BLACK HILLS SOUTH DAKOTA:
2024 Riding Season Route Updates
Updated August 21st, 2024
BLACK HILLS SOUTH DAKOTA:
July 31st, 2024
Wildfire Season: Check before you go.
The unfortunate reality of wildfire season is upon us in the west and has impacted many of our routes.
- While we do our best to report major reroutes and closures to our routes, the ever-changing nature of wildfire season makes it nearly impossible to stay up to date.
- All riders must do their due diligence and research potential impacts to routes before and during their trips. Our Interactive Map is a great resource to view current wildfire data including active fires and impacts from smoke, and gives reference to proximity to our routes.
- Click HERE to launch our interactive map where you can select wildfire data by clicking on the fire icon in the top right corner of the window. See screenshots for reference.
- Premium subscriptions to apps such as Gaia GPS and OnX OffRoad also heave great wildfire map layers to help you plan.
We also recommend all riders join the official Facebook Group Page for each route they intend to ride. This is a great resource to get up to date intel from fellow riders and share your experiences with others planning to ride.
Links to each group page can be found at the bottom of this page.
August 21st, 2024
New Tracks Available for Download
A new version of the Black Hills BDR-X tracks is available labeled BDR-X BlackHills SD-August2024
This track update includes minor refinements and a change to Section 3.
- The main route on section 3 just outside of Hill City has been revised due to difficult conditions. The new route remains on graded gravel roads for riders wishing to bypass the optional Harder climb up Bear Mtn.
- See attached screenshots for reference.
- Download the latest BDR track files HERE
This track file still includes the temporary bypass track for Section 1 as previously posted in June:
Road construction is taking place on Highway 385 on Section 1 of this route.
- Construction crews have intermittent closures on the highway, be prepared for major delays at any time. This construction is expected to last most of the year.
- We have published new GPS tracks that include a temporary bypass track file that can be used if the highway is closed, see attached screenshots for reference.
- More info on the construction process can be found HERE
May 22nd, 2024
Section 1: Temporary Bypass for Bridge Repair
A bridge is out and being repaired on Christensen Rd just before reaching Spearfish.
- To bypass the closure, simply remain on Maitland Road north to Colorado Blvd heading west to rejoin the tracks in Spearfish.
- See attached screenshot for reference.
March 11th, 2024
New Tracks Available for Download
We are in the process of releasing updated GPS track files for every one of our routes in an ongoing effort to keep track files current and evolving with changing route conditions and considerations for fuel.
- Some section starts/ends have shifted in our track files and may not match older versions of the BDR Map. We typically aim to keep each section less than 150mi in length. Sections that exceed this length generally have fuel options along the route or optional tracks to a nearby town for fuel along the way.
- Regardless of the documentary film, older track files, or previous map versions, the most current GPS track file is always considered the “current” route.
- Some routes have had updates for track difficulty classifications, new tracks added, shifts to section starts or ends, and additional waypoints and these updates will be reflected on the next map reprint.
- All track files have been updated with revised naming conventions, track colors, waypoints, discovery points, and more.
- GPS track colors have been updated as follows:
- Main Route: Alternating BLUE and DARK BLUE
- ALT Harder & ALT Expert tracks: RED
- Bypass, Extension, or Optional Fuel tracks: GREEN
- Our track colors will now carry over when imported into Gaia GPS. If they do not match these colors when you import, simply manually change the track colors to match, or select your own preferred track colors.
- GPS track colors don’t necessarily match the BDR Map. This is due to the difference in color visibility on GPS devices vs printed paper map products.
- Updates to our interactive map are in process to reflect these updates. You can launch the interactive map HERE.
- Always download the most recent track files just before you go HERE
July 22nd, 2023
Easy access to Bear Mountain Lookout Tower – Section 3
If you decide to remain on the main track and not take the ALT Harder track up Bear Mountain, you can still backtrack to the lookout tower for the incredible views.
- At the intersection of Ditch Creek Road and the Alt Harder track, you can backtrack on the ALT Harder track via a gravel road to the lookout tower.
- The more difficult portion of the ALT Harder track is north of the lookout tower.
- See attached image for reference.
As always, be sure and download the latest .gpx file prior to your ride HERE
Join our Facebook Group for more route updates.
Visit the official Black Hills South Dakota BDR-X Facebook Group page for ride reports, photos, and discussions with other riders in your area HERE.
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