Conquer the Wild: The Ultimate Adventurer's Guide to the Buffalo 50

There is mountain biking, and then there is mountain biking in the Southern Black Hills.  

If you are heading to Hill City, South Dakota this September for the Buffalo 50, you aren’t just signing up for a bike race—you are stepping into a raw, rugged endurance playground. With 50 miles of untamed pine forests, unforgiving granite rock formations, and thin alpine air, this race will test every bit of your mettle.

Whether you are tackling the grueling distance solo or splitting the madness with a partner in the relay category, here is your insider playbook to surviving, thriving, and soaking up the adventure in the Black Hills.

The rugged singletrack of the Black Hills keeps your eyes glued to the trail..

The Breakdown: What to Expect on the Dirt

The Buffalo 50 is a masterclass in terrain contrast. It consists of two 25-mile loops that offer a relentless mix of technical singletrack and fast, historic rail-trail. You will roll out from Granite Sports right on Main Street in Hill City to the literal crack of a whip. From there, you are thrown straight into the wild:

• Trail 40: This local favorite is where things get real. It is a technical, punchy, root-and-rock-filled sector designed to keep your heart rate high and your focus razor-sharp. Out here, "smooth" is just an abstract concept.  

• The Mickelson Trail: Don't let the scenic interlude fool you. While this world-class rail-trail gives you a chance to open up the throttle and find a rhythm, the steady, grinding elevation gain will test your deep endurance reserves. Keep your eyes peeled—the local wildlife might just be watching from the treeline to see if you crack.

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Surviving the Two-Lap Spectacle

Because the course loops back through Hill City, strategy is everything. If you are riding solo, rolling into town after Lap 1 takes serious mental discipline. You will see the festive energy, smell the food, and have to convince your legs to head right back out into the dirt for a second dose.

If you chose the relay, your job is to hand off the virtual baton and immediately start swapping stories of near-misses and technical saves while your partner takes on the second half of the madness.

Finding a fast rhythm on the historic Mickelson Trail sections.. Source: Western Spirit Cycling Adventures

The Ultimate Race Weekend Itinerary

An adventure trip to the Black Hills shouldn’t stop when you cross the finish line. Hill City is an incredible base camp surrounded by massive granite peaks, hidden alpine lakes, and some of the best post-ride spots in the state.

1.Friday Night: Fuel Up & Pick Up Packets: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Head over to Dairy Twist just outside of town to grab your race plates, sign your waivers, and load up on some pre-race fuel. (And yes, their desserts are worth the pre-race cheat meal).

2.Saturday Morning: The Crack of the Whip: 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM.

If you missed Friday, final packet pickup happens at Granite Sports from 7:00 to 8:00 AM. Line up on Main Street for the 8:30 AM mass start. Remember: pace yourself on the first loop. The high country climbs will sneak up on you.

3.Saturday Afternoon: The Golden Cut-off: 1:30 PM.

Solo riders, you need to be heading out for your second lap by 1:30 PM. Push through the fatigue—the glory at the finish line at Major Lake is worth every pedal stroke.

4.Post-Race: Celebrate at Lost Cabin: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Once your bike is parked, join the legendary after-party at Lost Cabin Beer Co. right in downtown Hill City. Grab a cold local brew, crush some local food truck eats, and cheer on the award winners. Every rider's story becomes part of the local legend here.

3 Pro-Tips for Out-of-Town Shredders

💡 1. Respect the Elevation: Hill City sits around 5,000 feet, and the course climbs well above that. If you are coming from sea level, arrive a couple of days early to acclimate and keep your hydration levels double what you normally would.

🛠️ 2. Tire Selection Matters: The granite and shale in the Southern Black Hills can be sharp. Leave your ultra-lightweight XC race tires at home and opt for something with reinforced sidewalls. A little extra flat protection goes a long way out here.

🌲 3. Explore the Backyard: If you have extra time before or after the race, you are a stone's throw from Custer State Park and the breathtaking Needles Highway. Take a slow scenic drive or a recovery hike—the towering granite spires are something you have to see to believe.

Get your bike dialed, tune your suspension for the rocks, and show up ready to execute. We’ll see you at the starting line!