Two motorcyclists were taken to Mercy Regional Medical Center on Sunday with serious injuries after crashing head-on into each other on East Animas Road (County Road 250), just north of Durango city limits, according to Colorado State Patrol Capt. Adrian Driscoll.

Driscoll said that around 1:10 p.m., Durango resident Stephen McCranie, 35, was riding north on East Animas Road on a 2017 Harley-Davidson Street Glide.

About a half-mile north of the East Animas Road and 32nd Street (County Road 251) intersection, McCranie crossed into the oncoming traffic lane and struck John Purser, 64, of Durango, who was riding a 1997 Honda Valkyrie.

Both drivers were ejected from their motorcycles, Driscoll said. McCranie was not wearing a helmet, but Purser was.

McCranie and Purser suffered serious injuries and were taken by ambulance to Mercy. A Mercy spokeswoman said Monday morning Purser is listed in good condition and McCranie is no longer at Mercy.

McCranie was cited on suspicion of careless driving causing injury.

Driscoll said McCranie was also cited for not having a motorcycle endorsement. In Colorado, residents must obtain a motorcycle endorsement to ride a motorcycle, which usually involves training, a drive-skill test or passing an exam.

Driscoll said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Alcohol, drugs and speeding are not suspected factors in the crash.

jromeo@durangoherald.com