Knobby tires are rolling back into Durango for Memorial Day Weekend. Mountain bike racing makes its return to the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic on May 29 following a six-year hiatus.

The race will run on a multi-lap course that starts in downtown before rolling onto singletrack adjacent to Durango, and onlookers should be impressed.

“One of the things most mountain bike racing lacks is spectator friendliness,” said Gaige Sippy, IHBC director. “But we designed the course to emphasize spectator interaction and highlight the fact that in Durango, we have the ability to ride singletrack right out of downtown.”

The lap length is approximately 7 miles, and racers will loop through downtown neighborhoods before hitting trail and ascending the college rim. As an added bonus, professional men and women riders will ride directly through Steamworks, bank a turn at the end of the bar and descend a steep ramp off the back deck. Racing runs from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., with the pros going off at 2:45 p.m. For more information or to register, visit www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com.

Another long-lost Iron Horse event will also make its return on May 28. After a 10-year absence, the North American Trials Series is bringing observed trials back to the Iron Horse. Saturday’s event is the third stop on the NATS National Circuit and will feature professional riders from around the country squaring off at Santa Rita Park at 1 p.m. The trials comp is also open to all abilities. Visit natrials.com or call 769-2218 for details.

– Will Sands