Lael Wilcox Gila Monster Gran Fondo presented by Gila Hike and Bike set for Saturday, October 11, in Silver City

On an upcoming autumnal weekend, recreational cyclists will get to experience the same challenge that Tour of the Gila competitors do. With three ride distances covering mountainous terrain in southwest New Mexico, 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 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 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 Copies on the Run 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 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 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.

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. Then, at 7:30 p.m., Wilcox and her partner, filmmaker Rugile (Rue) Kaladyte, will show the documentary “Lael Rides Around the World” at the Silco Theater. Tickets ($5) are available at thesilcotheater.com.

Local residents invite participants to join a casual mountain bike ride to The Big Tree, accessible via the Dragonfly Trail System, for coffee and pastries on Sunday, October 12, at 10 a.m. A small gathering will take place at Whiskey Creek Zócalo after the non-sanctioned knobby-tired adventure.

The locally owned lodging sponsors, Murray Hotel and Copper Manor Motel, both are offering special deals to participants. For a 20% discount at the Murray Hotel during the dates surrounding the event, 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. Click here to register. 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. To get a discount code for groups of five or more, call Jack Brennan at 575-590-2612.

Held under a USA Cycling Permit, the Lael Wilcox Gila Monster Gran Fondo also 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.