Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Weekend
There are quite a few bicycle related events that happen in and around Durango, CO in the warmer months, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic seems to be the biggest. It takes place every year on Memorial Day weekend, the standout event is a race between cyclists and the steam engine train between downtown Durango and Silverton nearly 50 miles away. This ride takes cyclists over two 10,000 foot passes. While this might be the main event, there are plenty of other things going on that weekend.
This year they’ve introduced a new event called the Quarter Horse to Purgatory, a 25 mile, 2300 ft of climbing ride to Durango Mountain Resort about halfway to Silverton. There’s also the McDonald’s Citizen Tour, the same route as the race above, only less competitive. There’s a crit and a time trial for those competitive folks, and a points based scoring system will rank those that compete in all three race events.
There’s a kids race, a concert on Main St, a bicycle swap meet and what looks to be one of the funnest events of the weekend, the Durango Cyclery Cruiser Crit a parade of crazy and eccentric bikes.
This all happens in Durango, CO May 23- May 25th, 2009. Registration for many of the events is closed, but I hear the Quarter Horse to Purgatory still has room for riders.
When I first moved out here I had aspirations to do the ride to Silverton, but unfortunately I won’t be participating in any of the events. Personal reasons are taking me out of town that weekend. I guess that gives me plenty of time to train for next year.
IHBC is a great event and a pretty epic, though manageable ride. This year will be my third time participating (would be 4th if not for snow last year). Here’s to great weather and strong legs.