Black Hills expedition

[sanjuanrider]

Is the route finalized for this? Looks like a great route so far! I don't think I will have the days off to do the entire route but can probably give a ride or 2 from the Denver area up to the start if anyone is interested (I have to work up there for a couple days, then plan to ride for a couple).

[jasonthorman]

Sounds like you need to call in sick for about a week or so!!  Going out this Wednesday to finalize one of the four remaining tracks.     Shooting for the first week of August to get the route posted.  Thanks for your interest!

[PJrides]

The Start date is Wednesday Sept. 24th, correct?  I am counting myself in for the group start and stoked to ride the BH Expedition Loop.

[jasonthorman]

GPX  track is ready for the Black Hills Expedition.
http://blackhillsexpedition.blogspot.com/2014/07/blog-post_30.html

[Done]

This looks like an amazing course. Instead of simply plotting the fastest way to get from point a to b, it looks like it includes every scenic view, and every foot of singletrack. Can't wait to get out there some day!

[HOser]

Simply amazing, thank you so much for your research and for making this available to the bikepacking.net community. I hope to shake your hand in person this September!

[hikernks]

Is this going to be supported by Trackleaders?

[jasonthorman]

 Yes the course will be supported by trackleaders.  Spot rentals will also be provided by them if you do not have your own.  Will put a link up around the first week of September for all the trackleaders stuff. Thanks.

[John Sundberg]

Jason, I forgot to ask the other morning...where and what time is the "official" group start?

[MikeC]

Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but what, exactly, makes this an "expedition"?

If you've already pre-ridden the whole thing, and have .gpx files to hand out, then it's a ride for sure, even a race, but does not, to me, qualify for the "E" word.

Discuss.

[sanjuanrider]

Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but what, exactly, makes this an "expedition"?

If you've already pre-ridden the whole thing, and have .gpx files to hand out, then it's a ride for sure, even a race, but does not, to me, qualify for the "E" word.

Discuss.

Sorry Mike - I respectfully disagree.

n
1. an organized journey or voyage for a specific purpose, esp for exploration or for a scientific or military purpose
2. the people and equipment comprising an expedition
3. a pleasure trip; excursion
4. promptness in acting; dispatch
[C15: from Latin expedītiō, from expedīre to prepare, expedite]

#3 from the definition fits this perfectly.
Have fun and hope you can ride this "route".
Cheers!

[jasonthorman]

Expedition.  My favorite definition is from Wikipedia, using the word expedition in reference to Bicycle touring. A long-distance type of bicycling, that includes expedition bicycling, which are typically long journeys over tough terrain. 

Cheers
Jason

[jasonthorman]

John S.

 The group start is Wednesday September 24th at 6 a.m.  The start is next to Crow Peak Brewery.  Tuesday evening activities: Meet at Crow Peak Brewery at 5 p.m. for a chance to meet other riders, etc.  At 6 p.m. ride to Killian's Tavern for group dinner. 

[AZTtripper]

I had just assumed that the E word had come from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Hills_Expedition_(1874)

I always wanted to do the Centennial trail when I lived there back in the early 90's just never got around to it. I had no idea there was so much other ST to be had, just figured I would loop back on the http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/mickelson-trail/

As for all the extra trail I will say this must be the most convoluted course in all of Bikepacking. Just based on comments from AZT riders I will be surprised if any one actually completes the entire course.

Personally I don't tend to let direction of travel influence me. But I have heard it time and again from AZT riders. For some reason riders/racers don't like to go east and then back south on the north bound course. Maybe the loop will make it easier to stomach. Looking at the track it seems like there will be numerous opportunities to short cut.

That said this looks like a sweet touring course. There should be plenty of options for resupply lots of small towns and tourist stops that can't be too far off course.

I was just up there in June so not much chance of my getting back for this. Best of luck to any and all who take it on.

[JeffM-VT]

Hi there...  I just realized that I could make this work.  Is there a start list?  And if so - many names on it?  This sounds like it could be a fun adventure.

[jasonthorman]

JeffM.

 I have no official start list. Was planning to just use trackleaders for that.  I will be sending them the final track this weekend and then shortly after we can sign up on that.  Still guessing around 10 to start.

[rick miller]

Here's the http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5890998 upload.  Looks like fun, maybe next year.

[JeffM-VT]

Thanks Jason...  I'm giving it serious consideration.  It looks like a great route.

[Done]

What's with the critics? Whatever it's called, and whether it's loopy or not, it looks like a great ride through some beautiful country. Seems like a great race or tour. I'm looking forward to some trip reports!

[AZTtripper]

Not sure I was being critical of the route as much as some of comments I have seen during other races. I agree that the course looks cool, just accepting human nature. At the point where people have been out for several days, and feeling it, riding 5 miles to end up 1 mile away frustrates people. And I do understand why.