Blog

  • Little Wheels Holiday Giveaway – Win a Strider + Old MacDonald’s Farm Family Pass

    We’re giving away a brand-new yellow 12-inch Strider Sport balance bike AND a 2026 Family Season Pass (admits 4) to Old MacDonald’s Farm in Rapid City.

    Giveaway runs now through midnight December 20, 2025  

    Winner announced December 20, 2025

    How to enter  

    – Every $5 donated at Donation = 1 entry  

      (Donate $25 = 5 entries, $50 = 10 entries, etc.)  

    – OR fill out the contact form at Contact for 1 free entry

    Open to everyone – grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles – anyone who wants to surprise a little rider this Christmas.

    Good luck and thank you for helping us keep more kids on bikes!

  • Great meeting at Black Hills Works!

    The Stone Bicycle Coalition team went through 18 bikes and adult trikes. We finished with 15 fully operational and ready to ride, and 3 that just need a little more brake work and new tubes. We’re hoping to return December 9th to wrap up the last three.

    Huge thank you to Black Hills Works for the opportunity to help get these wheels rolling again. Nothing better than seeing residents ready to ride!

  • Community Workshop: Fleet Bikes Maintenance for Black Hills Works

    We’ll be at Black Hills Works Repair Workshop on Tuesday, November 18, from 3–5 PM!

    We’re gathering as a community to roll up our sleeves, review the bike inventory, and make sure each one is ready to ride. Every repair and adjustment helps get another set of wheels out on the road — supporting mobility, freedom, and joy through cycling.

    These workshops aren’t just about fixing bikes — they’re about connecting with each other, sharing what we know, and building a stronger cycling community together. Whether you wrench regularly or just want to see what we do, you’re welcome to stop by and be part of it.

    When: Tuesday, November 18, 3–5 PM

    Where: Black Hills Works Repair Workshop

    What: Reviewing and tuning up bikes to get them ready for use

  • Meet Candy — and a Huge Thanks to Sarah!

    We’re sending a big shoutout to our new friend Sarah, who just took her freshly donated red Giant bike — now named “Candy” — out for her first ride!

    “The bike’s new name is Candy and this was her inaugural ride! I only made it around the block—but this morning I went twice as far. Thank you again!!!!”

    Stories like Sarah’s remind us why we do what we do — every donated bike means new opportunities, fresh air, and a few more smiles out on the road.

    If you’d like to sponsor a bike donation or connect us with someone who could use a ride, we’d love to hear from you. Every connection helps us get another set of wheels rolling in our community.

    stonebicyclecoalition@gmail.com
    stonebicyclecoalition.com/contact/

  • More Riders. More Joy.

    Last week we celebrated a huge moment: a Rapid City woman pedaled again after 13 years away from cycling due to a knee injury.

    This week, the movement spread—this time at the Minneluzahan Senior Center, where two riders from two generations rediscovered the joy of riding.

    One was her granddaughter, in her 20s, stopping by for a refresher. It had been a while since she’d ridden, and she rolled in looking a little unsure… but not for long.

    The second rider was a Minneluzahan member in her 70s. Same gentle prep, same patient support, and the exact same spark when she felt those wheels turning again.

    With a quick tune-up and a little coaching—balance drills, slow starts, knee-friendly posture—those first cautious pedals turned into a confident cruise and a big smile.

    Free Bike Update: Two Placed, One to Go

    We’ve now placed two of our three free bikes:

    • Sarah — commuting on a Giant internal-hub commuter with a rack
    • Joe — rolling local paths on a vintage Sprite

    If you (or someone you know) needs a bike for transportation, mobility, or independence, reach out:

    stonebicyclecoalition@gmail.com

    Contact

    We respond in order of requests and arrange pickup or delivery in the Rapid City area.


    Help Us Keep the Wheels Turning

    Every bike we repair, donate, or teach on keeps more people rolling in the Black Hills.

    You can support the movement:

    • Donate a bike (any condition)
    • Sponsor parts or a rebuild
    • Connect us with someone who needs wheels or a tune-up
  • Rory’s Ride: Tackling the 4th Annual Fall Fondo in Custer State Park


    The 4th Annual Fall Fondo, hosted by Mat Peters, brought together an incredible community of cyclists for another unforgettable day in the Black Hills. Representing Stone Bicycle Coalition, Rory took on the challenge for the second year in a row — and this time, it was even better.

    Covering 44 miles with over 4,000 feet of climbing, this route blends gravel and pavement across the scenic Custer State Park and the legendary Wildlife Loop. Riders were treated to smooth descents reaching speeds up to 42 mph, endless rolling hills, and wide-open South Dakota skies.

    The weather couldn’t have been more ideal — around 79°F with clear skies and a gentle breeze, creating the perfect backdrop for spotting local wildlife. Along the way, participants encountered bison, deer, elk, and even a pair of buffalograzing along the route.

    Beyond the challenge, what makes the Fall Fondo truly special is the community. About 75 riders came together with a shared spirit of adventure, encouragement, and camaraderie. This event isn’t just about pushing limits — it’s about connecting, celebrating the ride, and soaking in the Black Hills’ natural beauty.

    Whether you’re a gravel grinder, a road enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, the Fall Fondo is a must for your cycling calendar. Big thanks again to Mat Peters and all who make this ride one of South Dakota’s hidden gems.

    Whether you’re a gravel grinder, a road enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, the Fall Fondo is a must for your cycling calendar. Big thanks again to Mat Peters and all who make this ride one of South Dakota’s hidden gems.

     See Rory’s full Strava activity →

  • Vintage Schwinn Bike Pair – Ready for Adventure

    Looking for a set of classic, ready-to-ride bikes with character? This pair of vintage Schwinns is in excellent working condition and comes equipped with racks and bags—perfect for cruising, commuting, or exploring the Black Hills with a friend.

    These bikes are solid, smooth, and built to last—ideal for anyone who values craftsmanship and wants to ride something with a bit of history. Sold together as a pair for just $300, they’re meant for shared adventures and community connection.

    Whether you’re a local collector, a weekend explorer, or just looking for an eco-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors, this vintage duo is ready to roll.

    Price: $300 (for both bikes)

    Contact: stonebicyclecoalition@gmail.com

     stonebicyclecoalition.com/contact

    Let’s keep more people pedaling and enjoying the ride—together.

  • Free Bikes Available: Help Get More People Riding in Our Community

    We're giving away three fully functional bikes to support cycling in the Black Hills area:

    1. Tall vintage Sprite 27" brown bike with rear rack – ideal for commuting or errands.
    2. Medium Rocky Mountain mountain bike – ready for trails and adventures.
    3. Medium Giant commuter with internal shifting, coaster brakes, and rear rack – great for daily rides.

    To apply, visit Contact page or email
    stonebicyclecoalition@gmail.com

    Share your name and a brief idea of how you'd use the bike (or apply on behalf of someone else). We'll reach out in the order received.

    Any bike can be sponsored through a donation to help ensure it goes to someone who might not otherwise afford it. This aligns with our mission to revive bikes and connect more people with cycling.
  • Epic Fat Pursuit adventures in 2023 — where it is a winter wonderland, and the views never stop.

    Shoutout to the Black Hills Riders traveling to Idaho: Zach & Perry crushed the grueling 200K. Zach in 23:40:36.91, Perry in 25:47:48.07, while Jason (3:45:02.46), Rory (3:53:30.77), and Darren (4:59:56.42) powered through the 60K. 

    Hosted by the legendary cyclist Jay Petervary, this unique winter fat bike pursuit is back for Lucky 13th year. Registration NOW OPEN for Jan 9-11, 2026 at Island Park, ID. 

    Choose your challenge: NEW 30K, 60K, or 200K.

    “This is a backcountry event that will require some experience and winter survival skills. You will be challenged, humbled and rewarded in many different ways. The 200k distance course will not be marked and you will need to navigate by GPS or map and compass.

    The 30K & 60k will be well marked. If you can read a map you will have no problem following the route. You will need to be self-sufficient and carry all your own gear, food, and water, although there will be checkpoints and aid stations.”

    Join the pursuit: https://www.fatpursuit.com

  • From One Legend to the Next: Our First Bike Adoption Rapid City!

    Meet Bob B, a Black Hills icon with a knack for cooking and character, whose vintage Trek—decked out with flashy blue bar tape, red cycle toe covers, and slick jockey shifters—found a new home with a young rider ready to blaze trails in 2025! This gem, untouched for over a decade due to the early loss of Bob, is back in action thanks to the Stone Bicycle Coalition. 🌟

    Our Member Zero, John T, led the charge. A true explorer who thrives on challenging new Black Hills scenery, John and the crew gave the Trek a full safety check—lubed, fitted, and tuned for the next gen’s adventures. From commutes to scenic spins, it’s ready to roll!

    “Awesome! I’m so glad it’s being used again!” —Nicole B, on passing down her father’s bike.

    This is what we’re about: connecting families, reviving bikes, and getting more wheels turning in Rapid City. Want to keep the momentum going? Donate a bike or join our next group ride:

    Oct 28th, 3:30 PM meet, 4:00 PM rollout at Minneluzahan Senior Center. DM us or visit stonebicyclecoalition.com/contact to get involved.