Pedal Across the Stunning Landscapes of Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Route: A Guide to Scenic Cycling Adventure

Experience the beauty of Colorado's San Juan Mountains on the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic route, a challenging ride for cyclists of all levels.

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is one of the most iconic events in the cycling world. Every year, cyclists from around the world gather in Durango, Colorado to compete in this grueling race. The route takes riders through some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain in the Southwest, with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the San Juan National Forest.

The race begins in downtown Durango and heads north on Main Avenue before turning west onto 25th Street towards the first climb of the day: the daunting Coal Bank Pass. At over 10,000 feet in elevation, this climb is not for the faint of heart, but it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

After descending Coal Bank Pass, riders continue along the Million Dollar Highway, a scenic byway that winds through the San Juan Mountains and offers stunning views of the rugged landscape. The road includes several more challenging climbs, including Molas Pass and Red Mountain Pass, before descending into the historic mining town of Silverton.

From Silverton, the route heads south along the Animas River towards the finish line in Durango. Along the way, riders will encounter rolling hills and winding roads, as well as some of the most spectacular scenery in the region.

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is not just a race, it is a celebration of the sport of cycling. The event attracts riders of all ages and abilities, from elite professionals to weekend warriors. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a novice cyclist, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

One of the highlights of the race is the King and Queen of the Mountain competition, which awards points to the riders who reach the top of each climb first. The rider with the most points at the end of the race is crowned the King or Queen of the Mountain, an honor that is highly coveted by cyclists around the world.

Another unique aspect of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is the Cruiser Crit, a fun and festive event that takes place in downtown Durango. Participants decorate their bikes in creative and outrageous ways and compete in a short race around a closed course. The Cruiser Crit is a great way to experience the fun and camaraderie of the cycling community.

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is not just about competition, it is also about giving back to the community. The event raises funds for local charities and organizations, including the Fort Lewis College Cycling Team, the Adaptive Sports Association, and the Durango Devo youth cycling program.

In addition to the main race, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic also offers a variety of other events and activities, including a mountain bike race, a road race for juniors, and a fun ride for families and beginners. There are also numerous vendors, food trucks, and live music performances throughout the weekend.

Overall, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is an incredible event that showcases the beauty and excitement of cycling in the Southwest. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a casual cyclist, this race is a must-do for anyone who loves the sport.

Introduction

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is an annual cycling event that takes place in Durango, Colorado. The route covers a distance of 50 miles from Durango to Silverton, with a total elevation gain of 5,700 feet. The ride is open to all levels of cyclists, from beginners to professionals, and attracts thousands of participants each year. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic route.

The Start

The ride begins in downtown Durango, at an elevation of 6,512 feet. Riders gather early in the morning to check in and get ready for the race. The start of the race is always an exciting moment, with riders jostling for position and the sound of hundreds of bike chains clicking into gear.

The Animas River Valley

As riders leave Durango, they follow the scenic Animas River Valley. The road winds its way alongside the river, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This section of the ride is relatively flat, giving riders a chance to warm up their legs and settle into a rhythm.

The Climb Begins

After about 12 miles, the road starts to climb. The first major climb is known as Shalona Hill, which has an average gradient of around 6%. This climb is a test for many riders, especially those who are not used to the altitude or the steep gradients.

Molas Pass

After Shalona Hill, riders continue to climb towards Molas Pass. This is the highest point on the route, at an elevation of 10,910 feet. The climb to Molas Pass is challenging, with an average gradient of around 5%, but the views from the top are breathtaking.

The Descent

After reaching the summit of Molas Pass, riders are rewarded with a long descent into Silverton. This section of the ride is fast and exhilarating, with riders reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. It's important for riders to stay focused and maintain control of their bikes on this steep and winding descent.

Silverton

The finish line for the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is in the historic mining town of Silverton. As riders cross the finish line, they are greeted by cheering crowds and the satisfaction of completing one of the toughest rides in the country. After the race, riders can enjoy the festivities in Silverton, including live music, food, and drinks.

Alternate Route

For those who prefer a shorter, less challenging route, there is an alternate course that starts in Durango and ends at Purgatory Resort. This route covers a distance of 25 miles, with a total elevation gain of 1,800 feet. While it's not as grueling as the full route to Silverton, the alternate course still offers stunning views and a challenging ride.

Conclusion

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic route is a challenging and rewarding ride that attracts cyclists from all over the world. From the start in Durango to the finish line in Silverton, riders are treated to stunning views and a true test of their cycling abilities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is an experience that should not be missed.

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is a challenging and scenic ride that has become a favorite among cyclists. The route spans 50 miles from Durango to Silverton, Colorado and offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. If you're looking for a challenge and a chance to take in the beautiful scenery, this is the ride for you.

The Scenic Start in Durango

The ride starts in downtown Durango, a charming town with a rich history. As riders make their way through the streets, they'll pass by historic buildings and shops. The excitement builds as cyclists prepare for the climb ahead.

Climbing the San Juan Mountains

The first part of the route is the most challenging. Cyclists will climb up and over the San Juan Mountains, which rise to an elevation of over 10,000 feet. The climb is steep and demanding, but the views are worth it. Riders will be rewarded with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Descending into Silverton

After the climb, the route descends into the town of Silverton. This historic mining town is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. As riders make their way down the winding road into town, they'll be treated to breathtaking views of the landscape.

Rolling through the Animas River Valley

From Silverton, the route follows the Animas River Valley. The scenery is spectacular, with the river winding through the mountains and towering cliffs on either side. Riders will have a chance to catch their breath and enjoy the scenery as they roll through this picturesque valley.

The Challenge of Coal Bank and Molas Passes

The next challenge comes in the form of Coal Bank and Molas Passes. These two mountain passes are some of the steepest and most difficult sections of the route. Cyclists will need to dig deep and push themselves to make it up these challenging climbs.

Exploring the Town of Ouray

As riders make their way through the mountains, they'll pass through the town of Ouray. This charming mountain town is known for its hot springs and historic architecture. Cyclists can take a break and explore the town, or simply enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.

The Stunning Views of Red Mountain Pass

One of the highlights of the route is Red Mountain Pass. This stunning mountain pass offers some of the most breathtaking views of the entire ride. Riders will be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, as well as the winding road stretching out ahead of them.

The Final Push through the La Plata Mountains

The final challenge of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic comes in the form of the La Plata Mountains. These mountains are known for their steep and winding roads, which make for a challenging but rewarding ride. Cyclists will need to stay focused and push themselves to make it to the finish line.

Crossing the Finish Line in Silverton

After a long and challenging ride, cyclists will finally cross the finish line in Silverton. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction is palpable as riders celebrate their achievement.

Celebrating with Post-Race Festivities in Durango

The festivities don't end at the finish line. Back in Durango, riders can celebrate with post-race festivities including live music, food, and drinks. It's a chance to relax and unwind after a challenging ride, and to connect with other cyclists who share a passion for the sport.In conclusion, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic route is a challenging and scenic ride that offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. With its steep climbs, winding mountain roads, and picturesque valleys, it's a ride that will test your skills and push you to your limits. But the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction you'll feel as you cross the finish line is worth every second of effort. If you're looking for an adventure on two wheels, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is the ride for you.

IRON HORSE BICYCLE CLASSIC ROUTE

Point of View

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is one of the most iconic cycling events in the United States. The race takes place annually in Durango, Colorado and attracts cyclists from all over the country. The route covers a distance of 50 miles and crosses some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region, including the San Juan Mountains.From my point of view, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic route is an incredible experience for any cyclist. It offers a challenging course with breathtaking views, making it a must-do event for any avid cyclist. The route is well-marked, and the support staff ensures that the participants have everything they need to complete the race.

Pros of Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Route

1. Scenic beauty: The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic route passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in the region, including the San Juan Mountains.2. Challenging Course: The route is challenging, which makes it a great option for experienced cyclists who want to push themselves to their limits.3. Well-organized event: The event is well-organized, and the support staff ensures that the participants have everything they need to complete the race.4. Great atmosphere: The atmosphere of the event is fantastic, with enthusiastic crowds cheering on the cyclists at every turn.

Cons of Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Route

1. Altitude: The route passes through high-altitude areas, which can be challenging for some participants.2. Weather conditions: The weather can be unpredictable, and participants may encounter rain or snow during the race.3. Crowded roads: The roads can be crowded during the event, which can make it difficult for participants to maintain their pace.

Table Comparison: Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Route vs. Other Cycling Events

Event	Distance	Scenery	Difficulty	Organization
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic	50 miles	San Juan Mountains	Challenging	Well-organized
Leadville Trail 100	100 miles	Rocky Mountains	Extremely challenging	Well-organized
Amgen Tour of California	Varies	California coastline	Moderate to challenging	Well-organized

In conclusion, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic route is an incredible experience for any cyclist. It offers a challenging course with breathtaking views, making it a must-do event for any avid cyclist. While there are some cons to the event, the pros far outweigh them, and this event should be on every cyclist's bucket list.

Closing Message for Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Route Visitors

Thank you for taking the time to read about the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic route. We hope that this article has given you a good idea of what to expect if you decide to participate in this challenging and rewarding event.

As you know, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is a unique race that takes place in the beautiful San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The route covers 50 miles and includes some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

If you are a seasoned cyclist, this race is a must-do event that should be on your bucket list. However, if you are new to cycling or haven't ridden a bike in a while, don't let that discourage you from participating in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.

The route is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. You will be riding through some of the most beautiful terrain in Colorado, and the views alone are worth the effort.

One of the highlights of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic route is the climb up Coal Bank Pass. This section of the route is challenging, but the views from the top are breathtaking. The descent down the other side is equally thrilling.

Another highlight of the route is the finish line in downtown Durango. As you cross the finish line, you will be greeted by cheering crowds and the satisfaction of having completed one of the most challenging bike races in the country.

If you decide to participate in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, we recommend that you take the time to train properly. The route is not for the faint of heart, and you will need to be in good physical condition to complete it.

You should also make sure that you have the right equipment. A good quality bike is essential, as is proper cycling attire and accessories. Make sure that you have everything you need before you start the race.

If you are traveling to Durango for the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, we recommend that you arrive a few days early to acclimate to the altitude. The race starts at an elevation of over 6,500 feet, and the thin air can take some getting used to.

Finally, we want to emphasize that the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is not just a race. It is a celebration of cycling and the great outdoors. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this event is a chance to connect with other cyclists and experience the beauty of Colorado in a unique and unforgettable way.

We hope that you will consider participating in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic and that this article has been helpful in giving you an idea of what to expect. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you on the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic route soon!