Ear to the ground

“I’m not sure he needs to be watching a half-naked Shakira writhe around on the beach.”

– Local mom after cutting her third-grade son off Youtube

The Broncos express

Durango gets a little taste of orange and blue this week. The second annual Denver Broncos Country Caravan is making the Western Slope rounds and will be stopping off on Main Avenue this Fri., June 24.

The Caravan started rolling in Grand Junction on June 22 and will be pulling into Montrose, Alamosa, Walsenburg, Pueblo and Durango. The outreach is an attempt to connect with Broncomanics throughout the state, though the players will be decidedly absent as they wait out the final days of the NFL Lockout. But all is not lost for Durango’s little Elways and Mecklenburgs. Locals will have a chance to meet the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, former defensive end Ebenezar Ekuban and Miles the Mascot.

“The Broncos Country Caravan allows us to get out and thank our fans for their support and leave a lasting impression within each community,” said Mac Freeman, Sr. Vice President of Business Development. “Spending a day in these communities who support us so passionately is extremely important to everyone in the Broncos organization.”

The Country Caravan will make its first stop at North City Market from 2:30-3:30 p.m., where the Broncoettes, Ekuban and Miles the Mascot will sign autographs. Then the Broncos express points it for downtown and a “City Celebration” from 5-7 p.m. in Buckley Park.

Armchair warriors can have a go at the Rocky Mountain Health Plans Combine, where fans can participate in NFL combine activities such as the 40 yard dash, broad jump, and vertical jump. In addition, fans can see the Broncos’ two Super Bowl trophies, play interactive games, win prizes and watch as a Broncos Country flag is presented to Durango Mayor Christina Rinderle.

For more information, visit DenverBroncos.com/caravan.

Blazing through summer

Durango’s iron horses have another goal to pedal for. The 6th annual Durango Fall Blaze is just a few short months away, and registration is now open for the road riding tour. Considered on of the “Best Rides in the West,” the Fall Blaze includes 37-, 60- and 100-mile routes and takes off Oct. 1.

Starting at the clock tower on the Fort Lewis College campus, the tour connects many of the best road rides in the area to finish back at the college. If the saddle time isn’t enough for you, the event includes a packet pickup party, one of Durango’s best schwag bags and post-ride celebration, including food, libations and tunes. Best of all, proceeds benefit the Tom Danielson Cycling Scholarship, which supports student-athletes on the Fort Lewis College Cycling Team.

For more information, visit www.durangofallblaze.com.