Event Description
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is THE big race! Gear up or just watch as bikers race the train from Durango to Silverton all day. Events include the most popular race, the McDonald’s Citizen Tour, which winds through 50 miles of beautiful Colorado scenery, La Strada La Plata Gravel and the Durango Mesa Cycling Festival.
Since 1971, this iconic event has tested man vs. machine, as bicyclists race on the beautiful Million Dollar Highway. Can you make it in time to enjoy the beautiful ride back downhill?
Get Ready to Ride: The Iron Horse Classic
An Epic Battle Of Man Vs. Machine
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is Colorado’s largest, oldest and most renowned cycling event. There is no other event like it in the state. It will return from May 23-25, 2025. Find the schedule of events on our event page.
Brotherly Competition
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic combines Durango’s rich train legacy, the area’s breathtaking terrain and a little bit of brotherly competition. The 50-mile road race covers some of the most beautiful and challenging scenery of the Southwest, following historic railroad lines between Durango and Silverton. Riders will climb 6,700 feet and enjoy breathtaking views as they pedal onward and upward.
History of the Iron Horse
It all began with a contest between two brothers, Tom and Jim Mayer. As Jim was a train engineer on the iron horse, Tom would jump on his 10-speed bike and pedal over 50 miles and two mountain passes each day as Jim passed their home in the train he was conducting. All of this to beat his brother. By the next year in 1972, Tom along with 37 cyclists joined the race, which is known today as the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.
2025 Event Dates: May 23-25
Today, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is one of the biggest races in the biking world. During Memorial Day weekend, thousands flood into Durango since it usually sells out months in advance. Over the years, criteriums, circuit races, road races, tours, BMX races, trials, dual slaloms, team trail rides and mountain bike races have been added to train race.
For nearly 50 years, there has been a full weekend over events during Memorial Day. For a town of around 16,000, having over 3500 participants isn’t bad. Join the fun and celebrate over one hundred years of cycling in Durango.
Related Content
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
May 23 through May 25, 2025
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is THE big race! Gear up or just watch as bikers race the train from Durango to Silverton all day. Events include the most popular race, the McDonald’s Citizen Tour, which winds t…
Event Schedule
Friday May 23
| Time | Subject | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Local Packet Pickup | Buckley Park |
| 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Kids Race Check In | |
| 4:20 PM | Faceplant Ale Kick Off Parade (Costumes Encouraged!) | Gather at Ska Brewing for a beer and parade leaves at 5PM, stop at Steamworks then finish at Buckley Park |
Saturday May 24
| Time | Subject | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 7:15 AM | Road Race Wave Start | 33rd Street & 2nd Avenue |
| 8:00 AM | McDonalds Citizen Tour Start | 33rd Street & 2nd Avenue |
| 12:30 PM | ALL Podiums | Silverton Finish Line |
| 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Bike Pick-Up | Durango High School |
Sunday May 25
| Time | Subject | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | LaStrada LaPlata Start | Buckley Park, 1250 Main Avenue |
| 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Cycling Festival | Buckley Park, 1250 Main Avenue |
| 9:00 AM | Kids Race Check In | Fort Lewis Clock Tower |
| 8:30 AM | MTB Starts | Buckley Park, 1250 Main Avenue |
| 10:00 AM | Kids Race Start (2-5 Yr Olds) | Fort Lewis Clock Tower |
| 10:30 AM | First Wave MTB & Omnium Podiums | Buckley Park |
| 11:00 AM | Kids Race Start (6-12 Yr Olds) | Fort Lewis Clock Tower |
| 1:00 PM | Second Wave MTB & Omnium Podiums | Buckley Park |
| 4:00 PM | Final Wave MTB & Omnium Podiums | Buckley Parks |
Post courtesy of Durango.com.
