The SoDak Experience
For lack of better words, the Dakota Five-O is a fantastic race. With a cult-like following, from the sense of camaraderie surrounding this race to the grassroots feel, something is just a little different here in South Dakota. Almost everyone who rides this has camped in the City Park at one point. We usually show up a few days early to secure our spot in the back near Spearfish Creek and not too far from the newish shower house. It can get a little rowdy on Friday night, and everyone at some point has partied a little too hard on Saturday night, but this is the place to be.
The town of Spearfish is all about this race. Friday night, they close down Main Street thru downtown. All the local vendors are out, and the Beers from Crow Peak are flowing freely. Saturday, most people head to the trails in the morning, but make sure you get back before about 3:00 for the Annual Dakota Five-O boat races down the lazy river thru the campground. All boats must be homemade from anything you find around the campsite, which could be anything from a 40 oz beer bottle to a frisbee. Usually, there's a kids' race and an adult race, with a white elephant entry fee. Race judge ordinary is beer-in-hand.
The pasta feed was followed Saturday night by most racers heading back to the campsite to finish bike prep before hitting the sack. The select few always stay up late and regret it the next day. Rumor is, about ten years ago, Team Surly partied all night and still managed to Podium on race day.
Around 7 am, this first wave takes off. A road climb up Tinton road, about 3 miles, allows riders to view for position and settle into their pace for the next 50 miles. Even though it's early, many people will be out cheering you on and tipping beers. At the top of the climb, you hit Tinton Trail, pure SoDak Singletrack. The fun begins.
This trail meanders back and forth and up and down for 3 or 4 miles until you reach the forest aid station. From here, you'll head either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the year. And to be honest, this is the end of the lollipop stick, and it's where I get lost.
This route is one of a kind. I'm pretty sure a lot of it crosses BLM land, and I hear Spearfish has the highest density of mountain lions in the country. But don't worry, they're most likely scared of you. The only trouble with animals I've had is the guy who ran over the hornet's nest in front of me three years ago and the charging cows. Remember, this is South Dakota. You'll ride across pasture land, and next thing you know, you're climbing rocky inclines followed by descending or ascending what I lovingly call "Moon Dust Road."
And then, about 30 or so miles, it is the favorite bacon station. Only PBR, bacon, and a band. Ride right thru or stop for a bit and imbibe in some grease and cold beer. Don't drink too much beer and whiskey because, despite the sign, it's not "all downhill from here," and that beer might resurface. Ride back to the top of the lollipop stick, hop on Tinton trail and ride back to the road descent. There are some steep punchy climbs on the singletrack back to the road, so expect something to be challenging. Hop on the road and descend. Make sure you save a little remaining power; it's pretty much downhill to the finish and party.
The Finishline, this is what you've been working for: live music, lunch by Barbacoas, fresh beer from Crow Peak Brewing, followed by a legit raffle by the race sponsors.
The first time I rode this race, I showed up from Colorado a little cocky, not expecting much. I was wrong. This event has become my favorite race, hands-down. There's about 7000' of climbing and tons of challenging singletrack. And I'm sure anyone who raced this has found a new buddy at some point. You should do this race, but it'll have to be next year because it is sold out if registration opens. So set your alarm for April Fool's day next year, and maybe you'll get in...if you're lucky.
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The Dakota Five-O, a lollipop loop course, begins in Spearfish City Park with a mass, neutral rollout, and leaves town to the west up Tinton Road. The three miles of gravel road climbing will give the fast guys a chance to vie for position, before funneling onto the twisty, smooth, Tinton Trail single-track. For the next few miles passing is tight, and it could get a little congested, but keep your cool and don’t get too antsy, as there is plenty of riding ahead! At the "loop" at mile 7, we decided to ride the course in opposite directions from year to year, to keep things fresh! Learn More
