Hundreds of Durangoans and out-of-towners gathered Saturday morning at Animas City Park for the Citizens Tour bike ride from Durango to Silverton, an annual tradition that’s part of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.
Tom Mayer, one of the brothers who helped create the Iron Horse challenge, was one of many who appeared at the starting line shortly before 8 a.m.
Some riders were there to compete in the Coca-Cola races that began just before the Citizens Tour; others were there for the tour to test themselves, while some people were just there to enjoy the ride.
Brent Bibles of Silver City, New Mexico, said he was looking to have a strong ride and keep a steady pace over Coal Bank and Molas passes. He has ridden in the tour once before and felt prepared for the hourslong ride.
This time around, Bibles reached the finish line in Silverton in just about exactly 3 hours and 30 minutes – about the same time it takes for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train to make the journey – he said.
“I know that Coal Bank is going to be a nice suffer-fest, and after that I always like climbing (Molas Pass) and descending into Silverton,” he said. “It’s really pretty going down from the top there. I’m glad it’s a warm day.”
Bibles said Coal Bank is always the toughest part of the 48-mile ride from Durango to Silverton for him. But he enjoys the route because it pushes him and causes him to find his rhythm.
He said when he gets into the zone he concentrates on his pulse and his riding pace to keep pedaling forward.
Bibles said he enjoys the downhill rides the most. After working to climb up and over a pass, he can let loose and hit speeds up to 46 mph on the ride down. He enjoys competitive racing, too, because it requires strategy and allows him to test his abilities against other riders.
Bibles said he plans to attend the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic next year.
Mark Duncan, 63, of Kirtland, New Mexico, said he is an avid skier, but he’s never tackled the Durango to Silverton bike ride before the Citizen Tour on Saturday.
“I just thought I want to do this at least once,” he said.
Duncan said he has no bragging rights at all and is just taking the ride to enjoy the day – but his nerves were still a little on edge.
“That nervous (feeling) kicks in,” he said. “I’ve gone to the bathroom three times today. But no, I’m just here to enjoy the day.”
He said he just hopes to finish the ride.
“This is exciting for me to see this many people who like this sport,” he said. “I love the sport.”
Duncan got into cycling about six years ago thanks to his son-in-law. His son-in-law was also riding on Saturday, but he was taking part in a younger heat of racers in the King of the Mountain competition.
“He took off with a younger group, the guys that are riding for glory,” he said. “I said well, hopefully I’ll see you in Silverton.”
Joanna Dominick, 46, of Durango took part in the Coca-Cola race in the women’s 45-54 age group. Before the race, she said she was a little nervous but she has been training since January.
“This is my first time actually doing the race part,” she said. “I’ve done the tour but just pushing it a little bit.”
Despite her nerves, she was mostly excited, Dominick said. She added it was a beautiful day.
Dominick ended up placing 26th with a total ride time of 4 hours, 10 minutes and 9 seconds.
cburney@durangoherald.com
