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Iron Horse Bicycle Classic – Durango | May

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Downtown Durango Sign
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Durango, CO. Photo: teofilo

The 53rd Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is one for cycling enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a vibrant Colorado weekend. The event tests the speed of man versus machine as they race to beat a train.

The first Iron Horse started in 1972 and over the years other events became part of the classic, like road races, tours, BMX, team trail rides, and mountain bike races. Watch the start in downtown Durango by the train depot for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This year’s event runs from Friday to Sunday, May 23rd to May 25th, 2025.

Bikers riding with mountain in background during the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Durango, Colorado
Riders competing in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. Photo by: Scott DW Smith

The 3-day cycling event spans 47 miles between Durango and Silverton, Colorado. It summits two high alpine passes: Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass. In addition to the signature race, there are other mountain bike and gravel competitions, plus biking-centered events around Durango.

Other activities include:

  • Narrow Horse Swim
  • Steamworks Faceplant Party
  • Silverton Finish Line Festival
  • Sprite Kids Race & Alpine Kids Village
  • Narrow Horse Triathlon
  • Narrow Gauge 10 Mile

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic logo with an old school bike with one giant wheel and one small wheel

The festival got its start in 1971, a year before the first official event when a guy named Tom Mayer challenged his brother Jim to try and bike faster than the Durango & Silverton train. The rest is history.

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Downtown Durango Racers
Start of the race in downtown Durango. Photo by: Kent Kanouse
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Downtown Durango Racers
Racing thru Durango. Photo by: Kent Kanouse
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Downtown Durango Crowd
Watching the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. Photo by: Kent Kanouse
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Molas Pass Summit Aerial View
Atop Molas Pass – the last peak on the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. Photo by: Al_HikesAZ
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Molas Pass Silverton Aerial View
Molas Pass descends down into Silverton. Photo by: Al_HikesAZ

Nearby Accommodations


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Details

Address: 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301 to Silverton

Date: Friday-Sunday, May 23-25, 2025

Cost: Free to watch; cost money to register to race

Website: ironhorsebicycleclassic.com

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