Ear to the ground

“Not only is that guy wearing capri pants, he’s wearing turquoise capri pants.”

-A local woman commenting on the always diverse colors of a Durango summer

Five Days of Fury

Big air and big hair are returning to Silverton Mountain this weekend. The extreme ski area opens its summer downhill mountain biking season this Fri., June 30 with a five-day bike event, the Five Days of Fury.

Downhill mountain bikers will be traveling from Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, and Montana to Silverton Mountain for event that organizers say will push the limits of the sport. 

Five Days of Fury begins with a warm up and practice day this Friday. The Gravity Fest Comp for the best overall freerider starts the following day. Riders will showcase their air, style, and flow, while also observing fellow riders on the trail. Afterwards, all registered riders vote for “The Best at The Fest.”

On Sunday, the Best Trick/Big Air event takes place. The competition is a one jump event where the best trick and biggest air takes home the loot. While the rest of us go back to work on Monday, the Best Image Photo and Film Comp takes place at Silverton Mountain, highlighting the best images from the past four days. Five Days of Fury draw to a close on July 4 with the Freedom Freeride Party with riding, beer and giveaways at Silverton Mountain throughout the day.

Sure to see some action during the weekend is the “Mind Bender,” a 45-foot gap jump over Cement Creek designed by pro rider, Josh Bender. Last year a handful of riders attempted the high-stakes jump. For more information on competing or spectating, visit www.silvertonmountain.com.

Chocolate returns

Local sweets are getting some big notice this month. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, a Durango-based franchiser of gourmet chocolate, has been included in the annual listing of “America’s 100 Fastest-Growing Small Public Companies” that appears in the July/August 2006 edition ofFortune Small Business magazine.

Companies were ranked based on earnings growth, revenue growth and stock performance during the last three years. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. ranks #46 in the latest list.