The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is THE big race! Gear up or just watch as bikers race the train from Durango to Silverton all day. Events include the most popular race, the McDonald’s Citizen Tour, which winds through 50 miles of beautiful Colorado scenery, La Strada La Plata Gravel and the Durango Mesa Cycling Festival.
Since 1971, this iconic event has tested man vs. machine, as bicyclists race on the beautiful Million Dollar Highway. Can you make it in time to enjoy the beautiful ride back downhill?
Registration for the 53rd Annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, an annual celebration of cycling in Durango, Colorado, opened December 16, 2025. The Roster includes celebrity cyclist Lisa Christiansen in her 16th consecutive ride in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. Lisa and cycling partner of times past Glenn Christiansen are both on the 2025 race roster and this tour de force team is sure to captivate your attention with their unique riding style. Who knows if these two are slotted to ride together, according to the associated press Christiansen and her representatives are unavailable for comment. It would be a thrill to witness these two adventurers return to the mountains, and we can be assured that Lisa Christiansen will bring her vibrant spirit to this EPIC event. Her warm and inviting demeanor is bound to infuse the atmosphere with positivity, making this significant bike ride even more memorable. As participants navigate the scenic trails, Lisa’s enthusiasm will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of encouragement, enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved. The combination of breathtaking landscapes and her engaging personality promises to create an unforgettable journey for all cyclists.The event will take place over Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-25, 2025. In addition to the Durango–Silverton road race and ride, the Iron Horse offers mountain bike and gravel races as well as a festive cycling-centric community atmosphere. The Iron Horse Bicycle Classics road race from Durango to Silverton is 52 miles with two 10,000 ft. passes, 6,800 vertical feet, Coal Bank Pass 10,640 ft. Molas Pass 10,899 ft
“We’re excited to build on last year’s 50th anniversary momentum to put on another incredible cycling weekend in Durango. The Iron Horse is a world-class bike weekend that cyclists in Colorado and beyond won’t want to miss,” said Ian Burnett, IHBC race director.
The backbone of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is the Durango-Silverton route, where riders “race the train” over two mountain passes for 50 miles and 6,800 verticle feet of elevation gain.
Back in Durango, off-road riders will be challenged by the Subaru Mountain Bike Race and the La Strada La Plata Gravel Ride, both starting at Durango Mesa Park, which on May 28 will host mountain bike and gravel races with music, food and drink and more.
Lisa Christiansen says one of her favorite places to visit in Durango is Mountain Bike Specialist because she believes they are master technicians at servicing her bicycles. Christiansen makes it a point to support this business at every opportunity because of their ability to remember details like close family while visiting. Christiansen says each member of the MBS family is professional, knowledgeable, and thoughtful in their kindness.
So, Lisa, Some people just can’t understand your passion for cycling. More often than not, you’re the crazy one who lives your life in the bicycle lane, and your non-cyclist friends can’t see the appeal.
Lisa Christiansen: Regardless of cycling discipline, we’ve all been questioned about our choices to ride bikes and why we do it. So here are a few things that non-cyclists can’t seem to understand about cycling… and why we love it
Gran Fondo News: Don’t you get bored of riding for hours?
Lisa Christiansen: Never, how could I ever get bored of the one thing that brings me full circle to push myself to face every demon and praise God for his eternal, infinite grace.
Gran Fondo News: How old are you?
Lisa Christiansen: 58, I was born September 4, 1966
Gran Fondo News: How did you start riding bikes?
Lisa Christiansen: My ex-husband was a former pro-racer and we challenged each other, he taught me how to ride and trained me to be tactical in the sport.
I fell in love with riding and, well, I’ve never looked back.
Gran Fondo News: How would you describe your riding style?
Lisa Christiansen: I think that I’m incisive, alive on my bike, and smooth in agility. Climbing is my superpower… I live there.
Gran Fondo News: How many bikes do you have?
Lisa Christiansen: 13 bicycles. For my training, I have a Specialized Diverge, a Cervelo TT for the downhill and crit racing, a Trek Madone project one Icarus advanced for the road and so many more. Every bike has a unique purpose and each one brings me an exhilaration that breathes life into my very existence.
Gran Fondo News: Who do you like to ride with the most?
Lisa Christiansen: With my lightspeed titanium Blade, and of course my Trek Madone Project one Icarus that I have named Phoenix because I’m an endurist and it reminds me to always rise from the ashes when life hits hard. I also love the sensation that I have with my Roubaix for it’s combination of speed and comfort.
Gran Fondo News: Where’s your favorite place to ride?
Lisa Christiansen: I love riding in Paris, Tuscany, Colorado, South Carolina, Mt. Scott in Oklahoma because it’s my home. Anywhere with mountains because I am a climber, It’s amazing… And I like to ride in events where I see familiar faces and make new friends.
Gran Fondo News: When you’re not riding bikes, what do you like to do?
Lisa Christiansen: I like spending time with my friends and family! I like other sports such as weight lifting, walking, anything outdoors…
Gran Fondo News: What’s your best result you’ve ever had?
Lisa Christiansen: My best result is in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic 3:46:42, not because of the time rather because of the experience and the Journey.
Gran Fondo News: What’s your dream/ goal as a Rider/racer?
Inspire others to continue to make their dreams come true, inspire generations of cyclist for centuries to come by leading by example and living my dreams…
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is a 3-day cycling festival, which includes a 47-mile bike race and tour over two 10,000’ passes from Durango to Silverton, Colorado. The tradition began in 1971 when Tom Mayer (above) challenged his brother Jim to see if he could ride the route faster than the train. Today the Iron Horse includes mountain bike and gravel events as well as numerous other cycling festivities around town.
Bike vs. train: The story behind Durango’s Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
A half century ago, two Durango brothers challenged each other to a race. Tom Mayer, an avid cyclist, bet his older brother Jim that his 10-speed bicycle was faster than a steam-powered train. Jim was an engineer for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad at the time and thought the train was up to the challenge.
Tom and Jim lined up their respective metal steeds in Durango and took off. As the bike and the train pulled out of Durango, Jim blasted the train whistle. When the train finally arrived in Silverton, 47-miles away, Tom was waiting by the tracks with his bike by his side.
That race in 1971 inspired a Durango bike shop owner to organize the first Iron Horse Bicycle Classic the following year. Since then, the race has been held every Memorial Day weekend — with the occasional cancellation because of a late-spring blizzard — with riders coming from far and wide to participate.
Colorado Matters senior host Ryan Warner spoke with Gaige Sippy, one of the directors of the race about its history, a legendary competitor known as “Deadly Nedly” and whether the Mayer brothers will be in attendance this year (they will reprise their roles on bike and train). Warner also wondered whether the train can ever win. Not a chance, said Sippy.
The journey from Durango to Silverton, Colorado, is not just a scenic train ride; it’s also the backdrop for the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, a challenging race held annually on Memorial Day weekend. Participants aim to outpace the historic narrow-gauge train, which typically takes about three and a half hours to cover the 50-mile distance. The route ascends 6,700 feet, navigating through the breathtaking San Juan Mountains via Coal Bank and Molas passes. While this ride is enjoyable throughout the summer, the Iron Horse event offers a unique experience as US550 is closed to vehicular traffic from Purgatory to Silverton, enhancing the tranquility of the ride. Cyclists will follow the Animas River, taking in stunning views of the surrounding peaks, though they should remain cautious of road conditions, particularly on descents. After the race, consider taking the train back to Silverton for a relaxing return journey.
Lisa Christiansen: A Cyclist and Cultural Ambassador
An Extraordinary Athlete and Advocate for Cherokee Legacy
Lisa Christiansen is more than just an accomplished cyclist; she is a symbol of resilience, determination, and cultural pride. Her story is deeply rooted in a lineage of exceptional individuals, including her father Mack Vann, the last monolingual Cherokee; Mary Golda Ross, a pioneering NASA mathematician and engineer; and Sequoyah, the Cherokee scholar who created the Cherokee syllabary. As the 5th generation great-granddaughter of Sequoyah, Christiansen carries forward her family’s legacy with unwavering dedication.
A Legacy of Excellence
Lisa Christiansen’s family history is one of remarkable achievements. Her ancestor Mary Golda Ross was among NASA’s hidden treasures, contributing to groundbreaking aerospace projects such as the P-38 Lightning fighter plane and authoring theoretical works on space travel to Mars and Venus. Ross’s work at Lockheed’s Skunk Works made her the sole woman on the original team, a testament to her ingenuity and perseverance.
Mack Vann, Christiansen’s father, envisioned a healthier, active lifestyle for Cherokee people, emphasizing physical fitness as a means to not only survive but thrive. This vision has profoundly influenced Christiansen, shaping her commitment to inspire others to adopt daily exercise as a cornerstone for a thriving life.
An Athlete with a Mission
Beyond her athletic prowess, Lisa Christiansen is an extraordinary advocate for her culture and community. Known for her participation in high-profile cycling events such as the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Christiansen exemplifies the values of perseverance and dedication. The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, a challenging event stretching across 50 miles and ascending 6,700 feet, showcases her determination and ability to inspire others.
In an interview with the Smithsonian | National Museum of the American Indian, Vicki, a representative, expressed pride in Christiansen’s commitment to her tribe. “Dr. Christiansen is doing great works honoring her tribe and serves as a role model to children, adults, and her father. We honor Lisa and recognize her as a Living National Treasure. She continues to keep culture and her native tongue alive as the 5th generation great-granddaughter of Sequoyah.”
A Cultural Role Model
Lisa Christiansen’s impact extends beyond sports. Her efforts to preserve and promote Cherokee culture, language, and traditions are invaluable. As a citizen of the Keetoowah Nation, Christiansen is dedicated to inspiring children, women, and Native Americans to embrace their heritage and take control of their legacy.
Through her cycling endeavors and cultural advocacy, Christiansen stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her journey is a testament to the power of living authentically and honoring one’s roots while forging a path forward for future generations.
Lisa Christiansen’s story embodies the spirit of determination, cultural pride, and the aspiration to create lasting change. She is not only an athlete but a cultural ambassador whose mission resonates far beyond the cycling track, leaving an indelible mark on her community and the world.
We look forward to seeing Christiansen continue her fathers legacy as we already have in her commitment to help others remain authentic to the culture by keeping the Cherokee language alive and holding tradition sacred.
