2009 Black Hills UTV Rally Event

Hardcore bikers, weekend warriors, and wannabe’s who shed their pinstripes and tie for a black leather vest have long flocked to the Black Hills of South Dakota for the event simply known as Sturgis. The week holds all the promise of a good old fashioned Roman Bacchanalia on two wheels, and while the evening’s debauchery is half the reason to attend for many, equally appealing is riding the serpentine byways through the Black Hills during the daytime. While we can certainly appreciate the beauty of the Black Hills regardless of what you are riding, we think the best way to explore any area is far off the highway on an ATV or Side x Side, and recently we attended the annual Black Hills UTV Rally.

The Black Hills UTV Rally is quickly becoming one of the premier ATV and Side x Side events in the country, and it promises to grow even bigger. Held just outside of Rapid City, South Dakota, the area offers plenty of places to stay or camp, an up close and personal lesson in American History, and entertainment for the entire family. There is a ton to do and see in the area even before you begin riding, and in many ways it is the perfect family vacation spot. We were very pleased to find that virtually all of the Black Hills communities have opened their arms to ATV and Side x Side enthusiasts and you can expect a warm welcome from local residents and business owners. It’s western hospitality at its best! Winding up and down the breathtaking mountain trails was a blast with the Ranger RZR-S and the Browning Ranger. Expect everything from rocks to rutted hills, and gorgeous scenery in every direction.

A Little History

Native Americans were the original explorers of the Black Hills, and the region is still considered sacred to them. Once signed over to the original Americans by treaty, when a member of George Armstrong Custer’s party discovered gold, it didn’t take long for word to get out, and the last great American gold rush was on. Territorial towns like Deadwood sprung to life overnight, and thousands of prospectors flooded into the region held dearest by the Native Americans, bringing with them every vice known to man as well. In the bustling streets of the mining camps larger than life western characters such as Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, and Jim Bridger lived, and sometimes lived out their lives, much as Wild Bill did when he found himself on the wrong end of a pistol. For the Indians the intrusion into their home territory was simply too much to endure, and like any group defending their homes, their last option was to defend with arms what treaty had already granted to them. The problem was, there were already thousands of miners and settlers probing the hillsides and panning creek beds, and any treaty meant nothing to them; they had no intention of leaving. It fell to the Army to keep the peace which for them was a simple matter of driving the Indians out. General Custer was already a living legend in the east from his civil war accomplishments, and another campaign would only bolster his larger than life persona, unfortunately, he displayed a classic overconfidence in his own abilities as well as a huge underestimation of his opponent, and he charged into the territory woefully unprepared but confident he could handle any uprising. Needless to say, the Indians handily proved him wrong, but in the end the endless tide of settlers and prospectors was simply too much for them to turn back. The Nemo Guest Ranch in nestled deep into the Black Hills, and offers a general store, a restaurant, cabins, and is a great place to take a break along the trail.

Circa 2008

Today’s Black Hills residents live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and enjoy a freedom that is often lost in more populous areas. Admittedly, depending on where you start it can be a long drive to Rapid City, but we love it there. Mt Rushmore is nearby, Custer National Park is less than an hour away, and the ongoing giant work of art known as Crazy Horse to honor one of the greatest Native American leaders is close by as well. As much as we relish learning the history and taking in the sights, we came to ride and to explore, and the opportunities are as expansive as the Western sky.

The Black Hills UTV Rally offers exhibits from nearly every ATV manufacturer and many aftermarket companies as well. Organized trail rides depart each morning, and late in the afternoon and into the evening there are mud bogs, obstacle courses, tug of war contests, and several other types of entertainment. Many OEMs offer test rides as well, but our favorite activity is simply riding up into the mountains.

There are countless trails that wind there way through the Black Hills, and the terrain varies from steep but manageable climbs to high meadows, and breathtaking valley views. Cliffs and caves abound, and as with any riding area, stay on the trail and you will have no problem. For riding in areas this vast however, even with the official map we strongly recommend you take a GPS along, as well as a few provisions such as water, snacks, a first aid kit, etc. Since the weather can change quickly in mountain regions, we also suggest you prepare for that as well, and there were several spots we encountered where at the top of the hills it was hot, but riding a short distance into a valley we discovered it to be very cool and refreshing. The point is, we wouldn’t want to be caught out unprepared. Most areas of the Black Hills are open to riding, but sensitive areas can be posted closed, and it’s important to respect all closed areas and private property so that we may enjoy the majesty of the Black Hills for generations. After each days guided trail rides there were tug of war contests, mud bogs, and obstacle courses in the evening. The fans loved it! It is possible to ride your ATV or Side x Side on the roads as well, and it will even be necessary at times just to enter or exit a trailhead, and one stop we like to make is the little community of Nemo. The Nemo Guest Ranch offers a small general store, a restaurant, cabins to rent, and awesome riding in every direction. Stop in and have a bite to eat, relax under the shade trees, and wonder why you live anywhere else. It is possible to enter the Black Hills from the Wyoming side of well, but wherever you enter and intend to ride, be sure to check with state regulations for off road vehicle operation.

While there are over 5000 miles of off-road adventure in the Black Hills, about 20 miles east of Rapid City near the community of Farmingdale is the Railroad Buttes ORV area. This area is part of the barren territory known as the Badlands, and offers approximately 200 acres of off road riding with terrain that is vastly different than the mountain trails, but with plenty of challenges for riders of all levels, especially when it becomes extremely slippery after a rain.

Rally Time

The Black Hills and Rapid City area offers something for every member of the family. There’s plenty of local history and sights to enjoy, and off road adventure that is unmatched. Of all the places we have been riding, the Black Hills may just be our favorite, and we can’t wait to go back for next years Black Hills UTV Rally.

www.blackhillsutvrally.com

This unique vehicle is the creation of an SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) students and features a Briggs and Stratton engine, and both front AND rear steering. A slight mishap in the obstacle course set the SAE on its rear grab bar, and of course workers wisely thought the best way to help out was to roll the vehicle over first on its back, then on its side, and finally on its wheels to get it back into the competition.

The Black Hills / Rapid City area offers one of the most beautiful riding areas in the country--and may be the perfect place to vacation with your family. There is plenty to see and do for everyone.