DID SOMEBODY SAY VACATION?
Here we are, ready to get back in the saddle after being closed for the month of April. Ah, a whole month of R&R, sleeping late, maybe a little vacation travel, lolling on the deck—-NOT! Walter and Jodi are very much hands-on B&B owners, so in our two off months—April and November—you’re very likely to find them busy with many projects going on. Planting new shrubs and flowers, building walls, repairing systems, freshening up, remodeling. But we’re just about ready for the summer season, excited to see our many returning guests, and looking forward to meeting a lot of newcomers.
In our last blog we mentioned some of the summer activities in and around Durango. The first big one is the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic that occurs during the Memorial Day weekend. For those uninitiated, this is a world renowned race that pits bicycle riders against the old 1880’s Durango and Silverton Rail Road steam train. Well, theoretically at least. The race is in its 47th year and has grown from just one rider pedaling against his brother who was a brakemen on the train back then, to a current day enrollment of 3800 bicyclists from all over the U.S. and other countries as well. (He won easily, which gives you an idea of the sedate speed (?) at which the train travels over the almost 60 miles from downtown Durango to Silverton.)
Portions of some town thoroughfares are blocked off for race-related events, and a stretch of Highway 550 is closed for a 
certain amount of time on race day. This is said to be the only bicycle race in the U.S. permitted to actually close a state highway. If you’re thinking that’s a bit cheeky for a special interest, remember that a hefty amount of each entry fee goes to the community via a number of charity organizations, and health foundations, and the IHBC is a major contributor to the Foundation for Parkinson’s and their efforts to develop physical therapy and special bicycles which enable people with this condition to actually ride in the race.
The race is on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day and we love to be hosts to several riders who come each year. On 
Friday evening Walter prepares a special dinner for them and any non-riders who happen to be lucky enough to have booked with us that weekend. This is the only dinner we ever do for our B&B guests and we enjoy it as much as they do. One of our regulars even has the distinction of being the youngest ever rider (as far as we know) who made his debut at 4 months of age. No, he wasn’t pedaling but he did ride in a cart behind his parents’ tandem bike, and made it all the way to Silverton.
If you’ve missed out on that fun event, never mind—-there are many more activities to enjoy as outlined previously, and more added as the summer moves on. Plus there are exciting side trips to historic sites and Native American ruins, shopping, as well as a rich selection of truly fine locally owned restaurants to please the most discerning palates.
SO COME TO OUR HOUSE THIS SUMMER! WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.