Cycling the George S. Mickelson Trail in South Dakota

The script introduces the Melson Trail, a 109-mile rail trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota, starting in Deadwood and extending to Edgemont. It discusses the history of the area, including the gold rush and the establishment of mining towns like Deadwood and Lead. The trail, which features both gradual and steep inclines, offers stunning views of the sacred Black Hills and passes by notable landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. The script also mentions the trail's history, from a Burlington Northern railroad line to its transformation into a rail trail, named in honor of George Melson, and its induction into the Rail Trail Hall of Fame in 2010. The narrator advises respect for private land and shares an anecdote about navigating through a herd of cattle on the trail.

This paragraph delves into the experience of riding the Melson Trail, highlighting the trail's crushed stone surface in excellent condition, with a few cautionary notes about loose gravel sections. It introduces Ernie, a member of the Trail Patrol ensuring rider safety. The script suggests a stop at the Moonshine Gulch Saloon in Rochford for an 1800's experience and describes the scenic route from Rochford to Mystic, featuring a tunnel, high trestles, and active gold mines. The narrator shares a personal accident, emphasizing the importance of safety, and notes the wildlife and vegetation along the trail, including deer, big horn sheep, and various tree species. It also touches on the history of forest fires and current forest management efforts in the area.

The script explores the geological formation of the Black Hills, explaining how the area's granite was formed by cooled magma and how the landscape has been shaped over millions of years. It describes the concentric circles of rock formations around the crystalline core and the presence of metamorphic rock and limestone. The paragraph also discusses the northern section of the Melson Trail, which is more trafficked and scenic, with tunnels, trestles, and proximity to attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. The availability of services in towns along the trail is noted, as well as the charm of the southern section, which is quieter but still offers beautiful scenery.

This section of the script focuses on the cultural and historical attractions near the Melson Trail, such as the Crazy Horse monument, the largest rock carving in the world, and the services available in the town of Custer. It mentions the changing landscape and elevation as the trail progresses, with the northern section being more forested and the southern section transitioning to open grasslands. The script also describes the experience of riding through Sheep's Canyon, a highlight of the trail, and the overall natural beauty of the Black Hills.

The final paragraph summarizes the experience of completing the Melson Trail, from the initial uphill climb out of Deadwood to the downhill ride into Edgemont. The script emphasizes the trail's status as a Hall of Fame rail trail, with its rich Western history, scenic views, and diverse activities available in the Black Hills area. The narrator suggests the Melson Trail as an excellent choice for bikepacking, recommending a four-day journey with stops in various towns. The script concludes with a personal note about the narrator's wife and their shared experience of riding the trail, and an invitation to viewers to explore the trail themselves.