Difficulty Map of the Black Hills

[jwinker]

For anybody who hasn't been riding through the Black Hills, here is a map with popular motorcycle/cruising routes color-coded to their difficulty. It's a scan of the map I had in my pocket from Sturgis Bike Week, so use your imagination when you get to the middle of the page - some missing information.



(here is the link to the full-size picture: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzB6-HNONFX0WUYwN0xYREpacGc/edit?usp=sharing)

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks for sharing that Hope to see you there in June

[fudgie]

Actually its not really difficult if you take ur time. Lot of up/downhill turns at 10 mph on the Needles.

[BonS]

This is a download link of the original. Thanks for the heads up on this map.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&ved=0CE0QFjAH&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsio.midco.net%2Flakeabate%2FBH%2520Skill%2520Rated%2520Map%252011%2520x%252017.pdf&ei=BcKDVJrRLYK5yQSmsYKAAw&usg=AFQjCNGkvwN_vtblP_Ge58ZP35oJWIHJuA&sig2=yoJibxybNXx80C6oMPYryA&bvm=bv.80642063,d.aWw

[Gryphon Rider]

Thanks for posting that, both jwinker and BonS!  I'll have that with me for sure!

[MP]

I live a couple hours north.  Have ridden in the Hills a number of times.  I would not classify any of the roads as "difficult".  They are very good to ride.  Nice switchbacks, great views.  But, anyone with even average MC skills will do fine.  Come, and enjoy the great riding.

The "Needles" is a must ride.  Go both ways, as it seems like a new road the other way!

MP

[jwinker]

Actually its not really difficult if you take ur time. Lot of up/downhill turns at 10 mph on the Needles.

I would agree, it's not terribly difficult. The only Yellow route I haven't ridden was from Johnson's Siding north to Blackhawk. I believe this one is/was primarily gravel(?) which added to the difficulty.

Hwy 14 through Spearfish Canyon is a great ride, if not spoiled by the RVs.

I'm also a big proponent of the ride on Hwy 240 from I-90 Exit 131 to Wall, SD (Wall Drug) through the Badlands. Again, beautiful scenery and a great road! If you're coming from the East on I-90, well worth the detour. Stop at Wall Drug & have a milkshake.

****Wall Drug was my first employer out of High School and I continue to promote their business nearly 20 years later. Your mileage may vary, but I will always stop to say "HI" when in the neighborhood.****

[fudgie]

Actually its not really difficult if you take ur time. Lot of up/downhill turns at 10 mph on the Needles.

I would agree, it's not terribly difficult. The only Yellow route I haven't ridden was from Johnson's Siding north to Blackhawk. I believe this one is/was primarily gravel(?) which added to the difficulty.

i think i been on tht route if its just south of nemo. It was hard to find and i just winged it when i found the road. I dont remember any gravel but its been 5 yr since i been on it. its a nice short cut and was scenic. Just alot of steep hills and had to watch out what was coming the other way.

[Farther]

You might be thinking of Norris Peak Road which is not marked as that on the map.  Norris Peak Road connects Nemo Road to Johnson Siding and was gravel when I lived off Nemo Road on Box Elder Creek.  Now it is paved.  The Vanocker Canyon Road (I90/Sturgis to Nemo Road) was also gravel when I lived in the Hills but now looks to be paved according to the map.

Here is a fun fact.  Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department at one time had the quickest response time of  any VFD in the Black Hills.  It may have something to do with the local bar being about 50 feet from the station.

[fudgie]

You might be thinking of Norris Peak Road which is not marked as that on the map.  Norris Peak Road connects Nemo Road to Johnson Siding and was gravel when I lived off Nemo Road on Box Elder Creek.  Now it is paved.  The Vanocker Canyon Road (I90/Sturgis to Nemo Road) was also gravel when I lived in the Hills but now looks to be paved according to the map.

Here is a fun fact.  Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department at one time had the quickest response time of  any VFD in the Black Hills.  It may have something to do with the local bar being about 50 feet from the station.

I think you are correct. Been a few yrs since I was on it. Yup Vanocker canyon rd is paved and still less travel during the rally. Except for the Nemo FD breakfast.