of our scenery, history, culture, and wildlife, the BackBone Grande is a great ride on its own and as a shakedown for the GDMBR.  For a collection of my stories all about it, go the BackBone Grande Page.

For those more visual learners, I've selected images along the route from various scouting trips, the first through-ride, and other rides. Here is my sixth installment of the BackBone Grande Visual Tour, from the Spearfish City Campground to the North Dakota finish (miles 265-380).

Now clear of the Black Hills, the BackBone Grande streams out of Spearfish on the city bike path to connect with surprisingly pretty Lookout Mountain Road to start a nice, long roll into the prairie on mostly fast county gravel roads, with a few miles of paved connectors and a couple of Minimum Maintenance Roads. Water is scarce. Re-supply dries up. In abundance here is utter exposure to the elements. One will experience all that the prairie offers.

Highlights include twisty Crooked Oaks Road, Belle Fouche National Wildlife Refuge, Geographic Center of the United States, stagecoach stop at the near ghost town of Harding, unique earth formations on Gilbert Road, and the cowboy town of Buffalo.

There's no place like the open prairie to feel the free wind blowing through your hair.

Here's a photo gallery of the BackBone Grande route from the Spearfish City Campground to the North Dakota border (miles 265-380). Also, here are links to prior blog posts about this section. Introducing the BackBone Grande - Oasis In The Prairie; The First Through-Ride - Prairie Gold.

Also, here are links to prior Visual Tour posts:  Nebraska Border to Buffalo Gap (miles 0-95); Buffalo Gap to Custer (miles 95-135); Custer to Hill City (miles 135-163 & alternative); Hill City to Hanna Campground (miles 163-225); Hanna Campground to Spearfish (miles 225-265).

Spearfish bike path heading out of town.

Lookout Mountain Road. Good gravel road past small ranches, to start.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Lookout Mountain Road.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Lookout Mountain Road, hinting of the road to come.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Lookout Mountain Road starts to climb a bit.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Lookout Mountain Road. Believe it.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Yeah, Lookout Mountain Road.
(image by Paul Brasby)

196th Street rolling toward St. Onge.
(image by Paul Brasby)

196th Street rolling toward St. Onge.
(image by Paul Brasby)

St. Onge Bar has limited supplies and limited hours, but is the last commercial stop for 100 miles.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Sale Barn Road is wet practically all the time.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Sale Barn Road, riding north away from the Black Hills.

Crooked Oaks Road.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Crooked Oaks Road. Uniquely pretty in the spring, and gorgeous in the fall.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Brooker Road flows through big cattle country.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Brooker Road.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Geographic Center of the United States, just off Harding Road (Old Highway 85).
(image by Paul Brasby)

Battle Creek Wetlands Project. BLM land for surface water and dispersed camping.

Harding Road. No escape from the elements.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Harding, a stop on the Medora-Deadwood stagecoach line.

North of Harding, on Harding Road.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Further north of Harding, on Harding Road.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Curious locals checking us out.
(image by Paul Brasby)

They followed us for awhile, before peeling off into the prairie.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Gilbert Road, looking east.

Gilbert Road. The prairie turns a little lumpy.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Gilbert Road.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Gilbert Road.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Gilbert Road.

Gilbert Road.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Decisions. Decisions. On U.S. Highway 85 into Buffalo.

Ventura Highway, America (1972).