Black Hills Bicycle Adventure! ✨ Mickelson Trail, Needles Highway, Iron Mtn Pigtails & Mt. Rushmore

[@davidhudsonbaker2361]

Thanks!

[@georgerutledge7876]

Great, thanks for sharing your adventure😊

[@irondistance4313]

Thanks for the ride beautiful

[@brianegeberg8497]

Without the UTVs many of the Black Hills trail systems wouldn't be funded. ATVs/UTVs are street legal here in SD and many folks enjoy them. I've been a cyclist for 32 years but appreciate everyone's hobbies. Not everyone appreciates ours either and while I understand the desire to get away from the mess of vehicles, it surely doesn't build cycling any goodwill weaving around them and cutting in line at the tunnels. I learned in my bike club days a long time ago to try my best not to piss off drivers, nothing good comes from that.

[@davidcrowson4745]

"fenders keep that off my water bottle"...you just keep thinking that my friend, LOL.

[@Deven210]

Really wish I had found this channel sooner. I’m happy to be here, the bike restorations and education is just relaxing. I appreciate you Andy!

[@frankducett9]

I appreciate the length of time you leave text and maps on the screen. Very rare. You picked a great place to reportour. I just made that word up, for you. I enjoy your no nonsense method and think you may have found a niche. Proof, you don't need a million dollars worth the gear to do what you do. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@johnsheetz6639]

This guy is teaching me Zen and the art of bicycle maintenance! My new favorite hobby is taking bikes and making them live again. And they're living, four of them, four. I plan on giving a couple away but there's always one more thing I want to do to it! 😅

[@sagehiker]

May 2024: my first rails to trail. Great video shared experience. I drove to Edgemont SD. Grabbed a shuttle to Deadwaood, then two and half days back to Edgemont. Wild camped one night, then motel hiding from a storm in Custer. Last 44 miles I was the only rider until I encountered a State Ranger and finished in five hours. Beautiful experience.

[@HFVidShotz]

Agreed, EPIC RIDE!! Thank you for recording this adventure so we may enjoy some of it with you. Great job! I can only hope to one day try a piece of it, have a good 1!

[@IS-xk3iq]

The Mickelson Trail with the tunnels and serenity was superb.

[@brianhold4053]

Though I do appreciate your wiping as you go videos, I think this was one of your best. Please more rides. ~Doc.

[@Einszweistein]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@slugore]

29 minutes in and I just keep saying “wow” out loud. Scenery this beautiful is dangerously breathtaking when you need it the most going up hill! Great video, Andy. I love to see the rides that are the reason for the bikes. It is a nice balance to see both types of videos.

[@frankducett9]

Simply a Stellar video in many ways. I appreciate you left the "written words" on the screen long enough to be read. Thanks for the traveling and inspiration.

[@kenlang6672]

KZbin is awash with ride videos but this has to be one of the best . This wasn't the usual all flats and descents because they're cool. You actually, (well almost}, experience the huff-puff pedal stomping it takes to get up some of these grades. The scenery was spectacular and the camera was spot on. You had me grabbing the imaginary brakes on my swivel chair more than once. Thanks so much!

[@bkefrmr]

wow! Thanks Ken! I hope the algo is listening!

[@Chrisinvention]

I like your channel, it gives me happy smile every time I am watching it.

[@gravelrider5612]

That’s amazing and a beautiful place

[@Mr2fiveone]

The trail goes right in front of my wife's uncles house!! We WILL be exploring it on our bikes! Thank you!!

[@CanyonWanderer]

Easily one of the best ride videos and thus rides I've seen, what a feast! That second long curvy descend is just amazing! All the views and features are amazing! Lol, I have similar classic cycling gloves, end of the summer I had "speckles" on the back of my hands. Great content!

[@donaldguilloz9401]

Great ride video! and perfect background music 👍

[@bkefrmr]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@StillZenki]

Hey man I appreciate your videos I learn a lot from you

[@kathyleahy7314]

descents are scary. Glad you videoed it so I don't have to risk it! Glad you had fun!

[@LeahNicole...]

No place like home! ❤

[@chrisjackson9978]

Spectacular day ride. For those of us watching from outside the US, more please!

[@Dancinbear1995]

That is by far the best one day bike ride I have ever seen! The filming was Awesome! Felt like I was there and I have been before but not on a bike. It was a little hairy by the Needles, might have pissed off a few vehicles, I hope not; don't want to give bicyclists a bad rap but seems to have turned out well. Thank you!

[@michaelcarmody2095]

Thanks for a great video!

[@69Harveyb1]

Therapy. And your gratitude. I could've watched all six hours. Thank you.

[@decleafs4]

Fantastic! Thanks for the video. I want to go to there!!

[@dfhauck]

Great ride. Thanks for sharing.

[@juliaharbeck774]

Loved the video , it has been a few years since we rode the trail but it is so beautiful. We did a rattler or 2 on the trail but the Black hills hasn't had any bears since 1915 so wasn't worried about them, they do have mountain lions and we saw a ton of buffalo going on the fire roads. Enjoyed the video and how much fun you obviously had.

[@Ey_up]

Magnificent ride. Imagined doing that on my Atlantis and it felt like the perfect variety of terrain. Appreciate you mentioning the native peoples. "Wayhay!" from Scotland. (Sometimes as beautiful the Black Hills but very much more rain. 😂)

[@gareymoore7881]

The black hills are so beautiful you had me at Rafter-j bar Ranch/ campground and the Mickelson trail. Riding down Iron mountain on a bike seems little dare devilish with cars and narrow roads more power to you.

[@gregkollasch5494]

We started on the northern stretch this spring 2023 from deadwood to hill city via Michelson trail. Lots of climbing there . Did that on my surly ogre. For the down hills I wish I had back my 2x9. I currently run a 1x10 Deore. Front chainring 30. Rear 11-42. I wanted low gearing for a bike touring setup. Thought I’d never need high gearing for such a heavy beast. I was wrong haha.. no matter we’re you ride in the black hills, it’s gorgeous country. We usually make at least 2 trips out a year to the black hills area.

[@Kelekona_808]

I just realized that I watch the pig tail bridge video first and seeing that part of the ride made so much more sense after watching everything that came before. I think the beginning of your trip starting from around 5:00 and going until around you hit the first highway around 18:10, or the Black Hills sign around 21:46, would also be a great short video to share a section of this awesome ride. The start of the ride itself was beautiful and awe inspiring. It also gave a lot of insight into how you were going into this ride and the thoughts you had about it just after you started it. I also think the horse trails that you went on would make an interesting little short video of this ride. Especially the surprise river crossing that you first came across!

[@elvisoost630]

One word. WOW!

[@Jonm227]

Really enjoyed the vlog style bike ride and I would definitely watch more trips. Very entertaining to watch. :) Thanks for the great content! FYI, you have inspired me to start tinkering on my bikes. Thanks for the Inspo!

[@jackcarter233]

This is outstanding

[@COOTBUCKET]

Wonderful ride and video. Thanks.

[@Incorruptus1]

Great ride for sure, amazing weather. I like it that you also show your rides. And the love for them. Great work, fine editing. Good luck!

[@Mr2fiveone]

Beautiful footage mate! Can't wait to check it out!!

[@rickjenkins1238]

Thanks for sharing. It inspires.

[@michaelmagee6428]

Wow! Amazing trip!! Thanks for the route map!! It's on my bucket list now!!!

[@xxbeenjamminxx5565]

Just recently found your channel and I absolutely love it. And this video really hits home for me. I love to see videos of my state.

[@ricksaunders3889]

Cool. That wore me out just watching. Thanks for sharing.

[@Incorruptus1]

Smelling roses along the way, dude! You bought them a drink I hope. :D

[@Kelekona_808]

You really captured some amazing views of your trip. The start up the side of a grassy hill to a trail that was pristine and flat that led into the tunnel was unreal. Don't know if I would let gravity pull me down the hills at the speeds you rode at, but I'm not anywhere close to the skill level you seem to have. Hope you decide to film more of these trips and share them because they are truly awe inspiring.

[@hutzman7664]

That was a stunning start to the journey. So much fun when you spend the day doing something you love in a special place.

[@don_sharon]

I sold my Madone in favor of a Kona Libre, and then picked up a Ti Lynskey gravel bike, only because the geometry of these two bikes are the most comfortable bikes I've ever ridden. I'm 64 and don't care about ultimate speed, but I am up for 100% enjoyment with a healthy dose fitness. The Lynskey is my grail bike because it's Ti and it fits me like a glove, and I had a ball customizing with components I hand picked. I think about riding it daily. I think that goes with your philosophy of bikes except for the disk brakes 🤣. Anyway, I am sitting in Florida planning my spring/summer/fall trip next year and where we will be riding. In 2023, we rode the Mickelson Trail and absolutely loved it - to a point where we are considering buying a home near the Black Hills. Love your videos - they inspire my family a great deal. Thanks

[@jeffbehnke8605]

It is absolutely awesome to see you ride instead of wrench but break how Howl lol😅

[@ThideUpSound]

Amazing!!!!!

[@buckbuchanan9807]

What a ride! Thanks for taking me along. The only thing I would ask that you add is a mph (speedometer) shot on the decents. But I can't fault you, because I have no idea how to accomplish that. LoL. Really enjoyed the vid. I'll consume as much as you create. Cheers🎉

[@bkefrmr]

I should be able to keep my GPS in view if I think of it. Honestly, I was surprised by how difficult it was to manage the camera stuff despite being super user friendly. Then again, it was my first time out, so I was learning on the fly. I get what I call "rando brain" on these bigger rides. I just wanna keep going so I overlook simple, easy tasks that I need to do. Basically, it's like being drunk or something. I'm just stunted a bit. Anyway, I need a better phone mount and I can crop it in frame when I'm editing. Thanks!

[@Devotee777]

What a great little adventure!

[@bkefrmr]

Yes it was!

[@EliyahuYHWH]

Very kewl road trip, but I have to admit that I stopped just shy of half to take my own bike ride. : )

[@iainlaing878]

Great video

[@rosswunderlich5299]

Great route. I’ve never combined the Mick with doing the Needles and Iron Mtn Rd. If you ever come out again, would be glad to show you some other routes to ride.

[@rosswunderlich5299]

Your shortcuts on the hiking trails are interesting. If you wanna see Buffalo, gotta ride the wildlife loop in Custer State Park. Btw, no bears in the Black Hills except at the Bear Country tourist trap. Iron Mtn Rd is the best. Old Hill City Rd is good too.

[@imagekkotoo]

OMG ❤❤❤❤❤

[@johnmills837]

Wife and I rode a section of it in 2022. Mystic trail head north to Rochford and back.

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

While watching this the song zippadeedoo song kept going around in my head 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@markmartello]

Great channel! I'm up nort from you a bit. I'll try to stop by your shop when I'm down that way.

[@2xsurviver]

Rivendell is my dream bike!

[@TheRickurb]

Wow, great ride! I thought the audio was mostly pretty good.

[@jjohnson1476]

Great video! love all that you do. I just finished up my home shop, all inspired by your videos...on a side note as a fellow VW enthusiast ....i need to know more about that bug!

[@bkefrmr]

'63 bug with a '64 Porsche 356 motor. It's a custom built hot rod. One of a kind! Very cool car. I'm selling it! www.ebay.com/itm/325809675427

[@erwinkrabbenhoft5502]

It's great out there. We live here in SD.

[@TheGameBoy56]

Watched it twice already

[@Mr2fiveone]

In 1995 my wife, myself and her pops, same age as me at the time rode the single track around Sylvan Lake!!

[@bkefrmr]

Didn’t know it was there! I’m going back in the spring for sure. I’ll check it out!

[@Mr2fiveone]

Man, this would be an awesome group ride of folks from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Dakotas. Hint hint. Just don't be too hard on my Scott Speedster 40. It is aluminum though.@@bkefrmr ☺

[@bkefrmr]

@@Mr2fiveone my friend has offered his property as a homebase for such a thing. Might have to give it some thought!

[@Mr2fiveone]

@@bkefrmr count us in on that future possible fun!

[@danschneider2281]

How'd you like that big pine decent? Pretty good climb ,too. Glad you had a good ride

[@malcraghill7]

Work with me here. At 23:33 theres a rock formation just ahead, at the roadside on the right, that looks vaguely like a bagpiper wearing a tam o'shanter.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

The hills I have ridden in the last year or so were sharp and lung busters .

[@dexterbilayaeastcasual466]

hey bike farmer… i just bump from one of your videos here at YT and start following and watching your videos… your videos sucks but i dont know why i keep watching them 😂😂 its really huge difference when your listening to a real bike mechanic.. your a bike dictionary i'd say! thanks for always sharing your knowledgessss…

[@kccauldron6411]

You mention at 03:25 wanting to build a "sturdier version" of the All-Rounder. I may have had a lapse in attention and missed more on the 'why' behind that decision later in the video (if so, my apologies) but would love to know more. I'll look forward to videos on the design and framebuilding process in due course.

[@bkefrmr]

Yeah, I rambled on for like 5 minutes but left it on the cutting room floor. I filled a cart with lightweight oversized tubes and lugs this morning, but didn’t pull the trigger yet. I will definitely record the whole process!

[@kccauldron6411]

​@@bkefrmrSorry, was watching some of this again and noticed that you address this at 36:18.

[@bkefrmr]

I don’t think the .7/.4/.7 wall thickness of the 753 tubes are tough enough for the gnarly situations I find myself in periodically. Maybe “drop bar ATB” is a better name than All-Rounder

[@gwgorham]

Nothing to say other than wow amazing... Definitely will have to workmtowards being able to do that.

[@reneebrooks7338]

Preparing for the Mickelson Trail, Enjoyed you video! What Bike GPS app do you use/recommend?

[@darrellbarton5761]

Like it

[@Janespony]

Quite possibly the best bike trip video I have watched in a bit. What is the camera you were using.? I have a Gap and C&O towpath trail ride I’m doing in May. That camera looked perfect. I’m really enjoying your channel. Glad to see it’s working for you. Happy to hear there is renumeration coming your way.

[@alsemti2001]

Helmet!

[@bkefrmr]

Hahaha I knew that was coming!

[@alsemti2001]

Lol, I figured you were waiting....could not resist since I am an EMT. Great videos, keep them coming!

[@bkefrmr]

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET THEN. ALWAYS. @@Atlanta_Cyclist

[@TheSaguache]

Where did you mount your Insta360 Mini? Sometimes it looks like it's on your chest and sometimes your helmet. Some pretty good shots regardless, it's such a versatile little camera with the best stabilization on the market. Amazing ride, thanks for sharing.

[@johnzee691]

😎👍

[@decius596]

You asked for feedback: - there's weird artifacting in the video. I'm guessing it's the camera... nothing looks super clear and it's tough to see the beauty when it's all blocky - thank you so much for adding your route in the description - the map would've been cool to see in the bottom right corner or something in some sections, speed / wattage as well if u have that available. Would be really awesome to see how many watts you're pulling going up those mountains - Some tips & tricks on how to get your bike set up for big mountains would be cool. IDK if my bike is able to get the same gearing as yours

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

Velocity began in Mudgee , New South Wales , Australia in 1989 .

[@doncompton9453]

Is that an abandoned railroad?

[@moosehand8721]

Is that bike not sturdy enough? Looks stout like a worksman sans the second bar.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

During a break , a still image of your bicycle shows a saddle not level . I used to do this and when I saw my surgeon yesterday , he told me to stop this as it caused my current pereneal cyst .

[@laurarockland3002]

What highway/road were you on where you went thru the needles tunnel?

[@johngraf5303]

What tires( size and make) and pressure you running on this ride? Thanks!

[@ClintDowd]

What action camera are you using?

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

When I was 20 , I was hit at 80 kilometers an hour .

[@TheGameBoy56]

Lol maybe u should of used a set calipers checked make sure enough meat in those rims for brakes lol u were flying lik

[@jgarcia1925]

god damn Dodge charger and challenger drivers. lol

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

We must wear helmets in Australia or we get a $400 fine . I saw many fines issued during COVID 19 lockdowns .

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

My replacement for a stolen bottom bracket threading and facing kit cost $2,000 .

[@robp2140]

Can you (or anyone here) tell me what the grades were going up the switchbacks to the Needles?

[@bkefrmr]

Nothing too extreme. Probably never above 9%. Iron Mountain was tougher up to Rushmore

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

At 59:30 , you needed an enduro mtb .

[@donhuber9131]

I have no problem with self-absorbed politicians naming trails after themselves if it gets these types of projects funded. Wonderful video!

[@gareymoore7881]

Not self-adsorbed just died in a plane wreck.

[@donhuber9131]

@@gareymoore7881 So sorry to hear that.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

I have seen cyclists get injured when trying to pass large utes and pickups as their sight lines and blind spots are particularly bad with respect to us . I don't feel safe around them .

[@malcraghill7]

Love your trip videos. It's a shame car culture is so ingrained that there are people in the comments saying you might have offended a few fragile drivists.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

At the 27 minute mark you have reason to be frustrated .