Cyclists have a long-running love affair with Durango — heck, with all of Southwest Colorado — and the Durango Fall Blaze Bicycle Tour is the perfect time to wallow in that love. (And we do mean love. Have you read about how the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic got its start? )

Registration is still open for the Sept. 28 Fall Blaze Bicycle Tour, which is hosted by Fort Lewis College. Riders have three different tour options: 37-mile, 60-mile or 100-mile rides. The tour starts a 8 a.m. (marked by the tolling of the campus clock tower), when a police escort will lead the riders from the center of campus. The routes differ depending on the mileage option, but each takes cyclists north of the city into the San Juan National Forest.

Riders will find six food/aid stations and support vehicles along the course as well as a party awaiting them at the finish line. The century ride is medium difficulty, while the 37-mile and 60-mile courses are easier, according to the Fort Lewis College Cycling Team.

All proceeds from the Fall Blaze Bicycle Tour benefit the college’s Cycling Scholarship Fund, which helps up-and-coming young cyclists.

You can register here for the ride. Registration includes the fully supported tour, the end-of-tour party, The Blaze Lunch and Celebration on campus and a commemorative T-shirt and pin.

If you’ll be staying in Durango for the century (look at us using the lingo and stuff), be sure to book your room at the Durango Quality Inn!