Biking on the brain
Now that the Iron Horse is over, it’s time to put away the skinny tires and bust out the fatties. There are several upcoming opportunities for singletrack junkies to get their fill this summer including the return of the CT Jamboree for its eighth annual running.

Taking place the weekend of Sat., July 21 - Sun., July 22, the CT takes riders along the scenic and unparalleled singletrack of the Colorado Trail from Molas Pass to Durango. The 76-mile trek comes in two sizes: “Jamboree” (two days); and the “Classic” (one day for the gluttons.)

A fund-raiser for multiple sclerosis, the ride was the brainchild of local climber/rider/teacher Ian Altman, who was diagnosed with MS several years ago. In the face of this disabling disease, Altman has rejected the notion that MS commits one to a life of pain and physical inability. Instead, he set out prove he can do as much, if not more.

Riders are asked to raise a minimum of $500 for the ride, which includes a night of camping, gear support, on-trail mechanical support, meals and, most importantly, post-ride carbo-loading beverages.

In addition to raising funds for the Rocky Mountain MS Center, the CT also strives to increase awareness of the complex illness. A percentage of contributions are also devoted to the Colorado Trail Foundation. In seven years, riders have raised more than $180,000.

To ensure expenses stay low and donations stay high, the CT Jamboree relies heavily on volunteers. If interested in helping out, or to sign up, go to www.ctjamboree.com.

Riders will have a few weeks to rest before the inaugural Durango Trails Festival, Aug 18 at the new Twin Buttes trial system southwest of town. Featuring more than 10 miles of mostly new singletrack, the event includes a six-lap mountain bike race; a 2-lap mountain bike race; a 30k trail run; and a 10k trail run. In the bike races, there will be divisions for solo, teams and singlespeed.

There will be a post-race awards ceremony and dinner at Twin Buttes and primitive camping is available. for more, go to http://www.trails2000.org/site/durango_trails_festival.html.

And last but not least, be sure to check out the Durango Public library’s new Cycling Film Series, which kicks of Mon., June 4 at 6 p.m. This week’s feature is “Bicycle Dreams,” the true story of the Race Across America, the fabled 3,000-mile, 10-day bicycle race across that has riders tackling deserts, mountains, the open road and everything in between. For more on the film, visit www.bicycledreamsmovie.com.