Iron Horse Road Race

The 41 year old Iron horse http://ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/ is the largest race in Colorado with close to 1200 racers in categories and another 1400 citizens.  Going from Durango to Silverton for 49 miles the course gains over 6650 ft and descends 3894 ft while topping out at a lung bursting 11,000 feet!  The first flat 10 miles allows the racers to warm up. The road then climbs steadily with 2000 ft in elevation gain over 14 miles before the first steep challenge of the day; Coal Bank pass (10,600+ ft). This 6 mile climb is the steepest of the race with up to a 9% grade. This is followed by a fast couple of miles downhill, giving racers time to drink and fuel up, before the final climb up Molas pass (10,950ft). The road here is open and exposed to winds both cross and head on making the 6% max grade seem steeper in the process. Once over Molas pass generally the rider who is in the lead wins the race as execpt for a mile or so of false flat it is a steep run into Silverton making it hard to catch anyone ahead of you.  The final 3/4 mile in Silverton itself is slightly up hill and the whole course is lined with people and cow bells to encourage you to the finish.