The Durango Fall Blaze took off under cloudy skies, but that did not stop the 400 plus entrants from enjoying a fantastic day in Southwestern Colorado. Some riders took off before the cannon sounded at 8:00am.
Some of the riders got a little wet out in the Vallecito and Bayfield areas, but then the clouds went away and the wrap up party was held under sunny skies.
Here are some of the details about the Durango Fall Blaze and why we ride.
Hosted by Fort Lewis College, the Durango Fall Blaze offers three different tour options, including a 37 mile, 60 mile and 100 mile ride. A cannon blast starts the tour and a police escort leads the riders out from the center of campus. There are 5 food/aid stations along the way, support vehicles on the course, and a party at the finish line back in the center of campus! The ridership is limited to ensure the quality of the event. The century course is of medium difficulty when compared to centuries around the country , and the 37 mile and 60 are easier.
All proceeds benefit the Tom Danielson Scholarship Fund at Fort Lewis College. This scholarship was founded in 2004 when Tom won the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in under two hours. Tom received a bonus of $2000 for setting the Course Record. That money became the seed money for the scholarship fund. The scholarship is dedicated to rising young cyclists. Each scholarship recipient must possess a love for the sport, maintain a 2.7 or higher grade point average, and must be an active community member. Both men and women are eligible, of course.
