Record-setting ultra-endurance cyclist Lael Wilcox recently amazed the world when she circumnavigated the globe in 108 days on two wheels. Next, she will inspire fellow participants in the Gila Monster Gran Fondo presented by Hidalgo Medical Services on Saturday, October 12, in Silver City, New Mexico.

Wilcox became acquainted with the town that hosts the Tour of the Gila stage race during her record-setting journeys along the Tour Divide, which follows the Continental Divide from the U.S./Canada border to the U.S./Mexico border. In 2015, she rode through Silver City on her way to setting the women’s record. As recently as 2023, members of the Tour of the Gila race organization convened in Pinos Altos to cheer her along the same route.

The Gila Monster Gran Fondo weekend getaway is a chance for Lael to spend more time than she’s ever been able to in Silver City. It’s also a chance for recreational cyclists to pedal with Lael, soaking in her positive vibes and drawing inspiration from her grateful heart and tireless legs.

Designed to be fun for all riders from recreational cyclists to competitive racers, the Gila Monster Gran Fondo takes rides into the heart of the Gila Wilderness. Just 17 miles in to the 80-mile gran fondo course, the road becomes bordered by America’s first designated wilderness area. The Gila National Forest is also world’s first wilderness area and was declared so exactly 100 years ago. Riders can enjoy this vast and scenic swath of protected public land to celebrate the Gila’s centennial.

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 and offers seven rest stops between Silver City and the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center. The 60-mile Medio Fondo sponsored by Gila Hike & Bike provides 6,966 feet of climbing with five rest stops. The 30-mile Nano Fondo sponsored by First Endurance challenges cyclists to climb 2,870 feet during their out-and-back rides between Pinos Altos and the first rest stop.

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.

Following the ride, riders and their families and friends are welcome at the After-Ride Party at the Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House, where Wilcox will engage in a question-and-answer session.

Lodging discounts are available at the locally owned Murray Hotel and Copper Manor Motel.

Open on BikeReg, online registration costs $110 per person and is capped at 130 riders.

Late registration will be available at Gila Hike & Bike at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 12.

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.