BLACK HILLS - Cycling USA (Ep 15) - Bikepacking Across America Documentary - Western South Dakota

After leaving The Badlands behind and spending a night in a hotel in Rapid City, South Dakota, I start riding to Deadwood. Deadwood is on the north end of The Black Hills National Forest. On my way there I climb and drop on the famous Strawberry Hill which gifted me with a close to six minute downhill at over 40 mph. After camping in Deadwood I started the George Mickelson Trail which was phenomenal. This episode ends in Custer after 63 mile day climbing over 3,850ft. Subscribe to see what other kinds of crazy adventure I get myself into as I travel with my touring bicycle for 4,000 miles and thru 14 states before reaching the West Coast during these 11 weeks of summer.
To support my bicycle touring adventures go to: www.patreon.com/flyscoutryder. Thank you
My Instagram has previews of my trip if you want teasers of what is to come on this KZbin channel: flyscoutryder
Captions and Spanish Subtitles by www.rev.com
Music: (Song, Artist)
*Link to playlist below
In The Arms Of A Stranger, Go For Howell
Oh Yeah, Wildflowers
Crazy For You, Wildflowers
www.epidemicsound.com/playlist/1v5avnfrtbqex6c6gg6ufyb20fm5ugtk

[@jacksonbangs6603]

As a former resident of Rapid City South Dakota, I can proudly say that you have a lot to see and enjoy in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

[@FlyscoutRyder]

The George Michelson Trail was impressive and also sort of difficult as well. I had a memorable time there. Thanks for watching these episodes.

[@AlexHernandez-be7qn]

Fantastic ride! I’m slowly catching up on your episodes but enjoying every minute along the way and your video quality keeps getting better. Thanks for sharing & safe travels.

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Hello, Alex. Psyched to hear you are enjoying my channel. You are watching the first of four seasons. I hope you stick around and watch the progression thru the years. Thank you for reaching out.

[@BigRon092]

Hi! Love watching your trip! It's evident that you did it in the summer, and are editing it now. Don't forget, more is better! Don't worry about your video being too long. Your fans will love it!

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Thank you. Really appreciate it. I will keep in mind making them longer. You are not the first to say that.

[@BigRon092]

@@FlyscoutRyder I like to let your vids pile up, and sit down on a Friday night and have a Flyscout Ryder video fest.

[@FlyscoutRyder]

@@BigRon092 That is so cool. Your comment just made my day. I need this kind of encouragement. Thank you

[@jackfarris7056]

I truly enjoyed riding the the Mickelson trail from Deadwood as well as the needles drive back in Sept of 2019. I want to get back there and do it again and other fab routes in the area. Looks like you are having a blast.

[@FlyscoutRyder]

That GMT was excellent. I cut it short and went west from Custer to Buffalo thru the Thunder Basin National Grasslands. That is one scenic stretch. You are right, so much to see in that area.

[@canica99]

I did that same ride but the opposite way as I was going to the Maine...that part of South Dakota is just awesome ahd the people are top notch. I came in from Wyoming into Spearfish and I was at a baseball field waiting for a game to fish so the light would go off and I could stealth camp and this couple and I stared talking and next thing you know, I am in Sturgis getting a shower, laundry and a great meal. Awesome stuff man. Awesome stuff. The Badlands crack my ass, I had to ride from Rapid City to Sioux Falls on I-90 and sleep on the rest stops...hot windy, lots of crap on the road and I patch my rear tube about 18 times as bad as the dirty 30 in Oregon with the goat heads. Loving your content man. Muy bueno Diego....

[@FlyscoutRyder]

I'm a huge fan of both North and South Dakota. Some more episodes of them coming up season 2 in a few weeks. Goat heads suck. Have you tries filling 4 to 6oz of tire sealant in your tubes? I learned about this in Arizona and it's unreal. Tire pressure stays put as well. Muchas gracias for tu apoyo.

[@markjohnson1051]

Hey Diego! Love the amazing footage and narrative, and especially learning about that trail. Keep up the great work. Stay safe and que te vaya chévere amigo mío! Mark & Patty

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Muchas gracias, Mark and Patty. More on the way. I recently rode the Empire State Trail and its part of season 2 which starts next Sunday. Hope you check it out.

[@kennethcolbert2921]

Don't worry your videos are not to long I'm like some of the other people I could sit and watch your videos all night long they are so good to see they are making me work on my bicycle redoing the gearing on it some how I got to do a trip in 2022 it will be a short trip but short is better than none at all.I don't see how you do this stuff with all you have on board wish I still had my Surly Big Dummy but as I told you what happen to it and me I'm just lucky to be alive.If you ever get to Maine look me up I live in Caribou.Keep these videos coming we all enjoy them a lot.

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Thanks Kenneth. Your accident comes to mind often now so hopefully it keeps me sharp not to do anything stupid. I also hope you get your gearing Stright and get to ride this next year. You could start training somehow. I will be in Maine sooner than later so I will try reach out to you when there. Thanks for the offer. Very kind

[@princepage632]

i worked in da blackhills of sd for the last 10 years. i know everything about da blackhills. and i was on da mickelson trail ever day almost. i know eveery inch of the trail and every section of it. i could write a guide book about it. my favorite part of the trail was the custer to pringle section. with all the rock out croppings but the deadwood to roachford is awsome to. be safe out there and keep riding. one day i will be able to do a cross country trip. money is whats holding me back. it takes loot to bike tour. you must have a check coming in. good luck out there and keep rollin

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Hi. Yes the Black Hills are spectacular. I liked the entire trail but missed going past Custer. You just made me reconsider my route ahead so I might get back on it and relive the experience one more time. Bicycle touring is expensive. I work hard during the spring and summer and save my money so I can do it and still its a significant expense. Hopefully my channel will someday help with the expense of it but for now Im one of the pipe dreaming you tubers out there passionately living their dream. Stay safe out there and thank you for reaching out.

[@mhilde7744]

Nice job! Thanks for the ride!!!!

[@FlyscoutRyder]

You got it. More on the way.

[@dog-so1vj]

Beautiful trail. Looks like perfect grizzly country...

[@FlyscoutRyder]

The George Mickelson Trail is top notch. Check out the Great Allegheny Passage Trail Episode. That's a top notch trail as well.

[@dog-so1vj]

@@FlyscoutRyder Ok. I will check it out.

[@mariecantenis4861]

Wow!!! Buenisimo. Now you start de mountains I’m waiting for. I know, more work. See you next week .😘

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Thank you See you next week, Mom

[@alanaitken3875]

Hey !! I've been following your trip from Perthshire Scotland. Great stuff, its so enjoyable to watch while we can't travel ! Ond day once Covid is under control, ill get back touring Stateside again. Stay safe. A.

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Thank you Alan. I'll be heading to Scotland someday. It would be so cool. I have some friends that have done it.

[@LesCyclopreneurs]

Nice, thanks for your videos, we will follow you!

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Thank you so much. Im just having fun and enjoying life doing what I love to do, both riding and acting out this creative outlet. Im also looking to progress so any input is welcomed. Also questions.

[@LesCyclopreneurs]

@@FlyscoutRyder ok nice!!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Black Hills are phenomenal. Stayed at Custer State Park in the 70's. Wildlife is outstanding. What are you using for a dynamo hub and after such a long tour what do you think about a small solar panel now? These videos have become a bad habit. Needed to go to bed earlier.😁😁😁 Take care, Al

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Awesome. Glad you are watching the progress. Im using a Son Dynamo and I had a solar panel but I scratched it and it stopped working so I did without it and realized I didn't need it. I'll be getting another though. It was convenient.

[@robertcolvin3182]

Great video! I've done a bit of trail riding and appreciate that it is truly mind-blowing beautiful when out on a quiet, well-maintained trail where only nature is your friend. This is one of those rides. Thanks for sharing.

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Thank you for watching. It's a blast!!

[@messifan376]

Nice broo❤❤

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Thank you. Messi is good.

[@blake4672]

Might be a little late with the comment, but I've been binge watching and I love your videos. Just watched this one and I was wondering from your handle if you're a fly fisher. The Black Hills have some awesome trout fishing that few know about. I had the opportunity to fish out in Spearfish Canyon and the surrounding area a couple years back. If you get the chance it's well worth it.

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Hi Blake. Thanks for watching and reaching out. I've heard of the awesome fly fishing around the Black Hills but never have done it there. When Im bicycle touring its tough to stop as Im always heading somewhere. I've been a fly fishing guide in the Florida Keys since 1993. That's my main profession and this channel is my pipe dream attempt at becoming a KZbinr sharing my passion for bicycle touring and content creating. I go from cycling to guiding in a seasonal back and forth routine. I hope you stick around and watch the upcoming episodes. Oh, Im actually 90 miles from the Black Hills in Kadoka SD but this year Im passing thru southbound and heading to Denver to climb over the Rockies via Independence Pass and drop into the Grand Canyon. Stay tuned.

[@blake4672]

@@FlyscoutRyder Awesome! I'm definitely watching all of your videos. Subscribed and looking forward to binging the rest. Good luck and stay safe. Praying for you.

[@FollowThomas]

That was great! I'm bike touring here in Florida. I havre sic-saced all Florida last couple of years maybe it's time to expand my bike touring area, especially after watching your videos. 👍

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Yes. Expand when away. So cool to cross state lines and see the cultural differences. Meet all kinds of different folks out there. Lots to learn and appreciate

[@bikelanez7376]

Great video! 😃👍

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Thank you

[@pmc291]

Love your vids ... similar to early foresty forest channel. But I'm curious as to to how a back country fisherman decides to ride a bike across the USA.

[@FlyscoutRyder]

I was introduced to bicycle touring about 20 years ago and I am really into it. Especially now after riding across the country. Lots more to do

[@marksgraybeal]

as a kid, i cud hitch an tour the hills. as said previous, my 1st lil tour, rapid to Wall, but hitched with bike half way back due to head wind. in the 70's i usualy hitched frum the various ways out of town. with $20 an bag, i often got home in time for sunday dinner with two bucks to spare. started early photog then. i late to get back to just roam were i once was born. Concieved maybe upstairs Deadwood/motel. Hot springs,Igloo, and Rapid,Spearfish 5 years college dayz ( minus 1 for Sewer Falls as guest ) now for me to enjoy what i shudv dun...

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Coll memories you have Mark

[@mariobotelho32]

Great scenery! The US took the Black Hills the same way that tribe took it from other tribe. That was how things worked at that time all around the world. The US have nothing to be ashamed of. Quite the opposite. No other country gave so many land and money to the tribes they took land from.

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Very much on point. Fact is they are hopefully, to some degree, protected from any further detrimental exploitation. They are so beautiful. I think of the Black Hills as an Oasis.

[@MrGtownjake]

The settlement they refuse has been earning interest all this time and the estimated value of the account is a little over 15 BILLION dollars.

[@FlyscoutRyder]

I had no idea it was that much. The info I read when researching was 4 billion. Im always wondering why they wouldn't take it but figure its complicated enough not too be easily accessible information. Thanks for reaching out and commenting.

[@ramonetl]

what time of year was this? Its on my list for next year as we have been going from Seattle and so far have hit Bozeman. Next year we will head through yellowstone into that direction.

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Late August. Take a look at my Pine Creek episode. It will give you a heads up on what Yellowstone NP is like to ride in. Not easy at all.

[@1717DW]

Great video, what other trails like the George Mickelson trail are there that you have traveled in the USA? Thanks

[@FlyscoutRyder]

Hi Walter. Thanks for watching and reaching out. I can't remember everyone because at times I ride a short section of them but most memorably are the Katy Trail which is the longest one, Steamboat Trace along the Missouri in Nebraska, Columbia Plateau and the John Wayne in Washington State. They are all phenomenal but I would say the the Columbia Plateau Trail was one of my most memorable rides. It was being repaired so never saw but one rider the whole 50 miles I rode on it.

[@collegedropout3076]

How is the Hilleberg Niak for bike touring? Was thinking about getting one but worried it is overkill>

[@FlyscoutRyder]

It is a legit tent. Sturdy. So easy to set up, two poles and the whole thing is ready for stakes. A bit pricey and a little heavier then others but I think of it as my favorite place to sleep. Some downsides are that it only has one opening and its the only screened side so not much for airflow but I sleep in it in hot weather and its fine with me.

[@bambiloren]

if your conquerors offer you money, you take it

[@FlyscoutRyder]

I hear you. Seems like a lot of money to help their tribe. Must be other factors I couldn't get my hands on while researching that story. I spent a lot of time making sure what I researched was on point too. I thought, assuming, that they might want the land to mine or add casinos or both. It's gotta be a complex ordeal after all these years. Either way, the interest keeps accruing for them.