photos by David Halterman

Downtown Durango became a high-speed, figure-eight race course on Sunday with the annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Criterium. Thousands of spectators lined the streets to see the areas strongest riders up close and personal. Or maybe everyone showed up to the Cruiser Criterium to see some of Durangosstrangestriders up close and personal. However, the ever popular Cruiser Crit was not just a feast for the eyes. Proceeds from the charitable event, headed by Russell Zimmermann and the crew at Durango Cyclery, raised more than $1,500 for the Smiley Bike Project, which in the spirit of the late, great Melvin Smylie donates bikes to those you need wheels. Either way, the festivities at Sundays crit beg the question, Why go to Silverton at all? Keep on pedalin

A racer slices through a corner onto 8th Street The Cruiser Criterium was an ENORMOUS success with a HUGE turnout. After any major bike race, many of the racers feel a bit deflated. Matt Caruso pins some numbers on his brother Scott early Sunday Russell Zimmermann, owner of Durango Cyclery and head of the Smiley Bike Project, prepares to help the winner of the Cruiser Crit dismount after the race.