Explore Rapid City on two wheels

BY SHILOH FRANCIS // PHOTOS BY ANDY GREENMAN

MATT JACKSON RIDES ALONG THE LEONARD SWANSON MEMORIAL PATHWAY ON FEBRUARY 13, 2022.

by Andy Greenman

Rapid City Bike Path

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

KINGLSEY LARSON, 5, ENJOYS HIS FIRST VISIT TO ROBBINSDALE PARK BICYCLE PLAYGROUND.

by Andy Greenman

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 NATURAL- SURFACE 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.

Skyline Wilderness Area

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.

Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park

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.