Ride Information

2009 will be the third year of the Ft. Meade Remount endurance ride. We are excited to be able to stage this event in such an accessible, beautiful and historic location. Each year our goal is to provide a safe, interesting, well-marked and challenging ride where riders believe they receive good support from ride management and veterinarians.

The ride will take place on the Fort Meade Recreation Area, located near Sturgis, South Dakota. The 6,693 acres of forest and grassland in the recreation area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Numerous historic events have occurred in this area and historic structures abound on and near the ride site. Riders and their crews will have access to the Ft. Meade Cavalry Museum, Bear Butte State Park, and Black Hills National Cemetery. The riding trail will go past the Ft. Meade Post Cemetery and many historic buildings. Eleven miles of the 111 mile Centennial Trail (an Interagency National Recreation Trail) run through this recreation area.

Ride Camp (elevation 3,450 ft.) is located at Alkali Creek Trailhead, approximately 1/2 mile from Interstate 90 at Exit 34. While Sturgis is adjacent to the recreation area, the land is pristine and very natural. It has an abundance of grass, pine, oak, fruit bushes, sand rock outcroppings, deer, birds, packed dirt trails, and natural water. We have very few irritating bugs.

Trails: The first loop (25 miles of trail) will utilize both southern and northern units of the Fort Meade Recreation Area. The units are separated by Hwy 34/79. Volunteers will ensure riders safely cross the highway. Crews will be able to meet their riders before the highway crossing if necessary at the Ft. Meade Trail head. There will be an out vet check at the Bear Butte Trail head, after approximately 15 miles of trail. This will be a 45 minute hold. The Trail head can easily be accessed by crews, but volunteers will be available to carry gear to this site. The first loop will be a mixture of single track, double track, Centennial Trail, grassland, with some climbs and downhills and short technical stretches. Footing is good, with very little rock.

The final vet check for the 25s and 60 minute hold for the 50s will be back at the Alkali Creek Horse Camp. We will have enough volunteers on hand to expedite this check. The second loop (23.5 miles of trail) will be on the southern unit of the Ft. Meade Recreation Area and west of I-90 on Forest Service, BLM and private land. The loop consists of single and double track, pasture land, Centennial Trail and Forest Service road. Hoof protection is recommended. There will be a Gate and Go Vet Check at 40 miles (difficult crew access) where food and drink will be available for horses and riders.

In 2009 we will also offer a 15 mile Fun Ride on Sunday. The ride will start and finish at Alkali Creek Trailhead.

Farrier: Al Engebretson will be at Ride camp for the weekend

Photographer: Karl's Creations (Paschal and Deb Karl) will be taking photos during the ride. They will be available for purchase.

RULES: All rules of the AERC and the Fort Meade Recreation Area will be enforced by ride management. No metal detectors are allowed in this area. Hay must be certified weed free. IF YOU NEED CERTIFIED WEED FREE HAY, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE THE RIDE. I will make arrangements to have small bales available on an individual basis. All riders and volunteers must sign a liability waiver in order to participate in this ride. Junior riders must wear approved helmets.

You may bring your dog(s) but NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED OFF LEASH ON THE FORT MEADE RECREATION AREA. No dogs will be allowed at meals or meetings.

Camping at Alkali Creek Horse Camp will be reserved for ride management and vet camping. This 11 acre oasis is available to all riders. It is shady, quiet and has two vault toilets as well as potable water.

Riders will camp at the "regular" campground which is just west of the horsecamp. This area is grassy, has vault toilets, trees, potable water, covered eating area and a seasonal creek. A large dumpster for trash is available and barrels will be available for recycling glass, plastic, cardboard, aluminum and tin cans. Manure will be put into a manure spreader. Muck buckets and wheelbarrows will be available.

The camping fee is $10.00 per rider whether you plan to camp one night or three nights. You MUST let ride management know in advance if you are arriving Thursday so that appropriate arrangements can be made with the camp host.

Meals: Snacks and drinks will be available at Friday night's ride meeting. We will have dessert and coffee Saturday evening. Grates are available for cooking at the campground. Restaurants and grocery stores are 2 miles from ridecamp in Sturgis.

Planning: Please let me know if you are planning to come to the ride so I can ensure I have enough volunteers, vets, food, and camping spots. I will work very hard to provide a fun, safe, and enjoyable ride for you. Please help me by communicating with me, following rules, and bringing a positive attitude. The good reputation of AERC riders expedited ride approval with the BLM; with your help we can make this an annual ride.

We can have a bonfire both Friday and Saturday nights.

Reminder List:

  1. Are you coming?? Let me know (1) distance riding and (2) number of days planned
  2. Need certified weed-free hay? ($8/bale)

      3. IF YOU SEND ME YOUR INFORMATION IN ADVANCE, I WILL HAVE YOUR REGISTRATION AND PACKET READY FOR YOU.