May 10
24
Summer Kick Off Weekend-Memorial Day
Memorial Day weekend is coming up and this means summer is beginning and the tourists will soon flock to Durango and other small mountain towns of Colorado.
With the coming of this traditional summer kick-off weekend I thought I would mention a few things that make this weekend so special! First off, we musn’t forget the fundamental reason for this weekend and specifically Monday, which has been set aside for all of us to remember those who have fought and died for the many freedoms we enjoy today.
Next, this weekend signifies the beginning of Summer! Yea! Backyard barbeque’s, family vacations, hiking, hiking and more hiking and oh yeah, bicycling. The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic and associated cycling events usher in summer here in Durango,Colorado draw cycling enthusiasts from all over . This cycling classic that started in 1972 when two brothers decided to race each other, one on a bike and the other brother on the train takes 2000 riders up over two 10,000 foot passes on their way to Silverton gaining 5700 feet in elevation. Needless to say, this event is not for the casual untrained cyclist. The events include a tour, race and one of my favorites, the criterium along with a concert on Main. Durango is all abuzz about this popular event to kick-off the summer season. There is also a fairly new event called the “Quarter Horse” which follows highway 550 up to Durango Mountain Resort in about 25 miles.
Durango is a happenin spot over this weekend and it’ s loads of fun to visit and participate or just take it easy and watch the crazy antics of those in in the Cruiser Crit that dress up in crazy costumes and decorative, imaginative cruisers while riding down Main Ave.
For those hikers anxious to hit the trails, I would recommend Animas Mountain for a fairly moderate hike right at the north end of Main off of 32nd street. If you want to head further out, The Pine River trail just north of Vallecito is a nice easy trail along the Pine River. Most higher elevation trails still have some snow pack or even high water crossings so just be aware and be prepared.
Whatever your particular passion or outdoor hobby, you’re bound to find some fun here in Durango, Colorado any time of year but there’s no time like summer in our town.
