1 cycling event in Silver City, New Mexico

LAEL WILCOX GILA MONSTER GRAN FONDO PRESENTED BY HMS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO

Tour of the Gila, along with title sponsor Hidalgo Medical Services, invites you to come ride on one of the country's most iconic road bicycling race courses, setting your own goal on a route covering 80, 60 or 30 miles. The Gila Monster Gran Fondo is designed to be fun for all riders, from recreational cyclists to competitive racers. Plan to enjoy your weekend in southwest New Mexico while you become Gila Proven!

• Gran Fondo sponsored by Copies on the Run: 80 miles with 10,696 feet of climbing

This ride goes out to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Visitor Center and then returns on NM 15 to Pinos Altos, finishing at the historic Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House. Starts at 9 a.m. at Gila Hike and Bike, 103 E. College Ave., in Silver City. The Gran Fondo has seven rest stops.

• Medio Fondo sponsored by Gila Hike & Bike: 60 miles with 6,966 feet of climbing

This ride goes out to the Clinton P. Anderson Overlook (mile marker 32 on NM 15) and returns on NM 15 to Pinos Altos, ending at the historic Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House. Starts at 9 a.m. at Gila Hike and Bike, 103 E. College Ave., in Silver City. The Medio Fondo has five rest stops.

• Nano Fondo sponsored by Morning Star Sports: 30 miles with 2,870 feet of climbing

This ride goes out to the rest stop at Wild Horse Mesa and returns on NM 15 to the start line. One rest stop. Starts at 10 a.m. in Pinos Altos, in front of the historic Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House.

Rest stops include drinking water, energy drinks and foods, and toilet facilities, as well as extra tubes and inflation. A sag wagon will follow each ride, and will also have water, tubes and inflation. Rest stops are supported by sponsors.

Your registration includes an After-Ride Party from 4-6 pm at the Historic Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House. Bring your families, mingle with fellow participants, and replenish your spent calories while quenching your thirst with a festive beverage.

Rider packet pick-up will be on Friday, October 9, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Gila Hike & Bike, 103 E. College Ave. Late packet pick-up and late registration will be available at Gila Hike & Bike at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 10.

The entry fee is $100 per person until September 26, and $110 thereafter.

The locally owned Murray Hotel and Copper Manor Motel both are offering special deals to Gila Monster Gran Fondo participants. For a 20% discount at the Murray Hotel from Thursday, October 8, through Sunday, October 11, guests may call 575-956-9400 and press option 2 to talk with the front desk or visit their website at www.murray-hotel.com For a 15% discount off rooms at the Copper Manor Motel over the same time period, guests may call 575-538-5392 and leave a message if no immediate answer or visit their website at www.coppermanornm.com

The Gila Monster Gran Fondo is sponsored under a special use permit with the Gila National Forest and held under USA Cycling Permit.

Do you have what it takes to be Gila Proven? Spend your weekend with us and find out!

For more information call Jack Brennan at 575-590-2612.