Hang on Durango – the next few days are going to be a wild ride. As the much ballyhooed USA Pro Challenge rolls into town, a full slate of activities are planned. The overall start week leading up to race day, (Mon., Aug 20, in case you didn’t hear), will be a chance for locals and visitors to be a part of race festivities. “Durango is throwing a weeklong celebration, complete with art exhibits, autograph signings at local bike shops, citizen bicycle tours, Main Avenue street festivals, a fireworks show and more,” said Mary Monroe, co-chair of Durango’s Local Organizing Committee.

All events will lead to the grand finale Monday morning at Buckley Park, where the race will pass three times. Durango Devo has partnered with United Way to put on the race day festivities including food, drink, a bike obstacle course, dunk tank, and other family activities. For die-hard race fans, there will also be a Jumbotron highlighting all the play-by-play action.

 

Prior to the start of the race, there will be an Opening Ceremony parade, featuring local Olympic, national and world champions as well as young up-and-coming cyclists, including 200 DEVO athletes with the U19, U14, Flyers and Explorer groups. Durango’s Olympic cyclists will lead the parade, followed by other local Olympians in a variety of sports.

 

Volunteers are still needed for the Buckley Park events to set up, run activities, and take down. To help out, go to www.durango2012.com/volunteer/. All volunteers get a Pro Cycling schwag bag. A list of events follows:
 

Thurs., Aug. 16
5: 30 p.m. - Tutu to Brew bike parade, Buckley Park to Ska Brewing. Celebration to follow.
7 p.m. - “The Bicycle Men,” film screening, Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. www.durangoarts.org or 259-2606.

 

Fri., Aug. 17
3 p.m. - “Endurance” bike sculpture dedication, Florida Road roundabout/Chapman Hill
5 p.m. - “The Bicycle Men,” film screening, Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. www.durangoarts.org or 259-2606.
5-8 p.m. - Community Grand Open House, Downtown Durango
7:30 p.m. - Meet the Author: Bob Roll, former professional cyclist and sports commentator, Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave. 247-1438 or www.mariasbookshop.com

 

Sat., Aug. 18
7 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Durango Trails Festival Mountain Bike Race and Trail Run, Twin Buttes. Register at Trails2000.org
9-11 a.m. - Guided Nature Hike at Twin Buttes, meet at the San Juan Mountains Association tent near the Durango Trails Fest start line, www.sjma.org.
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. -  Pro Cycling Challenge Start Festival, Fort Lewis College Clock Tower. www.fortlewis.edu
12 - 3 p.m., Kids Bike Rodeo, Fort Lewis College
5 p.m. - “The Bicycle Men,” film screening, Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. www.durangoarts.org or 259-2606.
5 - 10 p.m. - Pro Challenge Gala, Fort Lewis College (tickets required.)

 

Sun., Aug. 19
7 a.m. - Pro Challenge Experience, citizens “Gran Fondo” bike tour
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - U.S. Pro Cycling Challenge Start Festival, Fort Lewis College
11 a.m.  - Meet the Author: Mark Johnson, author of Argyle Armada: Behind the Scenes of the Pro Cycling Life, Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave. 247-1438 or www.mariasbookshop.com
2-5 p.m. - Durango Discovery Museum events, including Human Fuel Lab, fueling for endurance sports, 2-3 p.m.; “Amateur Challenge,” 3-5 p.m.; and Bike Blessing, nondenominational and multi modal, 3:30 p.m.
4-9 p.m. - Street Party, 10th Street and Main Ave., featuring food, beer and music, including the Kirk James Blues Band, from 4-6 p.m., and Andrea’s Fault, 6-9 p.m.
4:30-5:30 p.m. - Cyclist autograph signing party, Mountain Bike Specialists, 949 Main Ave.
2 & 7 p.m. - “The Bicycle Men,” film screening, Durango Arts Center, 802 E. 2nd Ave. www.durangoarts.org or 259-2606.
9:15 p.m. - Fireworks extravaganza

 

Mon., Aug. 20
6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Race Day Start Festival, Buckley Park
8 a.m. - Opening Ceremony parade, starting and ending at Buckley Park
10 a.m. - U.S. Pro Challenge Start, 8th St. and Main Ave., downtown Durango

 

For more info on the race, see www.durango2012.com