Durango Fandango

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW: Durango Fandango is a weeklong fixed-base series of rides based out of historic Durango Colorado. This former nineteenth century mining boomtown, located at 6,500 ft. in the San Juan Mountains, has reinvented itself as a Mecca of outdoor sporting activities: http://durango.com/. Old downtown Durango, our home for the week, is filled with excellent restaurants, brewpubs, shops and nightlife. The spectacular cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park are nearby: http://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm.

The ride will begin with an introductory meeting on Sunday afternoon followed by a group dinner. Monday through Friday there will be a recommended bike ride each day. Wednesday will feature a morning-long train ride on the famous antique narrow-gauge steam railroad that climbs through the Rockies to the old mining town of Silverton. We will ride in historic comfort and style in the First-Class Silver Vista Car. You will be hosted by a knowledgeable attendant who will provide complimentary morning pastries, non-alcoholic beverages and custom amenities. The Silver Vista offers unparalleled overhead views of the soaring canyon walls. Passengers will enjoy oversized seats that offer the most legroom of any car on the line. A private outdoor viewing platform is also exclusive to this class. Riders will have the option to bring their bikes on the train ride up to Silverton and then pedal back over two mountain passes and a 35 mile decent to Durango or take the short bus ride back. There will be a farewell dinner on Friday evening. On Saturday, there is the option to take one final bike ride. We will check out on Saturday morning.

RIDE RATING: The ride is rated as a 2B, although every ride will have a longer more difficult optional route extension for the more ambitious riders. Since all the routes begin and end in Durango, less ambitious riders can simply turnaround at any point to make an easier day of it. The Wednesday optional ride from Silverton is 50 miles with 3,500 feet of climbing over two 10,500’ passes.

During the daily rides, one of the leaders will be driving the route as an emergency support vehicle: tools, tubes, snacks, first aid, etc. All the routes are paved roads with moderate grades. Grades above 8% are short. Durango is a bike friendly town with many bike lanes and a riverside bike path through town.

LODGING: We will be staying in Durango’s historic downtown. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi for post-ride relaxation. There is ample space in all the rooms for bicycles. Tandems will be assigned ground floor rooms. All the rides will begin and end at the hotel. The hotel is walking distance to the group dinners, restaurants; brew pubs, shopping and the Durango/Silverton Railroad Station and Museum. Hotel parking is free for guests.

WEATHER: Temperatures in August will range from daytime highs in the mid 80s to nighttime lows in the mid 50s. There is chance of a thundershower most afternoons, especially at higher elevations. Because of this we will begin our rides in the morning, planning to be back in Durango ahead of the showers.

LOGISTICS: Durango is located in the four corners region of Southwestern Colorado at an elevation of 6,500’. If you live at or near sea level, it would be a good idea to arrive a day or two early to acclimate. The Durango airport has flights from Denver, Phoenix and Dallas. Greyhound Bus Lines has a station in downtown Durango.

ADMINISTRATION: We have room for a maximum of 24 riders with a minimum of 16.  The ride cost is estimated to be $1,200 per rider. This includes 6 nights lodging, 2 group dinners, all breakfasts, a mid-ride lakeside picnic lunch, social hours, train excursion to Silverton and bus back, maps, cue sheets and gpx. files.  Social hours will include wine, local beers, soft drinks, and gourmet munchies. Single riders are encouraged. If you can’t provide your own roommate we will attempt to pair you up with another single. Should we be unable to pair you with a roommate you will be offered either a single supplement (an additional $450) or a full refund (less the $50 BAC fee). Submit a request to join the ride by using the links displayed above. You will be notified via email by the ride director to submit a Ride Application and a Waiver of Liability along with an initial deposit of $500 (which includes the $50 BAC fee). Upon receipt of the paperwork and deposit your name will be added to the Participant list. The final $700 payment will be due on April 1, 2016.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The $50 BAC ride registration fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled.  Refunds will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour's remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report is completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase personal trip cancellation insurance.