Western Monuments Cycle Tour
Scouting Report

Click here for photos of the trip.

In early April, two of our staff (Rylan Kahly & Eric Conklin) visited the Black Hills area and scouted the entire bike route to prepare for the tour this August.  It was awesome!  The scenery is beautiful, the wildlife is abundant, and the riding is challenging and exciting!  Here are some descriptions of each day in light of what we discovered.

Day 1:  Devil's Tower, WY to Newcastle, WY
            This 75-mile day is filled with great variety.  We begin the day watching the sun rise over America's first National Monument - Devil's Tower.  After some wonderful scenic overlooks, our route becomes a bit more spacious as we make our way south through open valleys and grasslands.  Although there are always ups and downs, this day ends with a fantastic ride into Newcastle, Wyoming, where will be staying at the Auto Inn & Campground.

Day 2:  Newcastle, WY to Custer State Park
            We plan to ride about 67 miles today with some options for more or less.  As we ride East through Black Hill National Forest, we pass Jewel Cave National Monument on our way to lunch in Custer, South Dakota.  After lunch, riders have the option to add some mileage to visit Crazy Horse - a unique mountain carving celebrating Native American culture.  Otherwise, our route takes us into Custer State Park as we ride the Needles Highway through spectacular rock formations, hills, and beautiful scenery.  We will spend the night at one of the park's campgrounds.

Day 3:  Custer State Park to Rapid City, SD
            This 70-mile day begins with opportunity to see deer, buffalo, antelope, and more.  The Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park is truly a special place, with the blue western sky, open grasslands, rolling hills, and free-roaming wildlife!  Riders may find themselves waiting for the buffalo to clear the roadway!  The afternoon offers us the opportunity to view one of the most popular National Monuments in the nation - Mount Rushmore!  Grab lunch in Keystone, South Dakota before riding on north into Rapid City, South Dakota where we will be staying at the Rapid City KOA.

Day 4:  Rapid City, SD to Badlands National Park
            Today is all about riding!  Travel 75 miles through Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, as you ride southeast toward Interior, South Dakota.  Today doesn't offer much scenery in comparison to the last few days, but it brings us to one of the most interesting places in all the West - Badlands, National Park.  We will camp on the White River at the Badlands KOA.

Day 5:  Badlands National Park to Wall, SD
            What an amazing way to finish a cycle tour!  The Badlands are such an interesting creation.  Experience the unique formations and breathtaking scenery of the prairie as you feel the wind on your face.  Stop at the Visitor Center, learn about the park, or just ride on through on your way to Wall, South Dakota - home of the famous "Wall Drug".  Enjoy our last evening of fellowship together as we gather at Sleepy Hollow Campground, relax in the pool, and share one last meal together!  The perfect end to a great trip!  May God be praised!