2024 will be the 52nd anniversary of The Iron Horse Classic!

Both the serious racer and recreational riders are invited to join with the common goal of providing a way for kids to attend Cross Bar X, who would otherwise not be able to afford camp.  Riders are welcome to ride in the full ride to Silverton, the quarter horse to Purgatory, or any of the other rides that weekend.

Riders for Team CBX are asked to recruit sponsors for their ride and are encouraged to set a goal of raising at least $500.

For more details and to register as a rider, email Jacob@crossbarx.org and specify you would like to participate in the Bike It For A Camper event.

If you would like to make a donation for a specific rider, go to our Donate Today page and write a note for the specific rider you are sponsoring.

DETAILS

WHO, WHAT, WHY???

Who is Cross Bar X? Cross Bar X Youth Ranch is a faith-based youth ministry organization in Durango, Colorado that specializes in offering life-changing summer camps to socially and economically disadvantaged youth. Our target demographic are fatherless children, children from single-parent homes, and children from within the foster care system. Our primary goal is to reach these specific young people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What is the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic? It is a race against the world-famous narrow gauge railroad train that begins in historic downtown Durango, up and over two breathtakingly beautiful mountain passes, and ends in the small historic mining town of Silverton. Thousands of people “race the train” every year for many reasons – testing their fitness, to challenge themselves with a grueling task, enjoying God’s creation, or to simply check this crazy ride off their bucket list. It really is a monumental feat, and those who complete it feel a great sense of accomplishment.

Why should I ride for team Cross Bar X? Our team rides to raise funds to sponsor Cross Bar X’s low-income campers to attend our Gospel-centered summer camp. For one camper to attend a summer camp session, the cost to Cross Bar X is $500. However, since Cross Bar X exists to minister to socially and economically disadvantaged campers, they and their families could never afford this price. As a result, they pay anywhere from $0-$100 to attend. We are asking you to ride and raise funds to sponsor these kids and give them a chance to hear the Gospel while enjoying a life-changing experience at Cross Bar X.

Oh yeah, you also get a sweet custom team Cross Bar X racing jersey to wear on the day of the big ride!

HOW???

I’m in! How do I raise funds? Easy. 

OPTION 1: Since you do the hard work of training and riding, we do the fundraising work for you. We design a letter template for you well in advance of the race that describes who Cross Bar X is, what we do, and asks the reader to sponsor you in your ride so that these disadvantaged kids can attend camp. All you have to do is send this letter out to 30 or more people that you know personally and would prayerfully consider financially supporting your ride. A short hand-written, personal note at the bottom of the letter is helpful, but not a must. Then, these people send a check to Cross Bar X in sponsorship of your ride. It’s that simple. Your goal as a rider is to raise at least $500 and to commit to writing a check for the difference if you are unable to reach that goal. Many past riders have raised several thousand dollars, so $500 is very attainable.

OPTION 2: Don’t want to send out support letters? That’s just fine. Many riders just write a check to Cross Bar X to sponsor their own ride. The suggested minimum donation is $500, but if God leads you to give more, then more campers can be sponsored.

How do I register? Register online at www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com. BUT WAIT UNTIL WE GIVE YOU A DISCOUNT CODE! Cross Bar X works in partnership with the Iron Horse, so we have FREE racing slots in the Citizen’s Tour and Quarter Horse for people who ride and raise funds for camp. We give you a registration code to use at checkout so that your entry fee is $0. In order to get this code, contact Jacob Posey at jacob@crossbarx.org and let him know that you want to ride for team CBX and raise funds.

Which race do I register for? 

  • Riding just for fun and to raise funds? You can register for either the McDonald’s Citizen Tour (full 50-miles to Silverton) or the Quarter Horse (26 miles to Purgatory Ski Resort). 
  • Riding professionally and raising funds? Sign up for the Durango Coca-Cola Road Race.

Where do I stay? At Cross Bar X Youth Ranch OR at any hotel in Durango. We have accommodations for you and your family at CBX beginning as early as Thursday evening and lasting through Monday morning (race on Saturday). Space is limited though, so let us know early if you wish to stay at camp and how many of you there are. We also provide select meals before and after the race. 

Race day logistics: We take a team picture at Gospel Church Durango at 6:45. This allows many people who want and need it to get a jump start on the train. If needed, we can provide transportation for you and your bike to the race and back from Silverton. We have a tent at the finish line in Silverton where you can change clothes, eat a hearty post-race meal, and relax.