I have four full days to bike, run, write, and walk the dog in the Black HIlls. These four days just happen to offer the best fall colors and the best weather one could hope for in October. So let’s go!
Tuesday afternoon’s route took me up Maitland Road, over Tetro Rock Road, and then up Mount Roosevelt Road to the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower. I used all twelve of my gears on Maitland Road; the first steep climbs on Tetro Rock Road made me get off and walk a bit. The crank and the climb paid off, of course, because this is the Black Hills, where you cant take a bad picture.
The sun shone bright and sharp up high, but haze from wildfires in Idaho and Wyoming gathered around the Racetrack and rendered Bear Butte, usually prominent just 16–17 miles to the east, almost invisible.Bear Butte, barely visible in the haze.
…and then around the bend, the tower.
When I get off this mountain, I should go vote. I wonder if Secretary Monae has removed me as a “noncitizen” from the voter rolls yet. ;-)Views from the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower.
From the tower entry steps, looking south toward the trail. The climb to the tower is relatively easy; the spiral steps inside the tower are high and steep, strenuous going up and precarious going down.Bring your lunch! But remember: pack it in, pack it out. Keep the Black Hills clean!
