Over 500 Riders Take Part in South Dakota’s 2012 Mickelson Trail Trek
OutdoorHub 09.17.12
Three days of sunshine helped make the 15th annual Mickelson Trail Trek a success.
“The ride went well, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather,” said Dana Garry, Mickelson Trail manager. “We were excited to have 560 riders, of which 15 were returning for their 15th year.”
This year’s event, held Sept. 14-16, brought people to the Black Hills from 28 states. Over the three days, trekkers rode past scenic Sheep Canyon, Crazy Horse Monument, across the Freedom Bridge south of Mystic and rode into Lead/Deadwood on the final leg of the trail.
“The beautiful Black Hills scenery and fall colors help attract riders each year,” said Garry.
Staff from the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation, along with many volunteers, worked hard to pull this year’s Trail Trek together, Garry said. She especially acknowledges and thanks the volunteers and community chambers of commerce that greeted the trekkers with water, snacks, ice cream and meals along the way.
The annual ride is held the third weekend of September, with the 2013 Trail Trek scheduled for Sept. 20-22. Online registration should be available in December, and Garry encourages riders to sign up as early as possible to ensure a spot in the ride. The trek is limited to 600 riders.
For more information on the Mickelson Trail, visit www.MickelsonTrail.com or contact the Black Hills Trails office at 605-584-3896. Photos from the 2012 Mickelson Trail Trek are available on the George S. Mickelson Trail facebook page.
