Cyclists climbing to Silverton for Saturday’s Iron Horse Bicycle Classic should be prepared for warm and breezy weather.
Durango temperatures for race day will start at about 58 degrees at 8 a.m. with temperatures warming rapidly through the morning into the afternoon, said Norv Larson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.
The National Weather Service’s forecast for Durango shows a high of 84 degrees Saturday.
Saturday IHBC rides
- Coca-Cola Road Race, 7:30 a.m., Animas City Park, 3274 East Second Ave.
- McDonald’s Citizens Tour, 8 a.m., Animas City Park, 3274 East Second Ave.
Temperatures will stay consistent as cyclists move to higher elevations with temperatures in Silverton reaching 55 to 60 degrees at 11 a.m., Larson said.
“It’ll be right in the mid-50s throughout this event. Temperature is keeping track with (riders),” he said.
Friday, Sunday and Memorial Day will also be warm and sunny in Durango with highs in the upper 70s and lower 80s, according to the National Weather Service.
The sun will be shining the morning of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic with some clouds appearing in the afternoon, Larson said.
Like much of April, weather throughout the weekend will be breezy. However, winds will be out of the southwest boosting riders as they climb the mountains.
During the race, cyclists will see winds pick up from 5 to 10 mph in the morning to 10 to 15 mph with 25 mph gusts by noon, Larson said.
“The nice thing is that it seems to be pointed more or less up the valley there toward Silverton, so they won’t be fighting that. It’ll actually be beneficial,” he said.
With the warm temperatures, wind and dry air, the National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch, which typically precedes a red flag warning, for Friday and Saturday.
ahannon@durangoherald.com
