The SoDak Experience

By Daryn York

For lack of better words, the Dakota Five-O is a fantastic race. With having a cult-like following, from the sense of camaraderie that surrounds this race to the grassroots feel, something is just a little different here in South Dakota. Almost everyone that rides this has at one point camped in the City Park. We usually show up a few days early to secure our spot way 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 I think 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 boat must be homemade from anything you find around the campsite, 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.

Saturday night there’s a pasta feed followed by most racers heading back to the campsite to finish bike prep before hitting the sack. There’s always the select few though who 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.

Sunday morning is always exciting. Plan on rising early. Imagine a few hundred riders battling for space in 2 shower houses.

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, lots of people will be out cheering you on and tipping beers your way. At the top of the climb, you hit Tinton Trail, pure SoDak Singletrack, this is where 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 its 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 either descending or climbing what I lovingly call “Moon Dust Road.”

The aid stations on this ride are something else. Bananas, gel, candy, water, Advil, and hornet sting cream are just the beginning.

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 the Tinton trail, and ride back to the road descent. There are some steep punchy climbs on the singletrack back to the road so don't expect anything easy. Hop on the road and descend, make sure you save a little remaining power, it's not quite all downhill to the finish and party.

The Finishline, this is what you’ve been working for, live music, lunch by Barbacoas, and fresh beer from Crow Peak Brewing followed by a pretty legit raffle by the race sponsors.

The first time I rode this race, I showed up from Colorado a little cocky and not expecting much. I was wrong. This event has become my favorite race hands down. I think there's about 7000’ of climbing and tons of tough singletrack. And I'm sure that anyone who raced this has at some point found a new buddy. You should do this race, but it’ll have to be next year because if registration has opened then it’s sold out. Set your alarm for April Fool’s day next year and maybe you'll get in...if you're lucky.