Ear to the ground:

“If they whip a u-turn and stop, they’re from New Mexico. If they pull off to look and point at a deer, they’re from Oklahoma. And if they speed past you like they’re gonna rip your face off, they’re from Texas.”
– Recent roadtripper discussing strategy of “License Plate Bingo.”

Blast from the past

Riders, get ready to party like its 1990. In that year, the first Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Mountain Bike World Cup was held in Durango. Since then the annual races have expanded to offer more events and worldwide competitions, but the attendees of the first race haven’t forgotten the sweetness of the good old days.

Although the official 2015 UCI Championship will be held in the European microstate of Andorra, Todd Wells and Ned Overend have plans to bring the spirit of the inaugural event back to town by hosting the upcoming “Todd and Ned’s Durango Dirt Fondo.” Presented by Specialized and produced by The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, the Sept. 12 event will kick off at 9 a.m., when nostalgic old timers and up-and-coming youngsters will battle it out on the trails.

Competitors can choose between 30-mile and 50-mile options that wind through Fort Lewis College, Horse Gulch and Overend Mountain Park (incidentally named for the local legend and winner of the first competition way back when.)

The Dirt Fondo is already said to be attracting legends from far and wide, including Julie Furtado and John Tomac. (No word on whether Missy Giove or Miles Rockwell will make appearances.)

“I’m really excited that this event is shaping up to be a reunion of archrivals and good friends from the early days of mountain bike racing,” said Overend. “The riders are coming for the opportunity to reminisce about the early days of racing while riding our great local trails. I think everyone is going to appreciate the great coffee shops, restaurants and brew pubs that were not here in 1990.”

In addition, there will be two SRAM Speed Zone timed segments along the course, which will begin and end at the Powerhouse Science Center.

Once competitors are sweaty, dirty, happy and hungry, they are invited back to the Powerhouse for the 1990 Worlds 25th Anniversary Party at 6:30 p.m., where food and microbrews will be provided. The party will celebrate Durango’s role in the momentum created for the sport.

If you’re still not full, a breakfast and silent auction will be held at 9 a.m. the following morning at FLC to benefit the NICA/High School Mountain Bike League.

Register for the Fondo before the race is capped at www.ToddandNedFondo.com. The registration fee of $150 ($125 for 30-mile) includes a schwag bag and finisher trophy. Additionally, some of the proceeds will benefit Trails 2000 and the Mercy Health Foundation.