https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AsthQuSmj/ Day 50 started with a choice: cut east toward Rapid City or stay on the trail and ride it all the way to Deadwood. The Mickelson Trail had been too good to leave behind, so I committed to riding the full length. Even if it ultimately meant some backtracking.  The morning miles rolled by easy, just like the rest of the trail steady rail grade climbing through forests and rocky cuts. As I pedaled, a thunderstorm rolled in. I quickly donned my rain gear and kept moving. Before long, I was being pelted by hail. Mercifully, the storm didn’t last very long, and once it cleared the weather turned nice again. The cool air and damp trail actually made for some really enjoyable riding. Later in the day, as the second storm started building, I spotted another cyclist coming the opposite way. His name was Max, a bike tourist from Germany riding from Vancouver to Massachusetts. We both pulled off under the trees to wait out the hail together. While the hail fell around us, we chatted about our routes, gear setups, and Max shared how impressed he’s been by the friendliness of people throughout the US. Once the storm passed, we said our goodbyes and continued on. The final miles into Deadwood were a blast, an effortless descent straight into town. As soon as I arrived, I booked a room and grabbed a much needed shower. I was feeling weak and starting to worry I might be coming down with something. Then I realized I hadn’t eaten all day. Just a small breakfast, no lunch or snacks during the ride. With that realization, I headed into town on a mission to find something healthy to eat. Deadwood’s history is undeniable,home to the Black Hills Gold Rush and the place where Wild Bill Hickok was famously shot. These days though, the downtown is packed with casinos, neon lit bars, and souvenir shops selling every manner of trinket. The streets were crowded and loud, with a steady stream of tourists bouncing between slot machines and themed saloons. After wandering around for a bit and realizing healthy food options were limited, I grabbed what I could, ate a big meal, and headed back to my room. The riding had been fantastic, the storms gave me some good stories, and meeting another cyclist on the trail was definitely the highlight of the day.