Visit Durango continues to take steps to highlight the city’s robust cycling scene as something for everyone, not just for professional riders and competitions.
That is why the organization is bringing back the monthlong event called Spoketober for a second consecutive year. Spoketober, which runs throughout October, is meant to be diverse and inclusive in that one doesn’t have to be a professional cyclist to go out and hit the biking trails, said Rachel Welsh, Visit Durango’s vice president and communications manager.
“People that live or grow up in Durango, they kind of get a little spark and get excited about cycling, then maybe someday they do become the next Sepp Kuss. But those things have to start somewhere,” she said. “I think it’s just giving everyone the opportunity to celebrate cycling the way they’d like to.”
Welsh said the growing variety of events on the Spoketober calendar help “create that approachability” in drawing community interest. Such events include the return of “Share the Love Cycle,” where people can donate bike parts or full bikes to residents on the Navajo Nation. Eighty donations were made last year, and Welsh said the goal this year is more than 100 donations.
Other notable Spoketober events include the Jump Clinic, Welsh said.
As Spoketober “gains momentum” as an annual event in Durango, she said that could over time help bolster the area’s outdoor recreation economy even more.
“People will continue to view Durango as a cycling town, and this will kind of continue to build on its recognition and its reputation as a community that is passionate about cycling,” she said.
For more information, visit durango.org.
Confirmed Spoketober 2023 events
Oct. 4 – Anthony D’Amato performs at Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa.
Oct. 5 – Bike-In Movie Night featuring “The Nightmare Before Christmas” outside at Durango Community Recreation Center.
Oct. 6-7 – iAM MUSIC Festival Block Party.
Oct. 7
* Durango Fire Presents: Street Smarts, an educational event with a focus on being a safe driver, cyclist and pedestrian.
* Team Segment 28 and FLC Cycling Present: Durango Fall Blaze.
Oct. 8 – Spoketober Jump Clinic & Contest at Chapman Hill with influencers Lain Van Ogle and Sean Kingsbury.
Oct. 12 – Segment 28 Zia Social No Drop Group Ride from Zia to the Starwars Trails.
Oct. 13-14 – Share the Love Cycle upcycle and recycle event at Buckley Park.
Oct. 14
* Solar Eclipse Viewing at Durango Public Library.
* Bike Prom Group Ride and Party at the Powerhouse Science Center.
Oct. 15
* Spoketober Group Ride from Fort Lewis College to Buckley Park.
* Cycling Culture Celebration at Buckley Park (after the group ride).
Oct. 18 – Bicycle Karaoke at 8th Ave. Tavern.
Oct. 20 – Durango Slaydies Female Empowerment Group Ride.
Oct. 21 – Chainless Bike Race at the Durango BMX Track at Cundiff Park.
Oct. 23 – Adaptive Sports Association Community Ride.
Oct. 26
* Durango DEVO Halloween Costume Bike Parade & Party at the Powerhouse Science Center.
* Holy Cow Group Ride to Ska Brewing HQ.
Oct. 28 – EsoTerra Cidery Slowest Bike Race & Cycling Celebration.
Oct. 29 – Holy Cow Advanced Group Ride.
mhollinshead@durangoherald.com
