We had a leisurely morning in Edgemont – Christina of Highline Adventures
picked us up in Edgemont at 10:30 and drove us to the Custer Trailhead. This company provides a much-needed service –
very professional with reasonable rates.
Christina knows a lot about the Mickelson Trail and we enjoyed talking
with her.
It was great bicycling weather – no cowboying up
needed. We started up the climb at about
noon, taking in views from the different direction perspective. After climbing for 3.5 miles, we stopped to
take a photo when we saw a very familiar face coming down the trail toward us –
Paul! We had expected to meet him in
Hill City, but he surprised us by getting to us before we got to him. It was another 1.6 miles to the top of the
climb, and then a very fast and exhilarating downhill (led by Paul) for the
next 10.5 miles.
We got into Hill City just in time to have a great late lunch
at the Alpine Inn. A Reuben and iced tea
for Paul, and for Rob and Diane - fresh and smoked bratwurst served with German
potato salad, sauerkraut, red cabbage and German bread. (Diane gave her bread to Rob, who also had a Hefeweizen).
Rob and Diane also indulged in decadent desserts. For her a Raspberry White Chocolate Mousse (a
creamy white chocolate mousse layered with a raspberry sauce and white
chocolate chips); for him a Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream (Oreo cookie
crust layered with a creamy peanut butter filling and peanut butter fudge ice
cream. Garnished with Reese’s crumbles and drizzled with fudge).
At lunch we concocted a plan to help Diane deal with her
increasingly painful left shoulder and arm.
Give her a day’s rest yet allow Rob and Diane to keep on schedule. Instead of cycling the 31 miles to Carsten Cottages
tomorrow with Paul and Rob, she will drive Paul’s car (loaded with her bike and
gear and a good portion of the contents of Rob’s panniers, and groceries for
tomorrow’s dinner and Monday’s lunch).
After lunch, and showers in our respective lodging, the
three of us hung out together and caught up on some of the goings-on in our lives, then shared dinner at Maria’s. It was a fun day!
Hoping that Diane heals with tomorrow’s rest and that Rob can
keep up with Paul during the mostly uphill ride.
Diane & Rob
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| Paul joins on the trail. |
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| One of many majestic views along the trail. |
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| Actually we didn't bike enough to earn this meal (dessert not shown), but what the hell. |
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