SOUTH DAKOTA BIKE TOUR & GLAMPING WITH UNDER CANVAS - Trek Travel
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South Dakota Bike Tour & Glamping with Under Canvas
EXPLORER | 5 DAYS, 4 NIGHTS
TREKTRAVEL.COM | 866-464-8735
SOUTH DAKOTA BIKE TOUR &
GLAMPING WITH UNDER
CANVAS
THE BLACK HILLS AND BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
From
Are you ready for the adventure of glamping, combined with all the $3099
indulgence of a Trek Travel experience? Join us for this new addition to our
Rider Type
Under Canvas collection, bringing together the sensory magic of sleeping Active
under the stars along with the creature comforts of excellent
Hotel Style
accommodations. Enjoy South Dakota glamping in luxurious safari-style
Explorer
tents, spread out among the pines, and set high in the Black Hills
overlooking the surrounding forest and even Mount Rushmore itself. Duration
5 days | 4 nights
Discover this stunning region as you pedal along the Mickelson bike path to
the immense Crazy Horse Memorial. Explore the vast and verdant Custer Start | End
State Park as you look for the resident bison herd. Take a dip in Rapid City, South Dakota
picturesque Sylvan Lake and ride through granite spires known as "The Dates
Needles." Cap it all off with a journey through Badlands National Park and a 2020/Jun/Jul
final evening in Rapid City. On our South Dakota Bike and Glamping Tour,
see all the Black Hills have to offer!
TRIP WOWS
Glamp high in the Black Hills at one of Under Canvas' premier properties
Pedal through the grasslands to the colorful buttes of Badlands National Park
Ride on quiet roads through the forest to where the buffalo still roam in Custer State Park
Experience the dramatic landscape the Black Hills, including granite spires known as The Needles and picturesque
Sylvan Lake
Visit the iconic Mount Rushmore and the immense Crazy Horse Memorial
DAILY ITINERARY
2020
TODAY'S RIDE:
Day Custer to Hill City
Approximately 17 miles with 1,000
feet of climbing
1
DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to the Black Hills for a week of exploring this unique and utterly beautiful destination! Your Trek Travel guides
will meet you at the Hotel Alex Johnson at 9:30 AM on the first day of the South Dakota glamping and bike trip. After a
one-hour shuttle, you’ll arrive in Custer. Stroll around town and take in the views while your guides set up the bikes and
prepare a signature Trek Travel picnic. After lunch and a short round of introductions, your guides will discuss the rules of
bike safety and specific cycling tips for riding in the Black Hills before familiarizing you with your Trek bicycle and ensuring
a comfortable fit. Once everyone is ready, you'll set off on the popular Mickelson Trail bike path toward the Crazy Horse
Memorial. The trail climbs gently through beautiful scenery as the scenery transforms from green, fragrant pine forests to
open mountain meadows with sweeping views. We will stop at Crazy Horse where you can tour the visitor center and take
a short bus ride out to the base of the Monument. Afterward, we'll continue riding to the trailhead in Hill City. We'll then
shuttle approximately 30 minutes to our special home for the next three nights, Under Canvas. We will gather here for
social hour and dinner this evening and your guides will fill you in on what's in store the rest of the week.
ACCOMMODATIONS: INCLUDED MEALS:
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
TODAY'S RIDE: SHORT OPTION: AVID OPTION:
Day K ey stone to Custer State Park
Approximately 40 miles with 3,850
Wildlife Loop R oad
Approximately 18 miles with 1,275
Custer State Park Loop
Approximately 61 miles with 6,000
feet of climbing feet of climbing feet of climbing
2
DESCRIPTION:
After a delicious breakfast, we'll depart Keystone and pedal south toward Custer State Park. Today's ride follows
Playhouse Road through a quiet forest and past Black Hills Playhouse, a historic theater that's still in use today. After
riding Wildlife Loop Road through Custer State Park, where it is common to encounter some of the 1,300 buffalo who call
the park home, we'll stop at the Visitor Center and enjoy lunch in the picnic area. From here, choose to shuttle back to
camp or, for those who want more climbing, return home along Playhouse Road. Tonight, dinner is on your own. Choose to
stay at Under Canvas or take a short shuttle to Keystone for a bite at one of the local haunts.
ACCOMMODATIONS: INCLUDED MEALS:
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore Breakfast | Lunch
TODAY'S RIDE:
Day Mt. R ushmore to Sy lvan Lake
with N eedles Ey e Tunnel
SHORT OPTION:
Mt. R ushmore to Sy lvan Lake
TODAY'S ACTIVITY:
Approximately 21 miles with 3,000 Approximately 14 miles with 2,150
feet of climbing feet of climbing K ay ak or Hike at Sy lvan Lake
3 DESCRIPTION:
Today begins with a short shuttle to Mount Rushmore, where you will have some time to get a closeup view of the
mountain. The 60-foot sculptures of four U.S. Presidents are almost 80 years old and took 14 years to complete using
jackhammers and munitions to carve out of sheer granite. Afterward, we'll depart by bike and make our way to Needles
Highway. This picturesque road is idyllic for cycling, speckled with birch, pine, and aspen trees, narrow rock tunnels, and
dramatic granite spires. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch at Sylvan Lake, and we'll have some time to kayak or hike this afternoon
before shuttling back to Under Canvas. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at a favorite local restaurant just outside of Keystone
before returning to camp for a good night's rest under the stars.
ACCOMMODATIONS: INCLUDED MEALS:
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
TODAY'S RIDE: AVID OPTION:
Day Sag e Creek to B adlands
National Park
SHORT OPTION:
B adlands N ational Park
Scenic to B adlands National
Park
Approximately 38 miles with 2,250 Approximately 26 miles with 1,200 Approximately 53 miles with 2,600
feet of climbing feet of climbing feet of climbing
4 DESCRIPTION:
It's a taste of the true West today! This morning begins with a shuttle to Scenic, a ghost town on the outskirts of Badlands
National Park. We'll saddle up and ride into the park via its lesser-known entrance. Today's route starts with 26 miles on an
easygoing gravel road that meanders through mixed-grass prairie and offers distant views of the incredible scenery to
come. Enjoy lunch at the Pinnacles Overlook, where the pavement begins, before continuing your ride into this unparalleled
land of sharply eroded buttes and spires. Be sure to stop for plenty of photos and to look for buffalo, foxes, pronghorns,
and bighorn sheep as you pedal through the park today. As we reach the end of the ride, we'll regroup for an hour-long
shuttle to the historic Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City. Tonight, we'll gather for a final celebratory social hour and dinner
at the Vertex Skybar.
INCLUDED MEALS:
ACCOMMODATIONS: Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour |
Hotel Alex Johnson DinnerTODAY'S RIDE:
Day R apid City Loop with Sky line
Drive
SHORT OPTION:
R apid City Loop
Approximately 17 miles with 1,000 Approximately 12 miles with 400 feet
feet of climbing of climbing
5 DESCRIPTION:
It's sadly time to say goodbye to the mountains and stars of South Dakota and Under Canvas. We'll enjoy breakfast at
Tally's Silver Spoon before we take one final spin, starting out on Rapid City's bike path network. Once you are warmed up,
it's time for a final climb up to Skyline Drive and past the historic Dinosaur Park for a panoramic view of Rapid City and
beyond. Your South Dakota glamping and bike tour concludes at 11:00 AM at the hotel. From here, you may arrange for a
shuttle to the airport for your flight home or wherever your travels take you next!
INCLUDED MEALS:
Breakfast
WHAT'S INCLUDED
For us, the details matter most
Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice.
It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that's how we help you create more
memories.
What's Included
• 4 nights of South Dakota glamping accommodations in luxury safari-style tents
• Two experienced guides to provide local knowledge, support, and camaraderie
• Daily route support with both guides and our support van
• Daily breakfast, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners
• 2 social hours of drinks and hors d'oeuvres
• Ride a Trek Domane SL 7 disc or Trek Electric-Assist Verve+
• Up to three daily route options on riding days
• Snacks and drinks for each day's ride
• Trek Travel Bontrager cycling jersey to keep
• Trek Travel water bottles to keep
• Cinch sack day bag to keep
• Each bike is equipped with a Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer, flat pack, front and rear Bontrager Flare R lights, a Bontrager
saddle and pedals (Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mountain pedals, caged or flat pedals)
• Bontrager WaveCel helmets
• All gratuities for drivers, local experts, and hospitality staff
• All luggage transfers and transportation during your trip
• A personalized photobook of your trip
• Entrance fees for all activities, private tours, and events
Gear
• Trek Domane SL 7 disc carbon road bike with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting or Trek Electric-Assist Verve+, available in a limited
quantity
• Trek Travel Bontrager cycling jersey to keep
• Trek Travel water bottles to keep
• Shimano clipless road pedals, Shimano clipless mountain pedals, caged or flat pedals
• Bontrager WaveCel helmet
• Bontrager men's and women's specific saddles
• Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights and a flat pack
• Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer
• Cinch sack day bag to keep
• Upgrade your bike to include carbon wheels (+$200)
• Coupon valued up to $500 off a new Trek Bicycle. Your coupon will be delivered via email prior to your trip.
• For the most comfortable ride, you may choose to bring your own pedals, saddle, and helmet on the trip. Your guides will install
your gear on the first day during your bike fit.
THANK YOUR GUIDES, BY TIPPING
Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping 7.5-10% of your trip price for the
guide team. Local currency is preferred and unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please
tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care, and service.What’s Not Included
• Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations
• Lodging before and after the trip
• Personal items purchased during the trip
• Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
• On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.
HOTELS
UNDER CANVAS MT. RUSHMORE HOTEL ALEX JOHNSON
KEYSTONE, SD RAPID CITY, SD
Under Canvas® has perfected the art The Hotel Alex Johnson was built in
of luxury camping, allowing you to 1927 as a tribute to the beauty of
be close to nature without sacrificing Black Hills and the heritage of the
comfort. Your Deluxe tent includes Plains Indians. Its Germanic Tudor
its own private ensuite bathroom architecture represents the heavy
complete with a pull chain shower, German influence in the area. Enjoy
sink, and flushing toilet. A wood the character of the historic building
stove keeps the tent warm at night and the comfort of newly renovated
and a private deck allows you to rooms in the heart of downtown
enjoy the evening stars. Rooms Rapid City. Rooms feature a king bed
feature a king bed with luxurious or two double beds. And did we
linens and blankets. We also have a mention that there is a Starbucks in
limited number of tents with one king the lobby?
bed and one queen sofabed.
MEETING &
DEPARTING
How To Get There Meeting Time And Location
We recommend flying directly into Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Hotel Alex Johnson (523 Sixth Street,
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) in Rapid City, SD 57701) at 9:30 AM on the first day of the trip. After a 1-hour shuttle,
Rapid City, South Dakota. We we’ll arrive in the town of Custer. You’ll have some time to explore the town while
suggest that you arrive at least one your guides set up a hearty picnic lunch. After lunch and a bike-fitting session,
day prior to the trip start, which will we'll set off on our first ride. Feel free to dress comfortably for the shuttle. You will
enable you to adjust to the time zone have time to change into your cycling gear after the picnic. Please pack your
and minimize the risk of missing the cycling clothing and gear in a separate, easily accessible bag.
trip start due to flight-related delays.
If you are staying at Hotel Alex If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform
Johnson before the trip begins, you your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip starts with their
may reserve a shuttle by calling names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel,
Rapid Shuttle at 605-399-9999 for Under Canvas Mount Rushmore (605-789-5194) and leave a message with your
about $25 per person. expected arrival time and contact details. There are no scheduled shuttle services
to Keystone, but you may be able to hire a taxi for roughly $100.
Departing Time And LocationSay farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at Hotel Alex Johnson. The hotel will
assist you with scheduling a shuttle to the Rapid City Airport (RAP) to fly home or
to pick up a rental car if you are planning to continue your adventures. The drive
to the airport takes about 25 minutes. We suggest that you book your flight for
1:00 PM or later.
HOTEL ALEX JOHNSON
Before & After: Rapid City, The Hotel Alex Johnson was built in 1927 as a tribute to the beauty of the Black
Hills and the heritage of the Plains Indians. Its Germanic Tudor architecture
South Dakota represents the heavy German influence in the area. Enjoy the character of the
historic building and the comfort of newly renovated rooms in the heart of
Rapid City is known as the gateway downtown Rapid City. Rooms feature a king bed or two double beds.
to the Black Hills and is the perfect
home base for exploring the www.alexjohnson.com
Badlands National Park and Custer
State Park. While we will visit these THE RUSHMORE HOTEL
places as well as Mount Rushmore
and Crazy Horse Memorial during our Located in vibrant downtown Rapid City, the Rushmore Hotel is just steps away
cycling trip, we only have time to from shopping, the Presidents walk, and a variety of restaurants. They have
scratch the surface. There is much several room types and suite options to choose from, a workout room, on-site
more to see and do in these restaurant, and an airport shuttle.
destinations. If you want to
adventure a bit farther, Rapid City is www.therushmorehotel.com
also close to Spearfish, Sturgis,
Deadwood, and Devil's Tower.
* Hotels listed above are local properties we love. We do not have special rates available.
FAQS
What Are The Daily Rides What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
Like?
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take
• Rider Type | 3 - Active the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the
saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please
• Average Daily Mileage | 29
contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or
• Terrain | Hilly related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price.
• Average Daily Elevation | 2,525 feet Some non-riding options on this trip are:
• Total Miles | 133
• Total Elevation | 11,050 feet • Visit Crazy Horse Memorial
• Visit Mount Rushmore
Averages and totals are calculated • Hiking in Custer State Park
from our "Today’s Ride" options. • Kayaking in Sylvan Lake
The terrain on our South Dakota bike • Horseback Riding
tour includes everything from gently • Rock Climbing
climbing bike paths to undulating • Take a walking tour of Rapid City and find all 42 presidential statues
gravel roads to quiet, hilly two-lane • Visit the Journey Museum in Rapid City
roads in state and national parks.
The terrain aside from the bike paths
is generally hilly including some Trip Changes
steep hills. This bike trip is best
suited for our Type 3 Riders. Our Trek See itinerary for specific daily ride distances and elevation options. On all of our
Travel guides can also vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths
accommodate Type 2 Riders who to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Our
seek less mileage or fewer uphills, itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer every
with a boost in the van. Those who guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times, routes, hotels, activities, etc.
wish to ride every mile but are listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve
concerned about their physical ability the trip experience.may want to try our electric bike option–you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Options are available for riding more or fewer miles, and your Trek Travel guides and support vehicle are always close behind!
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