The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic 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 www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com