Laramie Dead Dog Classic Stage Race Starts Today

It’s Race Day and if you are like many Laramie locals and can’t recall the story behind the naming of the Dead Dog Classic we’re happy to share a quick refresher on the race’s history.

 When asked to posit a guess, some thought the name was a reference to the state of the riders upon finishing the race – not just dog tired, dead dog tired. Most folks drew the simple conclusion that it had something to do with a dead dog and, as the sad account confirms, it does.

The Laramie Wheelfolk, a local cycling club in the 1980s held a weekly time trial at the five and a half mile marker on Highway 230. The group encountered a friendly golden retriever who, instead of chasing, ran alongside the group all the way to the course. To the credit of the club, one of the riders tied the dog up, thinking to take it back to town later. Unfortunately, the dog escaped its impromptu tether and was killed.

There was no burial for the calamitous canine, but after quite a while, one of the riders picked up the skull, which was passed between club members as a trophy for the current record holder. The club started calling their time trial the Dead Dog. When they made arrangements for the first stage race in 1984 the name carried over and thus the Dead Dog Classic was born.

Make your way downtown to First or Second Street between Kearney and University to see the Criterium which begins at 7:00 tomorrow morning. Cheer the riders on and enjoy a great local event!