This fall, recreational cyclists will have an opportunity to experience the same challenge that Tour of the Gila competitors do each spring. With three ride distances covering mountainous terrain in southwest New Mexico, the 2024 Gila Monster Gran Fondo presented by Hidalgo Medical Services is set for Saturday, October 12.

“This annual event brings the road cycling community together and showcases the Gila Wilderness, which turns 100 this year,” says board member and race director Jack Brennan. “We schedule the Gila Monster Gran Fondo over a holiday weekend in October, when the weather tends to be comfortable and the landscape looks especially beautiful.”

Gila Monster Gran Fondo is designed to be fun for all riders, from recreational cyclists to competitive racers. The 80-, 60- and 30- mile rides each follow New Mexico Highway 15, a segment of the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway.
The 80-mile Gran Fondo sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate delivers 10,696 feet of climbing. Starting at 9 a.m. from Gila Hike and Bike in Silver City, the out-and-back route to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Visitor Center includes seven rest stops and finishes at the historic Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House in Pinos Altos.

The 60-mile Medio Fondo sponsored by Gila Hike & Bike 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 at the Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House in Pinos Altos.

The 30-mile Nano Fondo sponsored by First Endurance starts and finishes at the Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House in Pinos Altos. Riders climb 2,870 feet along NM-15 to the rest stop at Wild Horse Mesa and back.

Sponsored by State Farm-Jon Saari, Copies on the Run, Morning Star, Silver City Daily Press, and J & J Signs, 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.

Families and friends are welcome at the After-Ride Party at the Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House from 4-6 p.m.
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 10, through Sunday, October 13, guests may call 575-956-9400 and press 2 to talk with the front desk. 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.

Open on BikeReg now, registration costs $100 per person. After September 27, the entry fee rises to $110. Late registration will be available at Gila Hike & Bike at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 12. For more info, visit tourofthegila.com or call Jack Brennan at 575-590-2612.

Held under a USA Cycling Permit, the Gila Monster Gran Fondo also operates under a special use permit with the Gila National Forest. Additional sponsors of the Gila Monster Gran Fondo include the Town of Silver City, Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House, Grant County Search and Rescue, Gila Amateur Radio Society, and the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division.