For 2018, they ran it perpendicular to Main, taking advantage of the steep cross streets. The BMX event started as a long rhythm section with head-to-head racing down Main Street in 2017, which made for great spectating. No easy task to pull off when you cancel your event only 12 hours before the scheduled start, and they managed it quite well. Kudos to the organizers, though, who managed to cobble together a great alternative route, complete with gravel and headwinds.
His deft marksmanship (sparksmanship?) also reclassified the gravel event as Totally Fuct as the planned course was now partially on fire. The 2018 course was significantly different, but was put on hold when a guy with a gun managed to light a forest fire that threatened many homes and caused evacuations. The inaugural La Plata La Strada Gravel Ride (not a race, they keep repeating, in case insurance agents and local authorities are eavesdropping) in 2017 was a great course, with smooth gravel, a couple of very steep climbs, and a long climb designed to reduce your spirit to a quivering, useless mass. Recent additions of BMX and Gravel events have improved the visitor experience and branched into new formats.
Since then, I have not ridden the mountain bike course, but I do remember it being 1) fun, and 2) painful. I pre-rode the mountain bike race a few years ago with every intention of competing on my single-speed, but my then-5-year-old son saved me from Lanterne Rouge duties by getting his finger stuck in a toy, leading to an early-morning visit to the ER. If you can get inside (good luck), it’s a great way to spend a few rowdy hours watching the race. This too has evolved, most recently with all categories climbing the alley and ramp behind Steamworks Brewing, before progressing through the bar itself and exiting a window at the front of the building. The mountain bike races all start and finish from the center of downtown and have a multiple-lap format. The finish, in Silverton, is at 9,300′, and the weather can get really sketchy there too. Even if it’s gorgeous and warm in town, it can be snowing on either Coal Bank or Molas Passes. Another huge factor in the altitude and significant climbing is weather: plan for snow and you won’t be disappointed. This is a desert area as well, so humidity is low and you will lose water faster than you think. For those coming from low altitude, hydration (water, not beer) is critical. Durango, at 6,500′ is not hugely high by Colorado standards, but the road events go over 10,900′, which is significant. Secondly, it’s really important to keep in mind that this weekend happens at high altitude. The downtown core has ample restaurants, bars, and shopping, so if you can get a hotel within a short walking or riding distance, it’s well worth it. The road events, mountain bike races, BMX, and gravel events all start downtown (although the road races start a bit north, adjacent to the high school and fairgrounds). Durango, a city of about 18,000 people, has a good selection of hotels, so do your research and get one. Get your hotel early, too, as they will fill up quickly.
IRON HORSE BIKE RACE FREE
Here at MamilMusings, though, our staff of irritable and grumpy old men think that there is not enough useful information out there, so we provide it here, free of charge.įirstly, as with all types of famous events, register early.
Go ahead, use the Googles all by yourself to find that stuff, then once you’ve read it, you’ll see much of the same veneer-deep text the internets have perfected. I’ve seen good weather and bad, have never beaten the train but have also never had a bad time.Īs with all things internet-y, you can search up your own reviews and info about the event as there are many, many sites which give a modicum of information. Age and memory don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand. Suffice to say, more than a few, less than a lot. Really, I don’t remember how many times I’ve been to Durango for this weekend. I’ve been fortunate enough to do the road ride to Silverton more times than I can remember. Over the years, it has evolved into a variety of events, including the famous race against the train, mountain bike racing, BMX events, and a new (2017, 2018) gravel event. You also know it’s a classic, because it says so right in the name. Since then, it’s blossomed into a great weekend of cycling in Durango. The IHBC is a true Colorado Classic, having started in 1972 when a couple of bored guys decided to race the Durango-Silverton narrow-gauge train.
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