The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is just a few days away, and the La Plata Electric Association received a $2 million grant for battery storage. You're watching the local News Network brought to you by Sky U Casino and Freddie's Frozen Custard and Steak Burgers. I'm Sadie Smith. Get ready to ride the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is just a few days away. Gear up or watch the races. May 23rd through 25th the most popular race of the Iron Horse Classic. The McDonald Citizen Tour bicyclist begin in Durango in wine through 50 miles of Colorado scenery to Silverton. The McDonald's citizen race is a non timed, non-competitive race. Those with a competitive edge can register in the Coca-Cola Road race for professional racers. The pros follow the same route to Silverton for those who are interested in a shorter distance. The Quarter Horse starts in Durango and ends at Purgatory Mountain Resort. US Highway five 50 will be closed to traffic from purgatory to Silverton at 7:30 AM and will reopen at 1:30 PM. Registration rules in the full list of events may be found on Iron Horse bicycle classic.com. The La Plata Electric Association secured a $2 million grant through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the US Department of Energy to launch a new battery storage project. The project which will be located west of Durango, will boost energy reliability for 2,800 homes. The battery storage acts as a giant rechargeable battery for the power grid. It stores electricity when the supply is high, like on sunny days, and releases it when demand spikes during power outages or in extreme weather. It's designed to help L-P-E-E-A bring more local renewable energy, online ease pressure on transmission lines and lower carbon emissions. LPEA Chief Executive Officer Chris Hansen says The new battery storage project will not only increase L P's energy capacity, but also will enhance the reliability and flexibility of the electrical co-ops entire grid. As LPEA continues to integrate renewable energy, Hansen said that storage systems will play a crucial role in making the region's energy future more sustainable and secure. For additional details, visit L'S website. Learn more about these and other stories online at Durango Local News. Thank you for watching this edition of the local News Roundup. I am Sadie Smith.