Recreational ride is set for Saturday, October 11, in Silver City
SILVER CITY, NM – Recreational cyclists will soon get to experience the same challenge that Tour of the Gila competitors do. With three ride distances covering mountainous roads near Silver City, the Lael Wilcox Gila Monster Gran Fondo presented by Gila Hike and Bike is set for Saturday, October 11, 2025.
"This annual event brings cyclists at all levels together on our pro racecourses," says board member and race director Jack Brennan. "Ultra endurance cyclist Lael Wilcox will again enjoy the crisp October weather and an iconic New Mexico bicycling route alongside other participants. She's an inspiring personality who recognizes what makes both our race and the gran fondo special."
The Lael Wilcox Gila Monster Gran Fondo is designed to be fun for recreational cyclists and competitive racers alike. The 80-, 60- and 30- mile out-and-back routes each follow New Mexico Highway 15, a segment of the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway.
The 80-mile Gran Fondo sponsored by Copies on the Run delivers 10,696 feet of climbing. Starting at 9 a.m. from Gila Hike and Bike, the ride includes seven rest stops and turns around at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Visitor Center, finishing in Pinos Altos.
The 60-mile Medio Fondo sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate provides 6,966 feet of climbing with five rest stops along the way. Also starting at Gila Hike and Bike in Silver City, this ride turns around at the Clinton P. Anderson Overlook and finishes in Pinos Altos.
The 30-mile Nano Fondo sponsored by First Endurance starts and finishes at the Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House in Pinos Altos, climbing 2,870 feet to Wild Horse Mesa and back.
Rest stops include drinking water, energy drinks and foods, and toilet facilities, as well as extra tubes and inflation. A sag wagon following each ride will also have water, tubes and inflation.
An After-Ride Party will run from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House. At 7:30 p.m., "Lael Rides Around the World" will show at the Silco Theater. Tickets ($5) are available at thesilcotheater.com.
Sign up is open at bikereg.com/gila-monster-gran-fondo. Registration costs $100 per person. After October 3, the entry fee rises to $110. Late registration will be available at Gila Hike & Bike at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 11. For more info, call Jack Brennan at 575-590-2612 or visit tourofthegila.com.
The locally owned lodging sponsors, Murray Hotel and Copper Manor Motel, both offer special deals to participants who call the respective front desks and ask for the event discount.
Held under a USA Cycling Permit, the Lael Wilcox Gila Monster Gran Fondo presented by Gila Hike and Bike operates under a special use permit with the Gila National Forest. Additional sponsors of the Lael Wilcox Gila Monster Gran Fondo presented by Gila Hike and Bike include Morning Star, J & J Signs, State Farm-Jon Saari, Town of Silver City, New Mexico Tourism Department, Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Grant County Search & Rescue, Gila Amateur Radio Society.
