It’s been a wild ride, mostly uphill, these many years. How many opportunities does a cyclist have to race a train? In Durango, that would be 50 times. The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic celebrates its 50th anniversary Memorial Day weekend and has gotten more imaginative with each year.
And to think, it all started in 1971 with a bet between brothers Tom and Jim Mayer, whether a bicycle could beat the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train, with a candy bar as the prize.
From that humble, historic start, the race has evolved, sustained and remained relevant in response to riders and racers, and the changes in the world of cycling. This is significant and gives the IHBC its staying power.
From no helmets or leather hairnets, wool shorts lined with chamois and anything-goes bicycles to helmets made for ponytails, lightweight Lycra jerseys and the fine machines that rival the cost of used vehicles, we’ve seen it all. Besides road bikes, the IHBC morphed through the years to add a shorter challenge to Purgatory, mountain bikes, e-bikes and gravel-ready bikes. A new segment this year is the Ouray to Silverton route. Organizers have been imaginative with the additions.
This year feels poignant after the pared-down version in 2021 and the cancellation in 2020 because of COVID-19. The change in scale alone is spectacular, from 33 participants the first year to 3,500 this year.
IHBC isn’t just big fun. It’s big money. The IHBC team estimates it spends $300,000 in Durango and the surrounding area, with 80% of that staying in Durango.
IHBC is many things to many people: an accomplishment for locals, a primo spectator event with 6,000 expected to line the road, a boon for local businesses and the means to meet serious cyclists’ ultimate satisfactions. With little tykes in pull-behind trailers to riders in their 70s, the event includes everyone. It’s a toast to Durango, and Durango loves it right back.
Tom Mayer, the brother on the bike, said, originally, he just wanted someone to ride with him to Silverton. His buddy Ed Zink’s vision of the event involved more in every sense of the word. At the 40th anniversary, thousands in Silverton spread out around the festivities. “That’s what Ed saw,” Mayer said. Zink passed away in 2019.
IHBC attracts participants who have endured so much to get here. Climbing onto the saddle on wind-whipped days, slurping down those energy gels. Again, and again. We’re ready to see everyone, including international cyclists who travel the world.
To continue rolling along, IHBC partnered with RGT Cycling to create a virtual, ultra-realistic training ride that simulates the North Animas Valley ride with the Shalona climb and descent. It incorporates drafting, braking for corners and collision avoidance, and marries video-game technology with cycle-train technology. It’s a smart way to reach new riders who will fall in love with this course.
Another cool, new feature this year is the exhibit Looking Back, Racing Ahead: 50 Years of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic and Durango Cycling Culture with bikes, jerseys and memorabilia at Center of Southwest Studies on the Fort Lewis College campus. It’s a solid reminder of IHBC’s progression.
And, of course, there’s the train, the main character. Fingers crossed, the fire danger won’t prevent the D&SNG from making the trip. This concern is based on conditions outlined in the settlement after the 416 Fire. Because it’s not 100% sure, yet, that D&SNG is a contender, we consider it the underdog. So we are pulling for the train with Jim Mayer as a passenger. Go D&SNG!
But, wait, there’s Mayer, 73, who will be on the same bike – a celeste green 1967 Schwinn Paramount with lugs trimmed in yellow – that he rode in the first race. “It still rides like a dream,” he said. “And I’m going to beat the train.”
Congrats to the race coordinators and participants! We’re so happy you’re back for a 50th.
