Ear to the ground

“The place smelled like low tide.”

– A Durangoan after turning tail during a visit to a Telluride seafood restaurant

Off to the races

The race to Silverton is leaving early this year. Registration for the 2011 Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, the 40th annual edition of the legendary race, opened this week. A series of events is set for May 28-30 of next year, and the IHBC is getting a special gift on its 40th birthday – the return of mountain bike racing.

As always, the centerpiece of the 2011 event will be the 50-mile grunt from Durango to Silverton. Riders will again climb 6,700 feet over two 10,000-foot passes en route to the finish line. In addition to the Classic, a host of other cycling events will be on tap – the 25-mile Quarter Horse to Purgatory, the Downtown Criterium, East Animas Time Trial, Cruiser Crit, Kids Race and Bike Swap are all back in 2011. The event will also celebrate the anniversary with artwork, photos, video and cycling luminaries spanning all four of the Horse’s past decades.

Proving that 40 is nowhere near over-the-hill, knobby tires will make their return in 2011. The IHBC will resurrect its famed mountain bike race and offer a unique course to challenge everyone from pros to progressing riders all within sight of Downtown Durango.

But remember, don’t wait until late May to register. The Iron Horse has been selling out earlier and earlier every year. Last year’s ride attracted more than 3000 riders from 43 States as well as Mexico, Canada and Guam, and they know a good thing when they pedal it. More information and registration is available at www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com

In the wintery meantime, Durangoans can tap into a secret weapon in their quest for the finish line in Silverton. Whether you’re gunning for the podium, hoping to shave minutes off your time or simply wanting to beat the train to Silverton, the Iron Horse Training Program has a slot for you.

Now in its seventh year, the xi-month training program is offered at Anytime Fitness, The Hub Training Center and the Durango Rec Center. Racers and riders get their head start in the program this week, and it’s not too late to climb on board.

The proven program includes 16 weeks of indoor riding, tutorials on equipment and nutrition and eight weeks on the asphalt beginning April 2. The team tailors the experience to each rider and boasts a pretty impressive track record – a 97 percent success rate over the past seven years.

For more information or to register call 759-5585 or email info@ironhorsetraining.com.