Trimble Loop
Easier - This is a shortened version of Baker's Bridge, also referred to as "The Short Valley". The total distance is about 15 miles. Begin at County Road 250, riding until you reach County Road 252. Turn left, riding past Dalton Ranch and across Highway 550. Turn left on County Road 203, which will take you back to Durango .

Elmore's Loop
Intermediate - Elmore’s Loop starts on Historical 3rd Avenue . Head north on 3rd Avenue, which will become Florida Road (County Road 240.) Once on Florida Road , there will be a steady 6-mile climb that ends at Edgemont Ranch. About a mile after Edgemont Ranch, at the bottom of the descent, take a right on County Road 234, at the fire station. CR 234 connects with Highway 160 after about 12 miles. Head west on Highway 160 back to Durango . This loop is approximately 26 miles.

Wildcat Canyon Loop
Advanced - Wildcat Canyon Loop begins on Highway 160 W, with a long 10-mile climb then a short descent to Hesperus Store. Turn left at the store on Hwy 140. The road has a gradual decline for a few miles. Take your first paved left onto County Road 141, which is Wildcat Canyon Road and is on a climb up from a bridge. County Road 141 has gently rolling hills that will take you back to Hwy 160 just west of Durango . The loop is about 35 miles long and can be taken in either direction.

For additional road rides, visit http://www.boure.com/durangoroadrides.html

Hermosa Creek Trail
Hermosa Creek is one of the most popular single-track trails in Durango . The trail leads from Purgatory to Hermosa and is about a 20-mile ride. A dirt road takes you to the trailhead located on the backside of Purgatory. The trail has some technical sections, steep climbs and two river crossings. The river crossings can get waist-high in the spring and early summer. The trail ends in Hermosa, about nine miles north of Durango .

Horse Gulch Trail
The trail head starts at 8th Avenue and 3rd Street , with a parking lot along the tree line. The beginning of the trail is up a rocky 4-wheel drive trail, but then turns into meadows. At the top of the dirt road, you have the choice of turning left or right. Turning right will lead you into the meadows where there are a few different trails. Just follow the signs. If you choose to turn left, the trail gets difficult and goes up the ridge face for some good climbs and descents.

For additional mountain bike rides, visit http://www.boure.com/durangomtbrides.html

Durango Bicycle Events

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic

It started as a contest between two brothers, Tom and Jim Mayer. Jim, Tom’s older brother, was a train engineer on the iron horse. Everyday when the train which Jim was conducting passed their home, Tom would jump on his 10 speed bike and pedal 50 miles over the two mountain passes in an effort to beat this brother. As the train pulled into the Silverton station one day in 1971, Jim’s young brother was waiting his arrival – sweating and smiling. The following year, Tom and friend, Ed Zink along with 36 cyclists joined the contest which today is called the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.

Today over 2000 cyclists enter this race which is one of the largest bikes races held in the United States . The 47 mile, 5,550 feet climb is scheduled each year for Memorial Day weekend. For more information, visit

http://www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/

Ride the Rockies

The Denver Post ride the Rockies is an annual bicycle tour through Colorado ’s Rocky Mountains . http://www.ridetherockies.com/

Tour de Fat

In its seventh season, New Belgium’s™ philanthropic cycling circus Tour de Fat is hitting Durango , Colorado on September 16, 2006 at 12 th and Main Streets! Costumes and decorated bikes reign supreme as the participants come for a casual ride, good music and entertainment, and, of course, for the New Belgium™ beer. Admission to the Tour de Fat is FREE . All profits from beer sales go to San Juan Mountains Association (www.sjma.org ).