Iron Horse Bicycle Classic – Durango to Silverton, CO

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

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.