trail717,

I read this report last year and just reread it a couple days ago.  When I read it the first time it planted the seed as I had no idea the Centennial trail existed.  I had been considering a Grand Loop attempt this year but just don't have enough time to give it an honest attempt.  Enter the Centennial trail.......closer to my home and hopefully good enough to satisfy my spirit for a while  

Slim,

Thanks for the info on 89B.  Didn't know about the detour, this would be ideal and I will certainly check into it.   

Dave

Nothing shocking here but I spoke to some people affiliated with the Black Elk WA this afternoon.  First person, long sigh then transfered me.  Next person, after another long sigh, stated it would be legal to carry a broken down bike on the backpack.  Basically said it wasn't illegal to possess the bike but to use it as a mechanized mode of transport in the WA.  Obviously, this was his interpretation (as I expected).  On another note, he thought this was highly unusual and couldn't believe one would carry a bike over 9 miles.......he thought I was nuts    

ScottM

I'm going to try and make contact with someone with the Black Elk WA.  I'm guessing their answer (if I get one) will be an interpretation, but I'll give it a shot.  Also, thanks for this excellent site

AZTripper

Good idea, I'll check with MTBR and the BH bike shops.  There is some sweet single track in the the Black Hills, but the even the cow paths are better than what I have in my neck of the woods.

Thanks again. 

Thinking about doing an out and back on the Centennial Trail in the Black Hills (Bear Butte to Wind Cave and back) at the end of May.  This would be solo and unsupported.  Big ?, how to get around the Black Elk Wilderness?  Obviously illegal to bike through, buy can I break the bike down and carry it on my pack?  Is it illegal to still possess the bike in Wilderness (even if strapped to your pack).  Any input would be appreciated, thanks.