Spoketober, the first-annual celebration of Durango cycling, includes a $7,000 sweepstakes for a weeklong vacation to enjoy the city’s bike-related activities.
Durango’s tourism organization will offer a month’s worth of events this October celebrating the city’s cycling community.
The first-annual “Spoketober” includes social rides, a film fest, and meet-and-greets leading up to a Halloween parade. It’s billed as a celebration of Durango’s “tight-knit and passionate” community of cyclists.
In addition to the obvious promotional opportunity, the events highlight the work of locals. Because of decades of “dedication and sweat equity” from residents, Durango has become a top cycling destination, Visit Durango said in a news release.
“We hope to create a fun month of programming for locals and visitors alike, all amid a time when Durango is flourishing with incredible fall colors,” said Rachel Brown, executive director of Visit Durango.
Along with several group rides, Spoketober will include a bicycle recycle and up-cycle clinic and a “community cruise” with the Adaptive Sports Association. Expect to meet pro riders like Ned Overend, Todd Wells, Payson McElveen, Howard Grotts, and Ellen Campbell in October.
From Sept. 7 to Oct. 30, the event also offers a sweepstakes with a weeklong vacation in Durango as the prize. The $7,000 package includes a 3-night hotel stay and a 3-day guided tour of singletrack trails. It also comes with a “bike shop shopping spree,” as well as bike rentals and a trip to Durango Hot Springs.
Durango’s Growing Cycling Community
Like many small Colorado towns, Durango has grown rapidly in recent years. For local residents, that growth offers a mixed bag.
While the city has become increasingly unaffordable, many residents still see Durango’s appeal. That includes its 300 miles of singletrack trails and numerous Olympic athletes in residence.
“How do you preserve what’s best about Durango and still have a vibrant tourism business and not lose your cultural identity?” Jasper Welch, a Durango city councilman, told The Durango Herald earlier this year.
“Durango is a very special place for cyclists because of the trails we have and our cycling community,” said Rotem Ishay, director of Team Durango Segment 28, a local development race team. “Our extensive trail system welcomes riders of all levels, beginners to professionals.”
For the city’s tourism officials, community-focused festivals like Spoketober are a good place to start.
