From 2009 Riders:
"I just wanted to send you a quick email to say thanks to you and
all the volunteers who made the Big Mick such a wonderful bike ride!
I just can’t say how thrilled I was with the entire experience … you
and your team did a great job of organizing the event, the breakfast
and lunch were very good and the ride itself was just spectacular!
I’ve ridden in a lot of places and I can honestly say that this ride
has some of nicest scenery I’ve ever seen … amazing! I really wish I
could have stayed for the after ride dinner … unfortunately"
(couldn't).
Jeff and Teresa,
Colorado Springs, CO
To view if you already have google earth:
2009 Mickelson Trail by GPS
link for the free download:Google
Earth
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You are
invited to view Scott's photo album:
The Big Mick - 2009
Message from Scott:
Lots of pictures from a wonderful day in the Black Hills of
South Dakota!If
you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the
following into your browser:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=scott.o.hirst&target=ALBUM&id=5353605408172765825&authkey=Gv1sRgCJeAva_vkdak_wE&invite=CNyJwMIC&feat=email
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"This was our first Big Mick and not our last. We brought 10
riders all the way from Denver and all of us had a great time. What
a unique, fun and challenging experience! Riding into Hot Springs
sounds interesting but other than that I wouldn't change a thing.
The 5 AM start, the breakfast in Rochford (highlight of the ride!),
all the rest stops staffed by great folks made the Big Mick a
highlight of our biking season....We're looking forward to next year
already."
Jimmy ....
"a great job! Thanks. I'm making plans to come
back next year." Gil
"Thanks for organizing
another great ride. Can't wait till next June." Dan
"Bismarck
group had a blast!!! You do an excellent job!! We'll be back next
year with more friends! Thanks much. Judy, Pat, Bob and Aleen"
"fully agree another GREAT DAY and RIDE. " Tony
"we enjoyed it so much we
want to do it every year." Sherry
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2006 highlights
Highlighted in June ’06 Bicycling
"Spin/Cool Ride" of the month
"Finishing the 109-mile one day Big Mick ride had been a dream of mine for many years, and I was very fortunate to ride the whole thing last year... The Mickelson Trail, an abandoned, crushed-gravel railroad bed in South Dakota’s Black Hills, runs from Deadwood to Edgemont. God must have lingered a bit longer here—the rock formations, creeks, and pines make spectacular scenery. Go back in time as you bike through four hard-rock tunnels and more than 100 converted railroad bridges, and 3% grades. Fourteen trailheads along the route have plaques that provide a wealth of historical information. But be prepared for all kinds of weather—ride day temperatures have ranged from 31 to 105 degrees.—
Jeanne Kirsch-- written 3-06"
"The Big Mick is a great early season ride, with fantastic views of South Dakota’s Black Hills. We rode the metric century which started in Hill City and ended up in Edgemont. The trail is an old railroad bed and a mountain bike is the best bet for handling the trail. Although there are no steep inclines, there are a lot of long gradual climbs along the route. The ride offers great rest stops, as well as, a fine lunch; however, it is a good idea to be self sufficient since some parts of the trail are in the boondocks.”
Jeff Kaplan- written 3-06
