The Tour of the Gila is known for providing an experience that makes some athletes want more. A reported 60% of racers return to Silver City and further explore southwest New Mexi-co’s roads and trails within a year, while a handful of die-hards return year after year for a physical challenge that’s coupled with a connection to a friendly rural town.

Some of these riders find the pull of Silver City to be so strong that they eventually relocate and plant roots in the place that originally lured them here for a bike race. (We bet a percent-age of the prime money that you’re listing a few in your head right now.)

When Caitlin Laroche was involved in a crash during Tour of the Gila, a race she had ridden in since 2012, the director of another women’s team motor-paced her in an attempt to reunite her with the peloton. The gesture was enough to secure Michael Creed—whose experience at Tour of the Gila dates back to the early 2000s—a dinner with her in downtown Silver City. The two bonded over a mutual fantasy to move to Silver City someday.

That “someday” was this past winter when Caitlin Laroche Creed and Michael Laroche Creed bought a house, moved from Manitou Springs, Colorado, and became residents of Grant County.

“Tour of the Gila was my first UCI stage race that I ever did. Mike got a result there that got him a pro contract. Since we’ve started coming, we’ve both independently wanted to move there,” Caitlin explains. “We’ve finally made it happen.”

Michael is Director Sportif of Aevolo, a USA Cycling registered team focused on the devel-opment of elite riders under age 23 (U23, in cycling speak). Caitlin serves as the team soigneur (read: support staff member) and chef.

“Tour of the Gila has always been one of the key races Aevolo attends and one that the staff all love,” Caitlin says. “We’ve been doing [Tour of the] Gila every year since the team start-ed in 2017.”

Caitlin has been working with the team the last three years, while Michael has directed it all along. The 501(c)(3) organization’s aim is to develop cyclists while also fostering their pursuit of continued education with a stated commitment to “intellectual curiosity and broader human development that far outlasts an athletic career.”

The team appreciates the opportunity Tour of the Gila gives riders to distinguish them-selves. Caitlin says the phrase “Gila Proven” carries a lot of weight. “It’s really easy to tell which riders are going to make it and which ones aren’t based on how they handle [Tour of the] Gila, which is the hallmark of a great race.”

Logistically, Tour of the Gila is relatively simple, she says. “It’s maybe not as easy to get to. But that’s a major cop out. It’s out of the way, but it’s well worth the trip.”

While the Aevolo riders are staying at a rental for Tour of the Gila this year, the staff will stay at Michael and Caitlin’s house. “Usually, I cook for the staff and riders. I’m really excited to be able to cook in an actual kitchen and have everyone over,” she says.

Then, following Tour of the Gila, Aevolo will hold a mini altitude training camp in southwest New Mexico. Caitlin points out that Michael used to visit Silver City for winter training when he was racing. “It’s not just a great place to race. It’s a great place to train.”

Managing a team from this remote corner of New Mexico is so-far doable. “With the unfor-tunate state of cycling in the U.S., we don’t have that many races to travel to: Redlands, Tour of the Gila, and Nationals,” Caitlin says. “It requires an extra ten minutes of thought and a little ex-tra driving time. The Grant County airport does make it pretty easy.”

Although Caitlin says she’s still getting to know Silver City, she has always viewed it as a special place. “Everyone’s so friendly and the community is just really thoughtful, involved, and caring.”