It’s not even officially winter yet, and cyclists from all over the region and country are gearing up for a classic spring bicycling event.
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is an infamous, historic race in its 44th year where bicyclists challenge the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad over two mountain passes, climbing 5,642 feet before dropping into Silverton. On Saturday, it opened for public registration.
But if you want in, you better pick up the pace.
Race director Gaige Sippy, who is reprising his role after one year off, said slots are filing fast, and some categories already have sold out.
“We’ve sold out several road race categories and the men’s masters categories,” Sippy said. “They went faster than they’ve ever gone this year.”
Sippy said nearly 1,000 people registered within an hour of the 9 a.m. opening Saturday. On Friday, locals were allowed an early registration, and about 400 people took advantage of that, as well.
Overall, between the McDonald’s Citizens’ Tour and the Durango Coca-Cola Road Race, there were only about 600 slots remaining of 2,500.
“They’re the rides that people want to do,” he said, calling it an iconic journey.
He said the mountain bike race and the Quarter Horse also are seeing heavy registration, but the rides over the mountains are what brings people.
“Who wouldn’t want to hang out in Durango for a weekend?” he said.
Sippy also said the event stands out beyond others.
“That’s an important distinction,” he said. “It’s unique. Where else can you go and race a train through incredible scenery and some 10,000-foot mountain passes and end up in a historic mining town?”
bmathis@durangoherald.com
