Pamplona’s “Running with the Bulls” and the Kentucky Derby starting gate are a few of the images that conjure up a feeling of the energy that surrounds the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic that has been building since last year, for “never-evers” and professionals, spectators and volunteers. Once you catch the buzz, it is hard to shake. And why would you want to?
The 46th running of the classic road race stands to deliver the same, and more, fun, excitement, camaraderie and thrills it has in the past. It is arguably one of the best events of the year that brings together the communities of Durango and Silverton in pulling off an amazing three-day event.
It is taboo to talk about the weather before race day, but it is looking good with the possibility of a little moisture and cool temperatures, but no blizzards, on the horizon.
Talk about teamwork – more than 150 volunteers staff Saturday’s 50-mile course and support 1,800 tour riders, 700 racers, over 250 Quarter Horse riders, including 10 e-bike riders with the Davis Phinney Foundation, as well as participants in other weekend events.
Take that in for a minute and you get a feel for the people power and energy of the weekend, both community’s commitment to cycling, the narrow gauge railroad that connects us and pulling off great recreational events.
The weekend’s events are focused on pedal power, but not only of the two-wheel variety. The lesser known Narrow Gauge 10-mile run is celebrating its 40th anniversary on Sunday. The Durango Running Club puts on the race that also includes a 4-mile and 1-mile free kids race. The run boasts the title of longest consecutive operating running event in Colorado; the Iron Horse the 2nd longest running cycling event in the country.
The festivities begin this afternoon at Buckley Park from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. where 50 lucky individuals can sign up for the tour and Quarter Horse, which are not sold out, and sample this year’s Faceplant beer, a collaboration of SKA, Steamworks and the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.
Keep the rubber side down and have a fun and fantastic weekend!
