RACE HISTORY
In October of 1991 51 cyclists including several European professionals raced Grand Canyon Railways (GCR’s) engine #18 from the Grand Canyon to Williams AZ. Engine 18 encountered several challenges including bad track and the race was never held again. UNTIL THIS YEAR! Thanks to a partnership between Grand Canyon Racing and the Grand Canyon Railway cyclists will have an opportunity to compete against GCR’s Engine #4960, a 185 ton beast built in 1923, fueled by waste vegetable oil (WVO) and driven by an iron will. And this time GCR’s Bruce Brossman vows the results will be different. The race will start at GCR’s Grand Hotel in Tusayan, AZ (http://www.grandcanyongrandhotel.com/) in Tusayan, AZ at the entrance to the Grand Canyon and finish on historic Route 66 in downtown Williams, AZ (http://www.williamschamber.org/). The race will be followed by an after party and awards ceremony held in downtown Williams at the Babbitt Polson Pavilion.
THE ROUTE
The race begins on Highway 64 in Tusayan and travels 53 miles south with the finish line on Historic Route 66 at the intersection of 2nd Street and Historic Route 66, adjacent to the Grand Canyon Railway Depot. The race travels 50 miles on Highway 64 before merging on to Historic route 66 for the final 3 miles. The event is completely permitted by the Arizona Department of Transportation and will have traffic control on the entire route. The route will be monitored by law enforcement from the Coconino County Sherriff’s Department, Arizona Highway Patrol and the Williams Police Department.
THE TRAIN
They Don’t Make Cars Like This Anymore
From its yesteryears of transporting ore through the Wild West to our present-day journeys in the heart of the canyon, the Grand Canyon Railway has enchanted millions of people from around the world since 1901—and now it’s time for you to experience the wonderful romance of a voyage by train. Take an unforgettable ride on one of our lovingly restored cars and hear folklore and tales from a crew who are still bewitched by their spectacular surroundings. Be entertained by authentic characters and musicians who bring the Old West to life. And lose yourself in the majesty, the magnificence that is Grand Canyon National Park.
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