The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic will kick off its registration this year with a fundraising event Dec. 16 at the Ska Brewery that will celebrate big accomplishments from local cyclists in the past year.
Professional cyclists Sepp Kuss and Christopher Blevins will talk about their seasons and headline the event.
“That shows the character of what Durango is,” said Iron Horse assistant Ian Burnett. “Those stars are willing to come back and donate their time and show how much Durango means to them.”
FLC coach Chad Cheeney and former pro road racer Lauren Hall will talk about the other big accomplishments local cyclists have accomplished this year. Burnett said there have been so many big wins in a lot of different disciplines that will be a challenge to list all of them.
“It’s been pretty amazing,” Burnett said. “A lot of people have won some big championships this year. And all of the (cyclists) being celebrated are such great people.”
The free event will feature a silent auction, with items from Kuss and Blevins as well as other local products, up for bid.
The fundraiser will benefit three local nonprofit organizations: Durango Devo, Fort Lewis College Cycling and the Segment 28 team.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the silent auction will end about 8:45 p.m.
Computers will be available for local riders to register for the 50th edition of Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. The Iron Horse will have a new leg in the road race this year, from Ouray to Silverton, in addition to the road race and tour from Durango to Silverton and Durango to Purgatory. The classic will also include gravel rides, dual slalom, the roostmaster race and mountain bike race on its schedule again.
The next morning, on Dec. 17, public registration for the Iron Horse will open. Burnett said capacity won’t be reduced this year and be more of typical size once again.
