In another 37 years, your grandchildren will have a hard time believing that old yarn about the time you raced the steam-powered locomotive 50 miles over two mountain passes from Durango to Silverton. But you’ll just rock back in your chair, nod and remind them that it ain’t bragging if it’s true.
Saturday marks the 37th annual opportunity to test your mettle against the old Durango & Rio Grande train at the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. But if you’re entered in the pro road race in which names like Overend, Grewal, Vaughters, Wherry and Tomac have historically topped the standings, the train is probably the least of your worries. The untimed citizen “tour” offers a slightly more subdued version of the ride over Highway 550, and the 25-mile Quarter Horse to Purgatory route is a respectable effort in its own right. Other cycle-centric events include the criterium through downtown Durango, a time trial, a cruiser crit, kids races, a bike swap and a free Sunday concert on Main Street.
Info: www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com
