Newly Designated Hall of Fame Trail a Highlight of Austin-Lehman Adventures’ Black Hills Bike Tour

June 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Six Day Adventure Includes Pedaling Scenic Section of South Dakota’s Mickelson Trail Recently Honored as One of the Nation’s Best by Rails-To-Trails Conservancy

BILLINGS, MT, June 7, 2010 – Guests this fall on Austin-Lehman Adventures Black Hills Biking Adventure will have the chance to ride one of America’s top pathways - The George Mickelson Recreation Trail. In May, the trail was given Hall of Fame distinction by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nonprofit group that promotes turning abandoned railroad lines into recreation trails.

In 2007, RTC began canvassing the country to spotlight 25 of the most memorable and influential rail-trails as part of the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. The 119-mile long Mickelson Trail was the 15th recreational right-of-way to be so named.

The trail follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington northern rail line, which serviced gold country for nearly a century. The line was abandoned in 1983 and, thanks to the vision of George S. Mickelson (then Governor of South Dakota), it was converted into a recreational pathway for cyclists, hikers, cross-country skiers and equestrians.

On Day Two of Austin-Lehman Adventure’s six-day South Dakota vacation package guests will spend a full day exploring the trail from Deadwood to the town of Custer, SD. “The route takes us south through the heart of the Black Hills,” explains Dan Austin, ALA’s co-founder and director. ”Following easy grades and gently rolling terrain we’ll cross over more than 100 historic railroad bridges and pass through four rock tunnels. We even have the option to shuttle the few uphill stretches if desired.”

Additional tour highlights include exploring the historic Old West gaming town of Deadwood, hiking the base of Mount Rushmore, a tour of the Crazy Horse Monument, and a visit to Wind Cave National Park. Guests enjoy nights in a series of distinctive lodges and inns and all meals, ground transportation, guides, bikes and equipment are provided.

The all-inclusive per person, double occupancy rate is $1,998 ($580 single supplement), representing one of ALA’s best values for the 2010 season. Packages begin and end in Rapid City with fall departures set for Sept. 5, 12 and 19. See:
www.austinlehman.com/trips/south_dakota___black_hills_bike/79.php


For further information on Austin-Lehman Adventures’ biking vacations, or to book the Black Hills adventure, contact Austin-Lehman Adventures at 1-800-575-1540 or visit http://www.austinlehman.com/.

About Austin-Lehman Adventures
Ranked number one as the “World’s Best Tour Operator” in 2009 by readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine, Austin-Lehman Adventures, with a 35-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on four continents.  ALA has built an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture, and geography’s natural beauty.  Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures) and feature excellent regional dining, distinctive accommodations and all-inclusive rates and services. In addition to scheduled group departures, ALA offers customized trip planning.  ALA offers each traveler a money back satisfaction guarantee.



Contact:   Rebecca Werner 312.440.3075      
      Werner Public Relations, Inc.                     
Rebecca@wernerpr.com

Dan Austin, 800-575-1540
pr@austinlehman.com

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About Austin-Lehman Adventures
Ranked number one as the “World’s Best Tour Operator” in 2009 by readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine, Austin-Lehman Adventures, with a 35-year legacy, provides adventure vacations on four continents. ALA has built an international reputation for small group active travel to destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe and Africa. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, biking vacations that emphasize history, culture, and geography’s natural beauty. Trips are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures) and feature excellent regional dining, distinctive accommodations and all-inclusive rates and services. In addition to scheduled group departures, ALA offers customized trip planning. ALA offers each traveler a money back satisfaction guarantee.