photos by David Halterman

For those who need options when it comes to abusing their livers and eardrums, last weekend was a coin toss between Blues and Brews in Telluride or New Belgiums Tour de Fat here in Durango. Ending their summers in style, hundreds of locals dressed in their freakishly finest and wheeled it down to Main for an afternoon celebration of bikes, beer and vaudevillian circus acts. Which leaves us with only one question: How much longer til Snowdown?

Ben Lehman, aka the Unacruiser, spends a few minutes warming himself up before the bike parade on Saturday morning. Hundereds of participants in this years bike parade slowly make their way down West Second Avenue, bringing motorized traffic to a virtual standstill. Devilish Dan wows the crowd with his paddle-ball skills, just before his flaming pogo-juggling routine. A performer with Circus Contraption stares down his steel. Bob Gregorio, from the Durango Cyclery, takes his time during the Slow Ride Competition. Volunteer Dennis Pierce takes a break from reading theTelegraphto make sure all the brews are filled to the brim in the New Belgium tent Saturday afternoon.

 

In this week's issue...

December 18, 2025
Let it snow

Although ski areas across the West have taken a hit, there’s still hope 

December 18, 2025
Look, but don't take

Lessons in pottery theft – and remorse – from SW Colorado

December 11, 2025
Big plans

Whole Foods, 270 apartments could be coming to Durango Mall parcel