Cyclists to take on Grand Canyon Railway

Man versus Machine.

Steam versus Muscle.

After 25 years, cyclists will get their chance to take on the Grand Canyon Railway in a 54 mile race from the south rim of the Grand Canyon to Williams, AZ.

Last held in October 1991, the race has become the stuff of legend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMPp8QtIcYE

The race will begin on Highway 64 in Tusayan, Ariz., departing the Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon at 1 p.m. PDT. From there the course will travel 50 miles south on Highway 64, before merging onto historic Route 66 for the last four miles. The finish line will be at the intersection of Second Street and Route 66 in Williams.

Hosted by Grand Canyon Racing, and sponsored by the Grand Canyon Railway, the event is fully permitted by the Arizona Department of Transportation, and traffic control and law enforcement will be on site for the entirety of the event.

Adding to the excitement and festivities, spectators will be given the opportunity to purchase tickets to ride the train the day of the race and as it competes against its two-legged and wheeled competition. Round-trip tickets are available for the train, which will depart the Williams Depot on September 26 at 8:00 a.m. PDT, arriving at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at about 11:30 a.m. The train will depart the Grand Canyon at 12:30 p.m., and the race will officially begin at 1 p.m. The train will be composed of Pullman Coach Class cars, a café car, and a Luxury Parlor car. A photo run-by will be featured on the North Bound trip for rail enthusiasts. Rates will be $75 for adults and $45 for children 16 and under.

Registration is now open for the race, and participants may register for the race at www.GrandCanyonRacing.com. Race fees are $60 untilJuly 14, and $80 from July 15 through September 24. Registration will close on September 24 at 10 a.m. PDT. Race registration will include a link for discounted lodging at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.

For more information on the train, visit www.thetrain.com.