Mountain Biking Durango CO

Ride on Durango - Friendly Bicycle Community
Story by Anne Barney
PhotographS Durango Area Tourism Office

NESTLED IN THE HEART Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, Durango is home to some of the world’s best single track mountain biking, road biking, and outdoor recreation. In addition to more than 1,000 miles of trails surrounding this community, there are numerous organized races and tours that appeal to a whole range of biking abilities. Whether you are a professional racer, a weekend warrior, or still on training wheels, Durango offers the perfect atmosphere, event support and vacation town amenities to make every ride memorable.

Durango is uniquely situated between the high desert and towering, ancient volcanic peaks. This high altitude training ground offers a superb range of options for development and growth of top-level athletes. rom cycling to kayaking to beach volleyball, there are more national champions, world champions and Olympians per capita in Durango than anywhere, except maybe the Olympic training center itself.

Durango hosts one of the largest and longest continuously run bicycling events in the United States: The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. Citizens and professionals race the historic steam train the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad on its 50 mile trip from Durango to Silverton. This event pits man and woman against machine for an impressive ride over two 10,000-foot mountain passes and changing weather conditions.

Along with a host of professional and Olympic riders, Durango is home to Fort Lewis College, the NCCA Collegiate National 2004 & 2003 Mountain Bike Champions, 2004 & 2003 Collegiate National Cyclocross Champions and 2004 Collegiate National Road Bike Runners Up. These athletes are a true testament to the quality of riding found in the Durango area.

For more information on lodging, events and the Durango area, visit us at www.durango.org, anne@durango.org or call 1-800-525-8855.

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic - May

One of the largest and longest continuously run bicycling events in the United States. The race covers 50 steep miles, traversing from Durango to Silverton, a climb (or descent) of nearly 3000 feet of rugged mountain terrain. Weather can be iffy at best. In 2008, the race was cancelled due to heavy snow. In 2009, bicyclists enjoyed warm weather and bright, sunny skies. Bicyclists challenge the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge train pulled by a vintage steam engine. Started in 1972, the event, now numbering nearly 3000 cyclists, has become a classsic in the 37 years since just 36 riders raced the train. Over the years, other events have been added to the cassic race. For training assistance visit: www.ironhorsetraining.com This unique event features a 50 mile road race and bicycle tour on Highway 550, the exciting downtown criterium, a new time trial kid’s race and a velo swap. Start times and schedule: www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com

Ride the Rockies Bicycle Tour - June

Two thousand cyclists begin their 435-mile trek in Durango, Colorado and finish seven days later in Breckenridge, Colorado. This Colorado classic is a premier cycling event that showcases some of the most majestic parts of our great state. The event participants are secured by a lottery conducted by "The Denver Post" in February. Information: www.ridetherockies.com

Bicycle Tour of Colorado The Durango/Telluride Loop - June-July

Seven days of great riding in the Colorado Rocky Mountains begins and ends in Gunnison. Arrive in Gunnison for check in and an early kick-off party for the second annual Colorado Rocky Mountain Bicycle Tour. Enjoy the 65-mile route ride from Gunnison to Montrose next to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Visit Carbondale, Aspen, Leadville, Frisco and Salida along the way before returning to Gunnison.
Registration & information: www.crmbt.com. Questions can be directed to email.
www.bicycletourcolorado.com

More bike tours and more about Durango. www.durango.org

Photo courtesy Durango Tourism Office.

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