Ear to the ground

“If we send a press alert to the Durango Herald, you guys get it too, right?”

-Local woman still unsure of what the word “Independent” signifies in the Telegraph’s masthead

Blazing down the road

 So, still think you can drop Tom Danielson?

Now you have a chance to prove yourself against the Discovery Channel team rider. The first-ever Durango Fall Blaze Bicycle Tour has been announced, offers riders three route options and Danielson will be on-hand for a little post Vuelta a España cool-down.    The Durango Fall Blaze takes place on Sept. 30 and offers 37-mile, 54-mile and 100-mile routes for riders of all abilities. There will be 5 aid stations along the way, a party at the finish line and several well-known cyclists along for the ride, including Danielson and his professional cyclist wife, Kristin Danielson, of the Vela Bellas Team.    Although riders will be going the distance and riding alongside some pretty big wheels, organizers caution, “Don’t be fooled. This is not a race. This is a fun, safe, tour ride, with the emphasis on fun and safe.” 

All proceeds from the ride benefit the Tom Danielson Scholarship Fund at Fort Lewis College. Started by Danielson, the fund develops advocates for cycling and education about cycling.

For more information on the Durango Fall Blaze, visit www.durangofallblaze.com.

Best ball in the West

If you like your sports with balls, get up to Fort Lewis College this Friday. On Aug. 18, the “Best of the West” soccer showdown will pit the FLC Skyhawks – defending NCAA Division II national champions – against the University of New Mexico Lobos – defending NCAA Division I championship finalists. The winner of the inter-division challenge will claim the unofficial title of “Best Soccer Team in the West” as well as region-wide braggingrights, and the action gets under-way at 4 p.m.

The game will also mark Lobo Head Coach Jeremy Fishbein’s return to Fort Lewis College, where he coached from 1992-98. Fishbein will be inducted into the Fort Lewis College Athletic Hall of Fame on Aug. 19, the day after the game. More information is available at 247-7441.