Grand Canyon Train to Race Cyclists A Second Time

The Grand Canyon National Park is no stranger to racing, and runner, bikers, and rafters often gather at the park’s famous trails to enjoy the scenery and a bit of friendly competition. Of all of the organized races that have taken place at the Grand Canyon, many have made their mark on Grand Canyon history, but perhaps none were as memorable as 1991’s 50-mile race – a 300-person Man vs Machine competition between the nation’s best bikers and the Grand Canyon’s best train. The goal was simple: the first to make if from Tusayan to Williams was the victor.

Amongst the 300-odd bikers competing was Krzysztof Wiatr, a young professional cyclist who went on to finish first and take home his share of a $13,000 prize pool. Krzysztof actually had to wait around for the train to show up at the finish line, beating the train by 15 full minutes, but the train’s defeat was even worse than it seems – the locomotive came in 52nd place, and only 137 of the 300 bikers in attendance were professionals.

But that was almost a quarter century ago, and locomotive technology has advanced considerably, so this September, Engine No. 4960 will attempt to redeem No. 18’s loss by outpacing not 300, but 400 cyclists on the very same route taken in 1991. Engine No. 4960 is one of very few steam engines capable of running on recycled vegetable oil, and will be running on this alternative fuel, making this race one of the few occasions that the steam engine isn’t running a diesel pusher. The event will be sponsored by Grand Canyon Railway, the very same railway that Grand Canyon Tours follow every day.

So, after nearly a quarter century, what finally revived this classic tale of man vs machine? A Williams Justice of the Peace named Robert Krombeen, fascinated by stories of the original race, approached friend, cyclist, and event organizer P.J. Bohrman who would go to organize the official race. Bohrman elaborated on why the 4960 was chosen, saying “It’s definitely an iconic locomotive. It’s only run a few times a year, and it’s really a unique opportunity because it usually runs with a diesel pusher.”

Bruce Brossman, a Xantera spokesperson who spoke on behalf of Grand Canyon Railways, is confident that this year, the train will be given a fair fighting chance, claiming that the cyclists in ’91 had a head-start due to the way the track was laid out. Organizers have only balance in mind, so it’s uncertain who will come out on top – you’ll just have to come back after September 26th, the date of the race, to find out.

If you’re interested in learning more about this event, the race is being sponsored by Grand Canyon Railway and will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 26th. If you buy your tickets now, you can get them for the discounted price of $60, but if you wait until after the July 15th cutoff date, you’ll be required to pay the full $80. Those taking a shuttle are reminded that there will be a $25 fee to ride the shuttle to the starting line.