Crazy Durango Bike Race Fans
The Durango Ironhorse bike weekend is an iconic celebration in a town that puts a whole lot of enthusiasm into riding bicycles. Team FITaos represented with passion, bringing 3 adults and 6 junior athletes to play in the big pond. No one was very afraid of the slightly genetically mutated Durango competition and it showed.
On Saturday, the focus was on the road race that follows the closed highway from Durango to Silverton, climbing over two high mountain passes, Molas and Coal Bank, with almost 6,000 feet of elevation gain. Rio Johnson (age 13) made a clear statement by taking the 14 and under category win and finishing the race in 2:50:09.
Rio’s dad, Zach Johnson, completed the race in 3:29:31, happy to have no hint of the leg cramps that plagued him at the Vermejo Charcoal Burner. Carrie Dean (Larka’s mom) completed her annual pilgrimage with a great ride at a strong pace.
After a group pre-ride of the XC course and a fun dinner at Zia with celebrity pals, Lo and Joe, most of the crew camped and enjoyed the first campfire hang out of 2025. Sunday morning was cool and the 5.5 mile XC course was waiting. The course started right in town, rode out some city streets, climbed up a short, steep, switchback filled hill, twisted across the mesa campus of Fort Lewis, descended some more switchbacks, and then rode through Steamworks Brewery. Yes, up a steep bridge and through the building where the stoke level of the spectators was off the charts. The race then went back to the finish at the park. Our youngest riders (14 and under) completed 1 lap while everyone 15 and up had 3 laps on the agenda.
Rio Johnson started in the back of the 14 and under race but quickly moved to the front and proceeded to pass many riders from other categories as he worked his way up the climb. Rio was able to stay on the front of the race for the whole lap to take another win, completing a perfect race weekend and also taking the King of the Mountain win for the combined 2 days. His performance left the locals wondering who in the heck was this kid from New Mexico?!
Also racing in the 14 and under race, Case Cook, riding a team race bike, found his flow when he hit the top of the climb and had a blast passing lots of people as he rode super strong to the finish. “This was my first race of the season and it went pretty well. The course was faster and more fun than last year!” Lhotse Johnson flew up the climb and was able to hang on for 4th place. Lhotse said, “The course was really fun and technical on the descent!” Larka Schultz rode a great race, enjoying the variety and the cheering at the Steamworks bridge. “The race was fun, especially the part where we rode through the building!” said Larka.
Sean Cassily raced 3 laps in the massive 50+ category (almost 50 riders) and finished a very solid 21st. “This year’s course was way more fun than in 2024 with the anticipation of the crowd at Steamworks to spur you on each lap. That race was the highest intensity I have sustained in years!”
Isla Chavez and Eleanor Breier toed the line with a group of crazy fast 15-18 year old women for a 3 lap race. “It was exciting to race this distance with my eyes on this fall, my first Varsity season of racing a similar distance in the Colorado League. My start was good and I did well at fueling and staying hydrated. The second lap climb was rough but I felt good on the third lap. I really loved the atmosphere riding through the bar with all the crazy spectators!”
Eleanor Breier completed 2 laps with focus and determination. “I was stoked at how much I improved from last year and I have a clear idea of how I want to improve going forward. I felt good descending and I drank more water than I normally do which helped.”
As always, a huge THANK YOU to the parent spectators who were 100% there to support the Team FITaos racers. We are also incredibly grateful for all the dedicated sponsors that make this all happen. The next race for the Team FITaos juniors will be the epic Crested Butte Junior Wildflower weekend in late June.
