Road Race & McDonald's Tour Canceled
The Colorado State Patrol and Iron Horse Bicycle Classic officials have canceled the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic road race and tour to Silverton today. While we are all greatly disappointed, the forecast temperature for Silverton today (Saturday May 24th) is 39 degrees◦ at 2:00p.m. but it will feel like 19◦ degrees. “We can not have 2,500 cyclists and their friends in Silverton with those weather conditions. Hypothermia in these conditions is a high risk,” said Gaige Sippy.
All of the remaining IHBC events — the concert, criterium, kid’s race, and time trial — are anticipated to be held as scheduled.
Q: Why can’t you change the day? You know, just have the race and tour on Monday, the weather is supposed to be nice that day?
Again we are as disappointed as you are; we have worked since last Memorial Day 2007 on planning and implementing the logistics for this weekend. Our permit to close the road with the Colorado State Patrol is for today ONLY (Saturday May 24th) from 8:00a.m. until 1:00p.m. This permit is issued by the CSP after much discussion on the safety plans. It is a significant process and one that cannot simply be moved to a different day and/or time.
- Our 300+ volunteers are mobilized to work today.
- Our emergency support is reserved and ready for today.
- The United States Cycling Federation officials have traveled from out of town and will have other job responsibilities the remainder of the weekend.
- The countless details cannot be simply moved to occur on a different day. It is a logistical Impossibility that would jeopardize the safety of all involved.
Q: Where do I get my Tour t-shirt?
Your Tour t-shirts will be available for pick up at The La Plata County Fairgrounds (same place as registration beginning at noon today. (They are making the trip back from Silverton this morning.)
Q: Can I get my money back?
Unfortunately we are not able to refund registration fees. The IHBC has paid for all the permits, law enforcement, t-shirts, bags, food, volunteer perks, insurance, buses, drivers, and staff to make it a safe enjoyable weekend. These costs have already been expended even though the event had to be canceled due to weather.
Q: What about my ride on the train?
The train is ready for you and has a seat waiting for you.
Q: What happens with my entry fee?
- We contribute a portion of the entry fees to Mercy Breast Care Center.
- Insurance
- Volunteer Resources-gift bags, lunches, etc
- Office
- Web site development
- Fees
- Transportations support-buses
- Public safely costs
- Site preparation supplies-cones, fences, tape, signs
- Phone
- USCF officials
- Announcers
This is extremely disappointing for all of us. The good news is there were no accident reports today and we can move ahead to prepare for 2009. And with any break from Mother Nature, the remaining events of the IHBC weekend will go on!
Q: Can I roll my registration over to next year?
No, unfortunately we will have the same costs next year.
Q: Can I transfer my entry fee to the criterium or the time trail?
Yes, as long as there are spots available.
Q: What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia which is a fall in body temperature below 35 degrees can be caused by prolonged exposure to extreme weather for example wearing damp clothes in cold conditions. It is a dangerous and sometimes life-threatening condition.