• An Unforgettable, Legendary Weekend

    Road, Gravel, Mountain Bike

    Race the train. Ride the mountains. Celebrate cycling in Durango.
Durango, Colorado • May 29 & 30, 2027

Welcome to the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic

A legendary Colorado tradition. A weekend for every rider.

Every Memorial Day weekend, thousands of cyclists and spectators gather in Durango for one of the country’s most iconic cycling events: the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.

Riders take on the historic narrow gauge steam train from Durango to Silverton, climbing two mountain passes above 10,000 feet through the heart of the San Juan Mountains. It’s a test of endurance, grit, and speed, with breathtaking scenery along the way.

Since 1971, this one-of-a-kind tradition has brought riders together to take on the demanding Durango to Silverton highway and become part of the Iron Horse story.

Explore the event’s history

Events for Every Rider

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a first-time participant, find your ride and make the most of Iron Horse weekend.

Saturday, May 29, 2027

Mountain roads. Big climbs. Unforgettable finishes.

50 miles • Untimed ride

McDonald’s Citizen Tour

Our most popular event takes riders from Durango to Silverton through spectacular Colorado scenery. Enjoy a non-competitive ride and a mountain challenge to remember.

Explore the tour
Durango to Silverton • Timed race

Coca-Cola Road Race

Line up and race against the best in your category. This competitive event takes on the same mountain route to Silverton as the Citizen Tour.

Explore the race
25 miles • Durango to Purgatory

Quarter Horse

Ride through the beautiful Animas River Valley, climb more than 2,300 vertical feet, and finish in the Village Plaza at Purgatory Resort.

Explore the ride

Celebrate at the Silverton Finish

Finishing the Tour or Road Race? Roll into Silverton to cheering crowds, vendors, food trucks, and a beer garden as you celebrate your achievement.

Sunday, May 30, 2027

Gravel adventures and classic Durango mountain biking.

Enjoy the Cycling Festival

Celebrate a weekend of cycling with live music, a beer garden, vendors, and fun for all ages.

More Than a Race

The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is a weekend-long celebration of cycling and community. Spectators line the route, friends and families cheer riders through town, and the steam train winds through mountain canyons as Durango comes together for one of its most beloved traditions.

Whether you’re riding, racing, or cheering from the sidelines, there’s a place for you here. Gear up, line up, and be part of the legend.

Experience the Iron Horse

Get a feel for the rides, the scenery, and the energy of Iron Horse weekend.