South Dakota is perhaps best known for Mount Rushmore. That was another of the places we visited on our shoestring-budget road trips when I was a kid. And two of the state’s top road biking rides takes you right to it!

From Rapid City it’s a 23-mile route to the famous rock carvings. The mileage itself would be easy enough. But what is the gradient of this ride?

You could also take the Iron Mountain Road to Mount Rushmore.  This 17 mile-route includes climbing and so-called “pigtail bridges”.

Coteau des Prairie (Hills of the Prairie) Tour at 93.5 miles is almost a century ride, and includes “rolling hills”.  This is a “loop ride”, which means it’s possible to do only parts of it. The scenery along the way would make the effort of climbing worth it.

For a ride that lets the whole family participate, including kids, there’s the Sioux Falls Greenway Trail System. It’s many entry/exit points connects to shops, restaurants, and other small parks.

If you’re really ambitious, the Burning Bluffs Tour is 130 miles long. Most of it is along paved country roads. At times the gradient is 5-8%; over what distance, it doesn’t say. Be prepared for “spotty” cell phone service.

How about Spearfish? These 19 miles along the creek are spectacular during Fall-color season.  There are some beautiful waterfalls; rock-climbing and fishing, too.

Badlands sounds like a place you would want to avoid, right? The Badlands Loop is actually quite a popular route. Its 39 miles include 16 scenic overlooks. Just be sure you have a full Camel-Bak, especially on a hot day.

The usual precautions apply: wear a helmet. Be sure you have adequate water and food before starting. Ride safely.

Most of all, enjoy riding in South Dakota!