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Founded in 2022, Black Hills Flow Trail specializes in directional, bike-optimized trail.

Our Work
 

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Trail Name: Thunderdog
Location: Hanson-Larson Memorial Park, Rapid City SD

South Dakota's first directional, bike-optimized trail and our first sanctioned project, Thunderdog started out as a hand-built passion project by our founder Luke all by himself. The road to approval took about 6 months, and by the time he broke dirt in earnest he was already aligning with more powers in the trail space.

Luke was introduced to Uriah Steber of Benchmark Trails, and he decided to crowdfund the means to hire Benchmark to bring in their heavy machinery and budding experience.

2022/2023
 

Working with the non-profit Black Hills Trails as the umbrella organization, and alongside Benchmark doing the work , Luke's designs evolved into a truly special section of trail that has changed the face of mountain biking in the Black Hills. The social scene around Thunderdog is recognized as vibrant and cooperative, as all ages and skill levels ride together and forge the friendships and skills that make riding in our beloved area that much more special.

Testimonials:

"My 7 year old asks to ride Thunderdog EVERYDAY. This little trail has single handedly gotten him into mountain biking. Would love to see more of this kind of trail built. ~Dennis Albers

"Flow trails are the missing piece to the Black Hills area mountain biking scene. Thunderdog has increased ridership, increased bike sales, increased pre-teen and teen riding in the Rapid City community. We are even seeing families from Spearfish, Sturgis, Newcastle, Gillette driving to Rapid City for a day of riding on Thunderdog specifically. More would be in order! ~Tim Rangitch owner, Acme Bicycles

"The reception of Thunderdog has been tremendous. Being close to the bottom of the hill and serving all ability levels, this trail has quickly become the most used area of the park." ~Kenny Larson, Park Manager Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park

"The flow trail is amazing. I'm new to mountain biking and Thunderdog has made noticeable improvements to my ability in just a short period of time. The community of riders are amazing around it. Every time we are at the top and talk to other riders everyone is always in a good mood and everyone cheers each other on. The value in it goes far beyond just the fun and skill it brings to riders. I and many others can't wait for more trails like this to be available to the public. ~Austin Himley

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Trail Name: Buffaloberry
Location: Raider Park @ Steven's High School, Rapid City SD

Riding the success of Thunderdog, Luke next reached out to Seth Keene, Park Manager of Raider Park at Rapid City Stevens High School, about revamping a largely unused section of trail in this beautiful trail network on the West side of Rapid City.

The idea was to add berms to all the corners and put little optional jumps for beginners to play around on. This was going to be a side-project for Luke through the fall and into the winter.

2023/2024
 

Again starting small with hand-build ideas, the community quickly rose up around Seth & Luke with the permission to build flow in the neighborhood. In September of 2023 we hosted a community work party that featured a mini excavator, a skid-steer, a plate compactor, land many volunteers with hand tools. Completed in fall of 2023, Buffaloberry was been re-worked through the summer of 2024 and is now a bona-fide green-level flow trail.

"Buffaloberry is one of our kids favorite trails. It has been great for their progression from riding the bike path or the Mickelson to trail riding. It is also super fun as an adult." ~ Ted Jones

"I often go ride Buffaloberry as a low-consequence workout that is still super fun." ~ Greg Lingruen

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Trail Name: Skyline Flow Trail
Location: Skyline Wilderness Area, Rapid City SD

Skyline Wilderness Area is a community treasure in central Rapid City. The opportunity to build progressive all levels flow trail here is an absolute dream come true for our dedicated crew.

After a 6 month approval process we began digging early spring 2024. Consisting of 5 distinct sections, work will continue through the fall while we sculpt world-class features in this amazing venue.

2023/2024
 

"The jumps are super fun, and these Skyline trails are the reason I'm now comfortable on the big jumps at Trestle right away, instead of needing time to adjust when I get there." ~Fritz Rangitch

"Skyline hasn't seen all that much use in the past, but since the flow trail started going in I notice so many more riders, especially kids and families, riding around the park and doing laps on the open flow sections. The impact is already apparent and I can only imagine how that will increase once it's all done." ~ Evan Walterman

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©2024 by Futurebird Enterprises LLC. All rights reserved.

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