Ear to the ground

“I’m calling this year’s effort the Iron Cow Bicycle Classic, based on the current shape of my body.”

– A local woman discussing her upcoming ride to Silverton

Bonking for peace

Few would consider the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic a training ride. But those lining up for the Colorado Peace Ride on Aug. 9-12 should strongly consider eating their Wheaties. The supported ride will follow all of the ups and downs of the entire San Juan Skyway.

“Eat a plate of pancakes. Then eat more pancakes,” is one of several tips Olympic cyclist Colby Pearce offered would-be peace riders. The 14-time Elite U.S. National Champion is lending his support to the four-day, 238-mile cycling tour by creating an in-depth training program.

The route follows the fabled Death Ride circuit but over a more relaxed four day schedule. Bear in mind that “relaxed” is subjective. In total, cyclists will climb more than 10,000 feet, and the first day alone – which spans the 71 miles from Durango to Ouray – boasts 4,500 feet in elevation gain.

As another first, the Colorado Peace Ride is the only major bicycle ride in the state dedicated to the cause of peace. The ride is intended to raise awareness about and funds for the Sophia Peace Center, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Dolores. The center supports other nonprofits dedicated to peace by providing them with free or low-cost retreats.

More information on the Peace Ride is available online at www.thepeace ride.com. Early registration for the ride is available through June 8.

Iron Horse bicyclists aren’t the only ones prone to occasional hallucinations in Silverton. Believe it or not, the San Juan Mountains have played host to a high number of Sasquatch sightings. In a nod to Bigfoot hunters everywhere, Bigfoot Central and its Legend of Bigfoot Museum and Gallery opened on May 1 on Blair Street in Silverton.

Rick Lewis, the owner of Bigfoot Central, told the Silverton Standard there have been eight confirmed sightings within a 10-mile radius of the town in the last decade. The most recent of these occurred near Purgatory in February, he claimed, adding that the numbers are significant and suggest that the San Juans may boast some the best Sasquatch habitat anywhere.

“We live in a world of everyday science explaining everything,” Lewis told the paper. “It’s nice to think there are still mysterious things to believe in. That’s what Bigfoot Central is all about.”