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Black Hills & Badlands Gravel Ride

Go beyond the pavement and discover the rugged soul of South Dakota on a gravel adventure unlike any other. This unique bike tour connects the state’s hidden gems, guiding you through the stunning landscapes of national parks, past iconic historic monuments, and along impressive rail-trails. Pedal through history and experience the wild heart of the American West.

Can’t make it this time?

Accommodations
Hotels
Total Mileage
250
Group Size
20
Fundraising Commitment
$2,950
Reg Fee: $100 until December 1, 2025, $150 after December 1, 2025
Recommended Bicycle
Gravel bike (min 38mm tires)
Rental bikes are available
Trip Length
5 Days

Embark on an unforgettable gravel adventure through two of America’s most legendary landscapes on the South Dakota Black Hills & Badlands Tour. This 5-day journey begins by immersing you in the otherworldly terrain of Badlands National Park, where you’ll pedal through a stunning moonscape of dramatic, multi-hued spires and pinnacles.

From the stark beauty of the Badlands, you’ll transition to the lush, pine-scented forests of the Black Hills. Here, you will explore the iconic George S. Mickelson Trail and the scenic gravel roads of Custer State Park, home to vast, free-roaming bison herds. This route is steeped in history and grandeur, taking you past the monumental sculptures of Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, with a stop in the historic Old West town of Deadwood.

With full support and long and shorter options each day, the riding is adventurous with some challenging climbs. As a fully supported Climate Ride event, you’ll be powered by a sense of community and purpose, complete with a shared goal that your proceeds benefit vital environmental causes. Join us for a ride that combines epic scenery, rich history, and adventure advocacy into one incredible gravel tour.

What is included?

Included:

  • Expert guides, route support, and luggage transfer
  • Pickup and drop off in Rapid City, South Dakota
  • Hotels
  • All meals (except one dinner), electrolytes and snacks

Not Included:

  • Bicycle – gravel bike required. Need to rent? We’ll have rental options for you!
  • Travel to/from the event & any pre- or post-ride accommodations
  • Travel/supplemental medical insurance
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips for guides (In your Ride Guide we will indicate recommended tips.)
  • Single supplement fee. If you prefer your own room, there is a fee for the week.
What does my fundraising support, and why is it so important?

Cyclists can choose from the more than 100 incredible beneficiary organizations in our network! One of the things that make Climate Ride such an effective charitable event is that you can select the organization(s) you wish to fundraise for from our extensive list of beneficiary organizations. Our beneficiaries were selected for their work on the environment, conservation, sustainability, climate education, and active transportation advocacy. At the end of the year, Climate Ride grants the proceeds from our events to these hard-working organizations.

Travel Information

The meeting location for this trip is Rapid City, South Dakota. We will meet early in the morning of Day 1. We’ll return to Rapid City around 4 PM on the last day. If you are driving to the start of the trip, we’ll offer a location to leave your vehicle for the week.

If you are flying to Rapid City (RAP) for this event, please arriving the day before the trip starts. You can book flights after 3 PM on the last day, but flight schedules might require that you overnight in Rapid City.

We’ll meet everyone the night before the trip for a briefing at the recommended hotel.

Can I rent a bike?

Gravel Bike rentals are available for this trip. After registering, contact your participant manager for more information.

Accommodations & Meals

Each evening, we’ll stay in hotels.

All meals and snacks are included with the exception of one dinner.

Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates

Fundraising Deadlines:  

$500TBD
$1,475TBD
Transfer DeadlineTBD
$2,950TBD

Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!

More Questions?

Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!

Robert Vogel
Death Valley National Park

Your camaraderie and support moved me even more than the stunning views of Death Valley. As this was my first ride with a group, I really didn’t know what to expect. I was concerned that my slow pace would annoy others, and that I would feel ostracized.

Instead, your authentic camaraderie and support was an incredible relief to me. Indeed, it moved me even more than the stunning views of Death Valley. Now I find myself looking affectionately at our group picture and missing each of you terribly! Woa! What an incredible experience!

I’m sure that the support I’ve gotten from you and others has helped me fight cancer and enjoy life in a profound way. This connection is the coolest thing of all.

Roz Savage
California

The Climate Ride is a powerful tool for change. It’s not just the riders who feel the force – it’s the friends and families who sponsor them, the TV audiences who see the media coverage, the people we meet along the route, the passersby who see us roll up at Capitol Hill, and the politicians who see our commitment to the cause. The ripples of change spread far and wide. For me personally, having only weeks before finished rowing 3000 miles across the Pacific to raise awareness and inspire action on climate change, Climate Ride was a hugely empowering opportunity to bond with a network of like-minded individuals. I have seen many Climate Ride alums in the weeks since the ride finished, and I know we will continue to work together to create a better, greener future for our world.