Online registration for the 2015 Iron Horse Bicycle Classic opens Saturday.
Psst! Are you still reading? Then good for you, because here’s a not-so-well-kept secret: Anyone who is able to get their body to downtown Durango can register a day earlier.
Fifteen computers will be available to locals on Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Mountain Bike Specialists, 949 Main Ave.
No telling how quickly the citizens ride or certain race categories will sell out, but those who want to assure themselves a spot in the May 23 event can do so by showing up Friday. Cyclists are asked to come with a method of payment. It is $99 for the citizens ride and $95 for the race; $10 of each registration goes to community organizations, including Mercy Health Foundation.
The field is limited to 1,900 for the 50-mile citizens tour from Durango to Silverton, which returns this year to its more traditional start at Camino del Rio and College Avenue. Many categories for the 47-mile race, which begins at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, are limited to 75 or 85 riders. The race categories that sell out quickest are the men’s 35 to 55 age groups, said Gaige Sippy, Iron Horse director.
In recent years many road race slots have sold out within the first hour of online registration, and last year the tour sold out in 10 hours, a record.
It is uncertain what affect last year’s weather difficulties will have on registration for the 44th Iron Horse. Snow in the high country the day preceding last year’s event prompted organizers to shorten the course. Riders and racers went only from Durango to Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort, about half the distance to Silverton.
There are other events throughout the weekend, including other road races and a mountain bike cross country race on May 24.
If you can’t make it in person on Friday, online registration begins at 9 a.m. Mountain Standard Time on Saturday at www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com.
For more information visit www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com. For questions about registration, email registration@ironhorsebicycleclass.com.
johnp@durangoherald.com
