Winter conditions in Silverton and on U.S. 550 force the cancellation of the entire Iron Horse Bicycle Classic for the first time in its 37-year history.
The decision was made early Saturday morning by the Colorado State Patrol and race officials after several inches of snow fell in Silverton and at higher elevations of U.S. 550 overnight.
“While we are all greatly disappointed, the forecast temperature for Silverton today (Saturday) is 39 degrees at 2 p.m., but it will feel like 19 degrees,” said Iron Horse race director Gaige Sippy.
“We cannot have 2,500 cyclists and their friends in Silverton with those weather conditions,” Sippy said. “Hypothermia in these conditions is a high risk.
The ride could not be rescheduled, because the permit issued by the state patrol to close U.S. 550 was valid for Saturday morning only. There were also issues regarding mobilizing volunteers and emergency support.
“The countless details cannot be simply moved to occur on a different day,” Sippy said. “It is a logistical impossibility that would jeopardize the safety of all involved.”
The race cancellation was felt by restaurant owners in Silverton, and by local nonprofits who sell concessions at the finish line at Memorial Park.
“That was huge,” said Silverton Brewery owner Joel Harvie. “It’s usually one of our the biggest days of the year.”