Durango, August 20. A new host city this year, Durango goes straight into high gear as the start for Stage 1. The celebratory atmo- sphere begins August 16 and continues through the weekend with parties, bike rodeos, a festive opening gala and more. August 16–19 the True West Railfest pulls into town. Events include
the World Fast Draw Association shoot-out and competition, Native American dancers and rail-related special events. Train fans will want to combine this with a ride on the vintage, steam-operated Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Also visit the new Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum in
nearby Ignacio, a 52,000-square-foot, multi-sensory marvel. On August 25, the 14th Annual San Juan Brew Fest bubbles into town. If you miss the suds event, three micro breweries and one regional craft brewery are open year round. For dinner, try artisanal pizza or fi re-roasted steaks at the new Brix
Stone Fired Kitchen. At night, consider the renowned General Palmer Hotel or the historic Strater Hotel, celebrating its 125th anniversary. In tribute, a variety of rooms will be unveiled in unique history tours. Visit
www.durango.org.
While in Durango for Stage 1, visit the new Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum in nearby Ignacio.
Telluride, August 20. Stage 1 ends in another new host city, at Telluride’s Town Park. Enjoy live music, vendors and food, and a variety of adult and kid bike events with prizes in fan-friendly categories such as clunkiest, best dressed and slowest. Also, catch a bike art exhibit in conjunction with the Telluride Festival of the Arts August 17–19. While there, take a ride on the free gondola that connects historic
Telluride with the wide-open panache of Mountain Village. The distinctive Mushroom Festival hits town August 16–19, and the Hollywood-favorite Telluride Film Festival is August 31–September 3. The Butcher and The Baker pleases with handmade, local, organic break-
fast, lunch and take out. Allred’s offers a unique ambiance for dinner. The Hotel Columbia and Hotel Madeline Telluride are peaceful lodgings. Go to
www.VisitTelluride.com.
Montrose, August 21. Stage 2 breaks away from this new host city. Before or after the celebrations for USAPCC, cycling enthusiasts can explore the area’s wide-open paved and rural roads that roll over mesas and into irrigated valleys. Find pleasure ride maps at Cascade Bicycles or the Visitors Center. Named to Outdoor Life’s annual list of the 200 best towns in America
for outdoorsmen, Montrose is the gateway to the dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The three reservoirs of Curecanti National Recreation Area (see “Colorado GEM” p. 23) and the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, also
EnCompass July/August 2012 33
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