SD GFP NEWS FOR 9-22-09

Record Number of Bicyclist and Beautiful Weather Make for Great Ride

LEAD, S.D. – The 12th annual Mickelson Trail Trek was a success with a record number of riders and three days of sunshine.

“This year celebrated the twelfth anniversary of the dedication of the trail,” said Dana Garry, Mickelson Trail manager. “We were excited to have 565 riders, of which 11 were returning for their twelfth year”   

This year’s event held Friday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Sept. 20 brought people to the Black Hills from 31 states, Australia and Austria. Over the three days, Trekkers rode past scenic Sheep Canyon, Crazy Horse Monument, 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 Garry.

Staff from the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation and many volunteers worked hard to pull this years trail trek together, said Garry. She 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 held on the third weekend of September, with the 2010 Trail Trek scheduled for Sept. 17-19. Online registration should be available in December, and Garry encourages riders to sign up as early as possible to ensure a spot in the ride. The trek is limited to 600 riders.

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

-GFP-