Record Number of Bicyclists and Beautiful Weather Make for Great Ride

LEAD, S.D. – The tenth anniversary of the Mickelson Trail Trek was a success with a record number of riders and three days of sunshine.

"This year celebrated the tenth anniversary of the dedication of the trail," said Harley Noem, regional supervisor. "We were excited to have 545 riders, 21 of which were returning for their tenth trail trek."

This year’s event held Friday, Sept. 14 through Sunday, Sept. 16 brought people to the Black Hills from 30 states and Costa Rica. In addition, three of the couples riding met on previous trail treks and were later married. Over the three days, Trekkers rode past scenic Sheep Canyon, Crazy Horse Mountain, across the Freedom Bridge south of Mystic, and into Lead/Deadwood on the final miles of the trail. "The beautiful Black Hills scenery and fall colors help attract riders each year," said Noem.

In honor of the tenth anniversary of the trail, Dream to Reality awards were given to three people. Dick Lee, Guy Edwards and Doug Hofer were all honored for their roles in making the Mickelson Trail possible. "Without the vision of Dick Lee and Guy Edwards and the support of George S. Mickelson, Doug Hofer and countless others, the Mickelson Trail would not have been constructed," said Noem.

Staff from the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation and many volunteers worked hard to pull his years trail trek together, said Noem. He also wanted to especially acknowledge and thank the volunteers and the towns’ Chambers of Commerce, which greeted the trekkers with water, snacks, ice cream and meals along the way.

The annual ride is typically held on the third weekend of September, with the 2008 Trail Trek scheduled for Sept. 19-21. Online registration should be available in November, and Noem encourages riders to sign up as early as possible to ensure a spot in the anniversary ride.

For more information on the Mickelson Trail, visit www.MickelsonTrail.com or contact the Black Hills Trails office at (605) 584-3896.

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