Ride Schedule:

Riding can be categorized into three types: loops or out-and-backs from camp;shuttles or drives to specific parts of the Maah Daah Hey; and riding the whole Maah Daah Hey itself. Obviously we don't have the time or resources to do the whole MDH, so we will do combinations of the first two and hopefully everyone will be satisfied.

Last year we established camp in Medora for the entire weekend, but this year I'd like to try something a little different. I plan to camp out at the Magpie Campground Thursday & Friday nights, then at the Buffalo Gap Ranch on Saturday night. This is subject to change and availability.

Thursday - I will be coming from the north down Hwy 85, so I will be stopping at Benett Camp for a relatively short ride on Bennett Creek Trail to the MDH (about 3 miles) and back. Then it's on to Magpie Campground to get situated, followed by an afternoon ride leaving at about 3pm. This will be directly from camp, likely south to Devil's Pass. Devil's Pass is a sharply eroded portion of the trail which forms a thin "saddle" between two high points. The trail surface follows along this saddle and features very sheer exposure on both sides which could intimidate some. It can be easily ridden or walked - total distance of exposed portion of trail is a couple of hundred yards. Views are excellent just before and after. Planned distance will be about 10-12 miles. Riders can easily go longer if they desire.

Friday - wake up for an early start right from camp. We will go north from Magpie as a group. Total ride distance planned will be about 15 miles, but for those who wish more are free to keep going as far as they wish. Finish back at camp. For those who didn't get the chance to see Devil's Pass the day before, a short ride there & back is highly recommended. Distance there & back is short, about 5 miles, but does include a couple of steep climbs. Due to the camping plans on Saturday night, Friday will be the group cookout night this year. Bring something special to share if you like, or plan on feeding your self and gathering in a common location for food, beers, and visiting. Likely evening tomfoolery to ensue, with derbies, skid contestes, and general happiness. The plan is for a short Night ride to commence at 9-10 pm, approximately 5-6 miles or so to enjoy the night sky and a visit, then back down to camp. Some rode this on single speeds last year and enjoyed it lots. Bring your lights.

Saturday - Break camp early Saturday morning, drive into Medora and leave a couple of shuttle vehicles there, drive about 6 miles west to the Buffalo Gap Ranch. We will establish the camping area at the ranch, ride the 13 miles back to Medora on the Buffalo Gap trail (which includes Andrew's Creek and an optional short branch south - very fun trail section) and back to the ranch for the evening. This would allow anyone who chose to bail in Medora to do so and get shuttled the very short drive back to the Ranch, and those who want to keep riding to head back to the Ranch on the trail. The Ranch has a huge firepit, a bar, and hot food. Another plus is that night is the Ranch's big anniversary party with a barbeque and live music. I checked with the Ranch and they have plenty of room for us to pitch tents for $5 per tent; I have reserved room for 20 tents. They will probably be OK with more than this, but if it's too full there will certainly be room in Medora at the City Campground, where we will have left a couple of vehicles. Anyone requiring RV hookups should call ahead and reserve a spot, as they only have 12 spots and I would expect them to go quickly. The same goes for rooms - this is a bunkhouse style ranch with rooms for rent, but I was told that as of today there are not many left. Better call quick.

Sunday - no scheduled ride. Last year some brought road bikes and visited the road loop in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP). Since we will be at the Buffalo Gap Ranch already, the drive to Wannagon Creek trailhead is about 15 miles for anyone who's interested. or ride North right from the Ranch - though this section of trail is admittedly not the most interesting by any means, but it would be easy.

For a description of my trip in 2002, check out this link, which discusses two of the trails we will rode last year (Buffalo Gap and Bennett Creek/China Wall).

From an article in BIKE magazine, check out this link.

Shuttles:

Dakota Cyclery offers a multitude of shuttle options. However, due to the nature of the rides this year I don't see a need for their services. If anyone is coming early or staying later, you can certainly make plans with them if you like.

Trail Conditions:

A lot has been written about trail conditions near the MDH. The basis is that it this a semi-arid area. Soils are clays and get horrible when wet. We will not ride in or soon after rain. There are thorns and cacti, prickly pear and goatheads. If there have been a lot of horses the trail may be pretty dusty and hoof-worn. Most areas are open to grazing, so cattle and buffalo are always a possibility on the trail, adding to the trail wear (and adding "trail apples"). We will have to cross many cattle gates, and some stream crossings.

Weather:

Fall weather tends to be mild and breezy during the day, with average temps in the 70s. Nights are usually crisp and relatively cold, with average temps dipping near freezing. Rain is not out of the question, but in the last few drought years it is infrequent at best. If it rains we will not ride for several hours afterward. Much has been said about the consistency of the wet soil, but it is certain that riding is not an option on wet trails. The moisture causes the soils to nearly triple in mass, causing any moving part to cease its mechanical tendencies. Your bike will become a 70 pound weight. Check this link for up-to-date forecasts.