Ha y C a m p B r e w i n g l Hu o t B r o s C y c l i n g l B e s t C y c l i n g S p o t s i n To w n
MARCH 2022
RIDING WITH CROHN'S
Cycling and a positive attitude saved Mark Thompson's life.
Volume 3. Issue No. 3
Kipp Gould, D.O.
Ray Jensen, D.O.
Joseph Humpherys, D.O.
Richard Little, M.D.
KEEP GOING WITH MONUMENT HEALTH ORTHOPEDICS
Daniel Lochmann, M.D.
Steve Maser M.D.
David Maxfield, M.D.
At Monument Health, you’ll receive top-quality care by a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a comprehensive team of trained orthopedic specialists. With our years of experience, we are proud to offer a fast track of comprehensive care with services such as same-day total joint replacement focused on getting you back home again.
Rachel Michael, M.D.
OUR SERVICES + Arthroscopic shoulder, knee and ankle surgery + Carpal tunnel release + Fracture care + Hand surgery + Hip replacement + Joint injections
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
+ Knee replacements
2
+ Minimally-invasive orthopedic procedures + Orthopedic surgery www.monument.health/orthopedics
+ Regenerative medicine + ROSA Robotic Knee System
3
elevaterapidcity.com
Clothing And Fashion
Corporate Apparel And Embroidery
Ask us if your tax refund will cover your down payment on your home sweet home.
Corporate apparel is our business Strengthening your image is our passion
312 Main St., Rapid City, SD 57701 605.389.3838 • www.imageall.com
840 Mt. Rushmore Road Rapid City, SD 57701 605-343-2422
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
ready to grow. 4
Behind every business and bold move were those who believed it was possible to do more. We’re proud to support and energize our community’s dreams. Visit blackhillsenergy.com/growing to learn more.
bhcbank.com
215 East Jackson Blvd Spearfish, SD 57783 605-559-2422
MARCH 2022 Volume 3 // Issue No. 3
#RAPIDCITY BIKING BROS Huot brothers use cycling adventures to promote Black Hills as an outdoor destination. BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI
20
30
LIVING IN THE MOMENT
Rapid City native says cycling and a positive attitude saved his life. BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI
THE KEG CRUISER
Ben Peck is melding biking and brewing at Hay Camp. BY MAIN STREET SQUARE
Cover photo by Andy Greenman
8
34
ROLLING AROUND RAPID
Four ways to explore Rapid City on two wheels. BY SHILOH FRANCIS
ECONOMIC INDICATORS FEBRUARY 2022
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 2.4%
AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES $ 921
LABOR PARTICIPATION RATE 62.1%
ECONOMY RAPID CITY GROSS SALES $ 816,030,076
BUILDING PERMITS 164
NEW HOUSING UNIT PERMITS 11
REAL ESTATE 57702 MEDIAN LIST PRICE $ 618,900
Month-over-month increase
57703 MEDIAN LIST PRICE $ 359,900
Month-over-month decrease
Monthly comparisons, industry analysis and additional economic indicators available on exclusive investor report.
elevaterapidcity.com
57701 MEDIAN LIST PRICE $ 224,900
5
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
WARNING: MAY CAUSE A SLIGHT RUSH
6
Imagine if a group of doctors, researchers, and scientists developed a drug that could cure depression, significantly cut your risk for stroke, heart disease, and cancer, and reduce your chances of an early death by almost half. Would you take it? Worried about the side effects, you say? Fair enough. What if the only side effects were a slight rush of adrenaline and the warm feeling of nostalgia for being a kid again? How about now? Thought that might get your attention. If you’re like me, you’d not only take that drug, but you’d also pay a lot for the privilege. Here’s the thing—that drug exists right now. It’s called riding a bike—to work, for pleasure, up a hill. It doesn’t matter. The research has been clear for decades. Biking is an easy way to get all the benefits of exercise and a cabinet full of medications. Even better than walking or running. That’s because people tend to push their cardiovascular fitness just a little more on a bike. Welcome to this issue of Elevate the magazine, where the goal is to show all the ways the area is a world-class biking community, an amenity that attracts both locals and outsiders. There’s the story of two local physicians (also brothers) who have been promoting mountain biking in the Black Hills to their thousands of social media followers worldwide. Then there’s the tale of Ben Peck, who retrofitted a funky cool bike for delivering kegs from Hay Camp Brewing. Finally, there’s the inspiring cover story of Rapid City resident Mark Thompson, who has used biking to ease the suffering of a life-threatening illness. The story will warm your heart and your soul and leave you longing for a bike much cooler than your own. Bike on and on and on… …and stay safe and God-speed.
Tom Johnson, President & CEO
Elevate is a monthly publication produced by Elevate Rapid City. It is the premier business magazine for the Black Hills region telling the stories that make our area unique and vibrant. PO Box 747, Rapid City, SD 57709 605.343.1744 elevaterapidcity.com PRESIDENT & CEO Tom Johnson FINANCE & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Dana Borowski ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt Brunner MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Shiloh Francis PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR Anna Hays WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & TALENT ATTRACTION DIRECTOR Samantha McGrath ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Mitch Nachtigall EVENTS & TRAINING MANAGER Rachel Day CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Andy Greenman BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION MANAGER Larissa Hespen ECOSYSTEM SUPPORT & PROPERTY MANAGER Loni Reichert PUBLIC POLICY MANAGER Garth Wadsworth OFFICE MANAGER & HR COORDINATOR Liz Highland HOUSING COORDINATOR Laura Jones EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Becky Knox
DESIGN AND LAYOUT Andy Greenman PUBLISHED BY THE RAPID CITY JOURNAL Ben Rogers, President ben.rogers@lee.net ADVERTISING Eddie Hebron, 605.394.8356 ehebron@amplifieddigitalagency.com PRINTED BY SIMPSONS PRINTING
EVENTS
COMMENTS
February 26
BLACK HILLS BRAWL
ROAM'N AROUND TRAVEL & OUTDOOR GEAR
March 4-6
Is Lucy giving autographs? - Theresa Landis-Jacob
Fusion Fight League features the areas best amateur and pro MMA fights. themonument.live
RAPID CITY RUSH VS. UTAH GRIZZLIES MOUNTAIN WEST WHISKEY FESTIVAL
rapidcityrush.com
March 5
MOUNTAIN WEST WHISKEY FESTIVAL
The premier whiskey tasting event in the region held at The Rushmore Hotel. mountainwestwhiskeyfestival.com
March 5
22 COUNTRIES IN 2 HOURS
22 COUNTRIES IN 2 HOURS
The Black Hills Symphony Orchestra takes you on a musical dream vacation. artssouthdakota.org
March 9
BLACK HILLS REGIONAL JOB FAIR
Just a bragging dog mom here . Lucy is a star. - Bridget Wynia-Machacek
BAR K-9
Your last name is Batman?! You just got cooler. - Bre McMahon What a fantastic article-your fans are all proud of you guys. - Pat Renli
THIRSTY’S BURGERS & BEER RIBBON CUTTING
One of my favorite places, love the fries and burgers. - Cheryl Johnson Great Place, Great People. - Brian Maliske
CONNECT
WITH US @ELEVATERAPIDCITY
themonument.live
March 12
28 BELOW FATBIKE RACE
#ELEVATERAPIDCITY
A 50k lolly-pop loop with around 2,800 ft of climbing. 28below.com
March 12
RAPID CITY MARSHALS VS. COLORADO NIGHTMARES Arena football preseason game. themonument.live
March 18-27
URINE TOWN
A musical in the Historic Theater. bhct.org
March 21-22
THE BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR Two days at the Historic Elks Theatre. rapidcityartscouncil.org
walksyourway A colorful and moving tribute at the Firehouse Mercantile in Rapid City. #elevaterapidcity Tag your social media posts with #elevaterapidcity for your chance to be featured in the next magazine!
elevaterapidcity.com
28 BELOW FATBIKE RACE
7
huotbroscycling 592 posts
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
POSTS
8
GUIDES
Follow
3,149 followers REELS
VIDEOS
CONNECT WITH HUOT BROS CYCLING: INSTAGRAM.COM/HUOTBROSCYCLING
2,771 following TAGGED
#RAPIDCITY
BIKING BROS Huot Brothers use cycling adventures to promote Black Hills as outdoor destination
It’s night rides on M Hill, lunch hour treks on Skyline Drive, and quiet, fresh powder expeditions on Needles Highway — whatever the season and whatever the weather the Huot Brothers are there documenting the beauty of cycling in the Black Hills and sharing it with the world. The avid bikers have ridden trails all over the country from Utah to Arkansas, but believe the Black Hills are better. “We usually go someplace twice a year, but everywhere we go does not have as nice of biking as here,” said Michael Huot. “I honestly think it is a gold mine that has been largely untapped. I think biking in this region, if promoted, can be the number one tourist attraction in this area.”
Michael and his older brother Christopher are doing their part to do just that. Three years ago, the brothers created an Instagram account (@huotbroscycling) to show both locals and outdoor enthusiasts what the area has to offer. “The geography, the amount of snowfall, the gentle rolling hills — all these things are perfect for biking,” Christopher said. “We are just prime for cycling, especially with days like today,” Michael said of the 60-degree February afternoon. “Often in Rapid you can cycle year-round.” Since they were out cycling nearly every day anyway, the brothers decided to record their adventures and the surrounding scenery. “We
elevaterapidcity.com
STORY BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI // PHOTOS BY ANDY GREENMAN
9
10
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
"BIKING IN THIS REGION, IF PROMOTED, CAN BE THE NUMBER ONE TOURIST ATTRACTION IN THIS AREA." - MICHAEL HUOT
are not photographers, but if you are always outside you come across some really cool pictures, and a lot of times it is just the setting. We thought it was good for people to see what we have in the Hills. A lot of people that live here don’t even know,” Michael said, adding that Iron Mountain Road is Bicycle Magazine’s No. 2 ride in the United States for road biking. “The world knows, but I’d say not many people locally know that we are sitting on one of the best road routes in the country.” With more than 3,000 followers, the duo’s social media presence is spreading. Their account has been mentioned by cyclists from Michigan to the Big Horns. “Even though 3,000 to us doesn’t seem like a huge following, we hear a lot of good feedback, so I think we have really good engagement,” Michael said. Cyclists coming to the area reach out to the brothers wondering the best trails to ride and hoping to bike with them. “We are getting a lot of tourist traffic on our little Instagram account.” Christopher and Michael, who both work full-time as doctors, said they would like to do more in promoting the area for biking if they had time. The free time they do have is spent on the trails.
elevaterapidcity.com
MICHAEL'S BACKYARD BIKE SHOP HAS A PLENTIFUL AMOUNT OF TOOLS, SKIIS AND RACE PLATES.
11
OUTSIDE RIDE Michael enjoys long rides with a large playlist. He shares a few of his favorite tracks that keep him grinding on two wheels.
1979
SMASHING PUMPKINS To the lights and towns below Faster than the speed of sound Faster than we thought we'd go Beneath the sound of hope
“We are trying to have Huot Bros be a vehicle to support the community,” Michael said. Christopher, an ophthalmologist, and Michael, an anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine doctor, grew up riding bikes around their West Rapid City neighborhood. “When we were kids, we biked all over the place,” said Michael, who lives in their childhood home, and even has their first bike hanging in his cycle shed. Both left to attend medical school and residency and after years returned to a more outdoor recreation-focused city. “Rapid City nowadays has such great trails between Skyline Drive and Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park,” said Christopher, who lives directly across the street from Michael. “This stuff wasn’t here when we were kids. What we have now is phenomenal for anyone that likes to mountain bike, hike, trail run…” While advancements have been made in creating trails, the brothers said more could be done to make the area a true destination biking community. “Imagine what could happen if you put more resources into building up the trails in the area,” Christopher said. “So many are unofficial trails scratched into the ground that people just keep riding. Rapid City could really benefit by having more close-to-town trails where the city is the nucleus, and you can go in all different directions. We have some of that, but there is so much more opportunity.”
Under pressure QUEEN FEAT. DAVID BOWIE Um ba ba be Um ba ba be De day da Ee day da, that's okay
26
CAAMP
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
Smell of the rain up in the air Smell the flowers in her hair And I swear on my life If you need a joke, I'll be there
12
Photo provided
huotbroscycling Three different tunnels frame Mt. Rushmore on Iron Mountain Road. #bikesandbeers
432 likes
elevaterapidcity.com
BROTHERS CHRIS AND MICHAEL HUOT TAKE A BREAK FROM BIKING ATOP SKYLINE DRIVE.
13
“Black Hills Harley Davidson
values the partnership we have with Vast Broadband.
Working
with
a
local
company is important to us, and we appreciate the one-on-one, dedicated service we get from Vast Broadband. Vast does not have a “one size fits all” approach, they are flexible and nimble
Reliable. Fast. Connected.
and are able to meet our particular needs”, stated Jim Burgess, President of Black Hills Harley. “In addition, their cutting-edge communication products and local customer service support is a vital part of our day-to-day operations.”
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
Business-Class Internet Services
14
Call to find the services that meet your needs!
866-991-9722 VASTbroadband.com/business
*Available to new business customers in serviceable areas. Prices exclude applicable taxes, fees, surcharges, network access fees, cost recovery fees, and other applicable charges such as equipment, installation, and service call charges. Advertised internet speed is based on a wired connection and is not guaranteed. For more information, see our Terms and Conditions at vastbroadband.com. Contract for service required.
I have to visit this place!
@lifeintheffatlane
I need to get some time on my bike again!!! Thank you for the inspiration!!!
This is what I call “Living The Dream!”
@have_bike_will_gravel
huotbroscycling
elevaterapidcity.com
@sweetteamrs
15
INDOOR SPIN Chris prefers to listen to the wind flowing through his helmet and the chirping birds during his rides. While training indoors he finds these tracks to hit the spot.
DEAD END JACKIE HAYES
It's a long way down, that's the most I’ve heard The truth hurts even when it's all good I could take it all back Still don't know if I would
WAIT SO LONG
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES
I could never pretend that I don't love you. You could never pretend that I'm your man. That's exactly the way that I want it. That's exactly the way that I am.
DON'T MOVE ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
PHANTOGRAM
16
I'm not your nervous feeling Each time we say goodnight You picture buildings burning to the ground From the basement in the street light
As physicians, Christopher and Michael also see their social media as promoting a healthy lifestyle. “If you want to stay healthy you can willpower yourself to go to the gym, but I think that will fail for people," Michael said. “You almost have to have it part of your identity on some level. I think for every dollar they spend on trails in town they can save a dollar in health care for the community.” They said that more people are looking for a healthy vacation option. And both have enjoyed seeing locals, especially families, utilizing the area’s outdoor recreation opportunities. When the two aren’t shredding the trails, they are riding tandem bikes with their wives, Lisa and Kirsten, and sometimes Michael can be spotted riding his modern penny-farthing, a bike with large front wheels developed in the 1870s, along the bike path. Just like when they were kids, the two brothers meet out on the road – Michael riding from his
"I THINK FOR EVERY DOLLAR THEY SPEND ON TRAILS IN TOWN THEY CAN SAVE A DOLLAR IN HEALTH CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY." - MICHAEL HUOT
bike shop and Christopher from his garage, and bike through the city. Only now they have traded neighborhood streets for miles and miles of trails. They are excited to be a part of the continued growth of outdoor recreation in the area, and to document the progress. “We want to build up the community of bikers and recreationists,” Christopher said. “People who like human-powered recreation and build up these trails and hopefully some day take the resources we have and turn them into something greater than they are today.” ▤
1-800-477-2425 ABBUSINESS.COM
elevaterapidcity.com
CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS
17
You guys got the best views! @have_bike_will_gravel
I wish there were places like this in London!! @davospessos
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
Words can't explain how much we love your stuff! Great work!
18
@visitrapidcity
huotbroscycling
edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
Your Local Solution For Term Loans, Working Capital LOCs & Business Credit Cards Set your business on the path to greater success with the Highmark commercial team on your side. We’re closing deals and opening doors for businesses all over the area. Give your business the Highmark advantage. Call a Commercial Team member today.
ABBY COOK
BRYAN WALKER
MORGAN HINTON
JIM GUPTILL
SHERRI HAYES
PAM LANG
highmarkfcu.com 605.716.4444 • Commercial Real Estate • Term Loans • Credit Lines • SBA/USDA Loans • Credit Cards
Insured By NCUA. NMLS# 416700
elevaterapidcity.com
Rick Owen 381-0208
19
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
LIVING IN THE MOMENT 20
RAPID CITY NATIVE SAYS CYCLING AND A POSITIVE ATTITUDE SAVED HIS LIFE PHOTOS BY ANDY GREENMAN
STORY BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI
21
elevaterapidcity.com
MARK SHARES HIS JOURNEY ON YOUTUBE
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
YOUTUBE.COM/ELEVATERAPIDCITY
22
In 2005, Mark Thompson’s life changed came just a year after his mother, Ida, died of forever. Lupus, another inflammatory disease. The Rapid Valley native, or “valley rat” as Since that initial diagnosis, Mark has had he calls himself, had been sick on and off for two liver transplants, kidney failure, type 2 months. “I didn’t know what was going on. I diabetes, and a host of other ailments from the would get really sick and then get better. It disease. was just going up and down.” Despite it all, the 46-year-old has no The normally active outdoorsman grew complaints. tired walking up a flight of stairs, slept more He loves life, the Black Hills area, and cycling than usual, and kept — three things he losing weight. Mark credits to keeping him didn’t think much of alive. “Cycling saved "WHEN YOU ARE SICK IN his sporadic illnesses my life a lot of times,” THE HOSPITAL AND YOUR until a coworker at the lifelong cyclist said. Fisher Beverage asked HEART SPIKES UP, CYCLING “When you are sick in him an odd question. the hospital and your SAVES YOU BECAUSE “My friend said, ‘Your heart spikes up, cycling YOUR HEART IS ALREADY eyes are yellow. Are saves you because you wearing contacts?’” your heart is already CONDITIONED FOR THAT." After looking in the conditioned for that. If - MARK THOMPSON mirror, Mark knew I was out of shape and his symptoms had laying there, I think worsened – his liver was failing. there would be a whole different outcome. I Mark checked himself into the hospital don’t think I would be here.” and after a week of medications, X-rays, and Mark was born at the hospital at Ellsworth tests, doctors diagnosed him with Crohn’s Air Force Base. Prior to his birth, the disease, an inflammation of the digestive Thompson family traveled all over the world tract, and a disease Mark knew nothing about. while Mark’s father, Harold, Sr., served in the “I had never heard of Crohn’s and then to Air Force. After 22 years, Harold, Sr. decided be diagnosed with it.” After asking a lot of to retire and chose to raise his family in Rapid questions and doing his own research, Mark City. “My dad liked it here because he liked to says he likely inherited genes that made him hunt, fish, and ATV riding.” Mark has called the predisposed to the disease. Mark’s diagnosis Black Hills home ever since.
Join Our Growing Rapid City Team — Immediate Interior Designer Opening!
Creative Solutions. Proven Service.
Kristine Bjerke, AIA, NCIDQ, LEED AP Architect / Interior Designer
YOU?
Jeremy Altman, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Architect
Chloe Renfro BIM Technician
S I O U X
F A L L S
R A P I D
C I T Y
www.architectureinc.com
Ever ything we do gets extra effort, adding up to results that surpass expectations. We don’t just design buildings. We offer great benefits and a culture that allows our team members to reach their full potential.
elevaterapidcity.com
Jordan Burbach, AIA, LEED Green Associate Principal Architect
23
"I’VE BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH THAT RIDING TAKES YOU TO ANOTHER PLACE AND GETS YOU HAPPY."
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
-MARK THOMPSON
24 24
THOMPSON TAKES HIS REBUILT 1958 SCHWINN THROUGH DOWNTOWN'S ART ALLEY.
A SOUTH DAKOTA LICENSE PLATE ON MARK'S SCHWINN REFERS TO HIS NICKNAME HOUDAT.
road, gravel, even put a rack on it and hit the grocery store. I did my 40-mile Wall (South Dakota) ride on my commuter bike.” Mark does not care where he rides. He bikes anywhere from around his Rapid Valley neighborhood to the Mickelson Trail to Iron Mountain Road. “I love getting out and enjoying the sunshine. It is beautiful here. You can just go for a ride across town and see places you’d never see in a car because you are too busy in traffic and a bike takes you on a slower pace. I can ride forever.” Biking not only keeps Mark healthy it gives him a sense of peace. “That’s why I ride my bike all the time, because I’ve been through so much that riding takes you to another place and gets you happy.” Mark has been on a roller coaster since his diagnosis in 2005. After two years of being treated at Rapid
City Regional Hospital, now Monument Health, Mark’s doctor referred him to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “I realized then crap was getting serious.” In June 2007, Mark and his dad made their first trip to Mayo. “We went down there, and I would get super sick again and then get better. They told me I would eventually need a transplant.” In September of that same year, Mark’s disease worsened, and he spent two months at Mayo Clinic. The search was on for a new liver. However, it was another nine months before he would get one. “Talk about stress in your life.” After a disappointing first attempt, a liver that didn’t fit, Mark received a new liver in October 2008. At the time of the transplant, he was 5’11 and 97 pounds. The first week after his transplant, Mark started to feel better. His energy
"A LOT OF PEOPLE ASK ME HOW I CAN BE SO POSITIVE WHEN I HAVE BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH." - MARK THOMPSON
elevaterapidcity.com
“It’s a little hidden secret,” Mark said. “A lot of people know about it, but not a lot come to find out what it’s all about. Any day you can be fishing and gravel riding on the prairie or in the hills. One day I went snowboarding in the morning and went mountain biking that afternoon.” Mark has been biking since he can remember. “I used to ride on the back of my dad’s bike in one of those old kid’s carrier seats.” When Mark started riding on his own, he was unstoppable. Mark would do Sunday rides on the base with his dad and older siblings, Harold, Jr., and Laura. At age 8, Mark began racing BMX bikes at the local track. “I’ve been riding ever since,” Mark said citing a few hiatuses when he had his transplants and a two-year stint when he first got his driver’s license. Now, in addition to riding, he is building bikes. “I have eight bikes that I actually ride and then probably like 20 bike projects.” His collection includes a paperboy bike with front and rear baskets, a handy one for trips to the farmer’s market, a few road bikes, an older Specialized Enduro, a gravel bike, and a mountain bike. He recently rebuilt a 1958 Schwinn decking it out with hi-rise handlebars. His favorite allaround bike is his commuter. “I can do anything on that thing. I can ride it on the
25
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
level improved, and his complexion brightened. However, in the years following that first transplant, Mark’s Crohn’s continued to attack his body. With a weakened immune system, Mark battled several other infections, his kidney began to fail, and he got type 2 diabetes, twice. He again began to deteriorate and after additional medications, treatments, and ultrasounds, doctors told him it was time for another liver. On March 23, 2020, in the beginning of the pandemic, Mark received his second liver transplant. While he feels much better, he continues to struggle with infections. Last fall, he was hospitalized for C. diff; (Clostridiodes difficile) a bacterium that causes an infection of the large
26
intestine. On September 11, 2021, while Mark was in the hospital, his dad, who had spent years helping to care for him, died. “It was a rough time,” he said. His brother Harold, Jr., who lives in Colorado, and his sister Laura, a healthcare worker whom he lives with, continue to do everything they can for their little brother. Aside from Harold and Laura, Mark has his doctors, nurses, and a community of friends that stretches from Rapid City to Rochester. “A lot of people ask me how
I can be so positive when I have been through so much,” Mark said. “When I first got diagnosed, I went into a slump. I was playing video games, staying up late, and moping around. Then I finally realized that these people are taking the time to help me, so I better straighten up and do something. All the stuff you go through, you just have to forget about it and move on. If you complain about everything you will be miserable.” Instead of complaining, he says, go for a bike ride. Mark’s Mercedes emblem-
"IT’S FREEDOM. IT’S THERAPY. YOU HAVE A BAD DAY AND GET ON YOUR BIKE AND GET TO GO AND RIDE FOR A LITTLE BIT. " - MARK THOMPSON
shaped scar on his abdomen is from the nearly 150 staples he received during his transplants and is a constant reminder of what he has been through. Now on his third liver, Mark is doing everything he can to keep this one healthy for as long as possible. Aside from eating right, exercising, and thinking positive, Mark doesn’t worry about much. He never stresses about the future. Nor does he set long-term goals. He lives in the moment, never taking for granted life’s small gifts such as exploring the Black Hills on two wheels. “It’s freedom. It’s therapy. You have a bad day and get on your bike and get to go and ride for a little bit. You clear your mind and just like that, life is good.” ▤ MARK BEGINS TO CLIMB THE LOWER HALF OF M HILL ON HIS MASI GRAVEL BIKE.
PURSUE YOUR ADVENTURE! RECREATION LOAN SPECIAL
Tuscany Square • 311 Omaha St. in Rapid City 605-399-2265 • www.bankwest-sd.bank *Annual Percentage Rate. Lowest available rate subject to credit approval and requires opening a deposit account with a $500 minimum deposit, an ongoing qualifying direct deposit, and automatic loan payments from a BankWest deposit account. The rate will increase if direct deposit is cancelled. Annual Percentage Rate applies only to new loans, is subject to your credit history, age of collateral, length of loan term, and may vary. Interest will accrue during the 90-day no payment period. All loans subject to credit approval. Offer expires April 1, 2022.
elevaterapidcity.com
MOTORHOME • CAMPER • TRAVEL TRAILER • ATV • MOTORCYCLE • BOAT • JET SKI
27
Proudly serving the Black Hills for 67 years and counting!
- BUILT ON SERVICE -
Ready for a career change?
BUILT TO LAST
Do you have a bachelor’s degree, but you want to become a nurse? Get your B.S.N. in Rapid City in just 12 months.
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
605.342.5587 - northwestpipe.com
28
www.sdstate.edu/nursing
Midco.com/Business
Internet. Phone. TV. Advertising.
elevaterapidcity.com
Reliable. Really fast. Real people. Really. 29
"I GET A LOT OF DOUBLE TAKES WHILE RIDING, IT’S NOT EVERY DAY YOU SEE A BIKE CARRYING FOUR KEGS."
ELEVATE • MARCH JANUARY2022 2022
- BEN PECK
30 30
THE KEG CRUISER BEN PECK IS Melding Biking and Brewing Biking has always been a part of Ben Peck’s makeup; he has been riding since he was three years old and as he got older, he made it a part of his lifestyle. “I worked at Rushmore Bikes in Spearfish while going to Black Hills State to get my degree, but I was always riding a bike and even got into bike touring and camping over time,” Peck described. “I even spent a couple of summers driving pedicabs for Ride On when Josh Bruhn owned those. We would take people to Armadillo’s, to and from the Civic Center (now The Monument) and it was a way to make some extra money,” he added. Ben is most recognized as the delivery person for beer at Hay Camp and not only for his signature beard. He’s most famous for his method of delivering beer downtown: a unique bike. “Justin, owner of Independent Ale House, is a collector and was offered this Jose Cuervo bike and he didn’t want it, but he knew someone who would, and he called me,” Peck explained. The bright yellow bike needed some modifications, but it was something Ben could use to make delivering kegs easier throughout downtown. “I had to rebuild the headset because the bike was mostly for show, and I had to figure out how to be able to use
it for my deliveries. I used a two-wheel hand truck, and I knew that if I could make some simple changes, I could make it more efficient,” added Ben. “I get a lot of double takes while riding, it’s not every day you see a bike carrying four kegs.” His love for biking is a perfect marriage with Hay Camp Brewery and he has been able to incorporate biking into the business in a few different ways. Hay Camp used to organize Bike for a Pint, bike rides on Friday evenings where bike enthusiasts could ride the bike path and stop for a beer while enjoying a nice ride. “We would have some pretty cool bikes as part of the ride, regularly Karl, the owner, and I rode a Penny-farthing bike for the ride,” he recalled. Peck and other staff have also participated in a 24-hour stationary bike event called MoPower and raised $10,000. Ben also began a bike swap that encourages bike enthusiasts to bring bikes and parts down where people can trade or purchase. “We want to create a community center where we can have a mixed-use space, we can be more than a brewery. The cycling community and local breweries go hand in hand so we can further engage with our customer base,” added Peck.
elevaterapidcity.com
BY MAIN STREET SQUARE // PHOTOS BY ANDY GREENMAN
31
"WE WANT TO CREATE A COMMUNITY CENTER WHERE WE CAN HAVE A MIXED-USE SPACE, WE CAN BE MORE THAN A BREWERY." - BEN PECK
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
With the influx of downtown living, downtown businesses, and growth of the School of Mines we can expect to see more bikes downtown in the coming years and Ben’s idea of delivering on bikes is sure to expand as well. “Electric Bikes are growing in popularity in terms of sales and because of their ease I would expect that bike deliveries will be more prevalent moving forward, even a novice rider will be able to keep up with traffic and ride in the hills.” Keep a look out for Ben and riders like him as downtown Rapid City continues to grow and prosper. ▤
32
BEARD OIL
Ben started growing his beard when he started at Hay Camp eight years ago and has only cut it twice, both for fundraisers for the Movember Foundation which raised $1,000.
SAVE THE DATE
Bike Swap APRIL 24, 2022 Any leftover parts or bikes get donated to Thrive
South Dakota Mines is solving more real-world problems at Ellsworth AFB than any other university in the DOD’s National Security Innovation Network.
15
SOUTH DAKOTA MINES 6
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITY
3
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
3 2
BERKELEY GEORGE MASON
1
JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
1
PENN STATE
1
ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY
1
TEXAS A&M
1
TUFTS UNIVERSITY
1
UC DAVIS
1
UT AUSTIN
1
UT SAN ANTONIO
1
WORCESTER POLY. INSTITUTE
1
sdsmt.edu/research
It’s more than a building. It’s your
Launch your next idea in the perfect place.
605.593.8322
1call2build.com
elevaterapidcity.com
launch pad.
33
EXPLORE
RAPID CITY ON Two Wheels BY SHILOH FRANCIS // PHOTOS BY ANDY GREENMAN
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
Rapid City Bike Path
34
OFFICIALLY NAMED THE LEONARD “SWANNY” SWANSON MEMORIAL PATHWAY FOR FORMER PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, IS ONE OF THE MOST USED PLACES OF THE RAPID CITY PARKS SYSTEM. THE GREENWAY SPANS MORE THAN 10 MILES ALONG RAPID CREEK, CONNECTING RIDERS AND WALKERS TO CANYON LAKE, SIOUX AND FOUNDERS PARKS AS WELL AS THE FARMERS MARKET.
MATT JACKSON RIDES ALONG THE LEONARD SWANSON MEMORIAL PATHWAY ON FEBRUARY 13, 2022.
MINI GOLF
PUB CRAWL March 12, 2022 Mar
“PAR-TEE”
and support Black Hills W Works by put putting your way through Downtown Rapid R City! REGISTER AT
BlackHillsWorks.org BlackHills
2022
Suzie Cappa Artist of the Year
L e ar n More!
.org/CAREERS
Black Hills Works and BH Services, Inc. are equal opportunity employers and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
elevaterapidcity.com
BOB LEW!
35
EXPLORE ON TWO WHEELS
Robbinsdale Park Bicycle Playground THE NEWEST ADDITION FOR RAPID CITY’S YOUNGEST BIKE ENTHUSIASTS, OR ANYONE WANTING TO HONE THEIR BIKE RIDING SKILLS, CAN BE FOUND BY THE ROBBINSDALE DOG PARK. FEATURES INCLUDING A CONCRETE PUMP TRACK, A NATURALSURFACE TRAIL WITH TUNNELS, RAMPS, CONES AND “SKINNIES” (NARROW WOODEN ELEVATED TRAILS). THIS ONE-OF-ITS-KIND PARK WAS A RESULT OF STRIDER SPORTS INTERNATIONAL GENERAL DONATION.
KINGLSEY LARSON, 5, ENJOYS HIS FIRST VISIT TO ROBBINSDALE PARK BICYCLE PLAYGROUND.
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
Dakota Star Federal Credit Union
36
GENERAL CONTRACTING
|
DESIGN-BUILD
1314 FOUNTAIN PLAZA DRIVE, RAPID CITY, SD
|
|
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
605-342-3787
|
RCSCONST.COM
EXPLORE ON TWO WHEELS
Skyline Wilderness Area
elevaterapidcity.com
ROLLERCOASTER. ROBO KITTY. PINBALL. NOODLE. THESE AREN’T JUST SILLY NAMES, THEY ARE JUST A FEW OF THE 20 TRAILS THAT COMPRISE THE SKYLINE WILDERNESS AREA. MOSTLY KNOWN FOR THE FAMOUS DINOS OR SCENIC BY WAY, SKYLINE IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO HIT THE TRAILS WITHOUT NEEDING TO GO FAR.
37
EXPLORE ON TWO WHEELS
ELEVATE • MARCH 2022
Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park
38
OFTEN REFERRED TO AS “M HILL” BY THE LOCALS, HLMP IS A NON-PROFIT WILDERNESS AREA AT THE END OF DOWNTOWN RAPID CITY. THE PUBLIC TRAILS HAVE OFFERINGS FOR ALL SKILL AND ENDURANCE LEVELS. THE LOCATION MAKES IT EASY FOR A QUICK SUNSET HIKE AFTER WORK BEFORE MEETING FRIENDS FOR DINNER AND DRINKS DOWNTOWN. OR, GET A FEW MILES IN ON OUR LUNCH BREAK ON ONE OF THE 200+ DAYS WITH SUNSHINE.
M A KO ® R O B OT I C - A R M A SSISTED TECHNOLOGY FOR
JOINT REPL ACEMENT We are proud to be the first in the region to utilize Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted technology for hip and knee joint replacement. Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted technology enables our specialty-trained surgeons to provide total knee replacement, total hip replacement, or partial knee replacement patients with a personalized surgical experience based on his or her specific diagnosis and anatomy.
Benefits include: • Implants designed for natural, normal movement • Less pain and quicker recovery than traditional joint replacements • Personalized surgical plans based on your unique anatomy for longer-lasting joints • Reduced risk of complications—our surgeons know more and cut less
Call (605) 341-1414 to schedule an appointment.
www.bhsh.com elevaterapidcity.com
www.bhosc.com
39
ELEVATE RAPID CITY BOX 747 RAPID CITY, SD 57709
Standard US Postage
PAID
Rapid City SD Permit No. 618
ALL IN ONE CONSTRUCTION LOANS Single-close Construction Loans offer one set of closing costs, saving you money.
Be
st
Of th e
Rapid City
Journal
r e ad
ers’ choice
2021
winner
Voted Best Mortgage Lender for 2021!
605.718.1818 | bhfcu.com Rates and Terms may vary based on creditworthiness and are subject to credit approval.
