Black Hills Expedition 2015

[SlowRide]

Thanks for the write-up Jason. I would have loved to have made it out to SoDak for this this year but it just wasn't in the cards after AZT and CTR. Definitely on my radar for next year. Sounds like Aaron had the same split shoe sole I got on day 1 of the CTR, had to make it all the way to Buena Vista on duct tape and got some new shoes there.

[aarond]

I would really like to come back and finish this route, the parts I saw were pretty sweet, and I didn't even get to the 'best' parts.  I definitely underestimated
how tough it would be and ended up wimping out...I mean my shoe blew out, ya, that's the ticket, my shoe blew out.

[sherpaxc]

So what are some of the "not to miss" sections of singletrack on this route?  If one were to tour this route at a casual pace (meaning sleeping at night) about how many days would you guesstimate?  For example, a casual pace for the Colorado Trail in my opinion is 10-12 days. 

[jasonthorman]

My guess would be 6 to 8 days to enjoy the route in the daylight.  I have a 130 mile route that kicks ass in the the southern hills that I will finalize this winter.  Will be working on a 250 mile loop in the northern hills this winter also.  Both of these routes will be touring routes that I may put on web page.

[Truckon09]

My guess would be 6 to 8 days to enjoy the route in the daylight.  I have a 130 mile route that kicks ass in the the southern hills that I will finalize this winter.  Will be working on a 250 mile loop in the northern hills this winter also.  Both of these routes will be touring routes that I may put on web page.

Jason,

did you ever come up with the 250 mile loop? also are you going to be adding it to the Black Hill Expedition for this fall and have two distances? I need to ride faster or get more vacation so I can take on these longer races.

Thanks

Clint

[Hoka Hey]

I would love a shorter option as well. Just for the sake of actually being able to take the time to complete it. Might have to give my Dakota 50 spot away if you do:)

[jasonthorman]

Hey Truckon 09 and Hoka Hey:

I do have 3 routes in the Black Hills that are almost ready to post!  These routes will not be part of the race but are here for touring and training. The southern hills route is a 120 mile 2-3 day route and is the easiest.   The northern hills routes are 160 and 180 and would be a 3 to 5 day route.  Both routes use portions of the Expedition Route.  I need to ride a 60 mile section of the 180 mile route to make sure it is good to post but the other two routes are at 99% to were I want them.  Should have them all ready to go by July 1 but will send you the file now if you are interested in it. 
Cheers
Jason