2026 LAEL WILCOX GILA MONSTER GRAN FONDO
presented by Hidalgo Medical Services
Saturday, October 10th | Silver City, New Mexico
The Lael Wilcox Gila Monster Gran Fondo presented by Hidalgo Medical Services is designed to be fun for all riders, from recreational cyclists to competitive racers. In 2024, record-setting endurance cyclist Lael Wilcox joined for the experience and fell in love with the community of athletes she spent the day pedaling alongside. Ever since, the Gila Monster Gran Fondo is named after this ultra endurance cyclist who visits southwest New Mexico as the celebrity guest and inspirational namesake of the fall fun ride.
With three distances to pick from, riders choose their challenge. Each out-and-back course follows New Mexico Highway 15 on the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway, beginning in Silver City and finishing at the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House in Pinos Altos. The mountainous routes use the same curvy road that Tour of the Gila racers travel during both the Inner Loop Road Race and Gila Monster Road Race.
Gila Monster Gran Fondo rest stops offer drinking water, electrolyte-replenishing drinks, and energy-packed foods, along with portable toilets. Extra tubes and inflation available too. A sag wagon will follow each ride with water, tubes and inflation.
After-Ride Party at the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House: Enjoy free beer, soda, food, music and the company of fellow riders!
Round out your weekend with other fun events in and around Silver City, New Mexico. Perennial favorites include the Southwest Print Fiesta and Red Dot Weekend at the Galleries.
Courses
Gran Fondo sponsored by Copies on the Run:
80 miles with 9,336 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. Seven rest stops. Starts at 9 am at Gila Hike and Bike, 103 E. College Ave. in Silver City.
Medio Fondo sponsored by Gila Hike & Bike:
Medio Fondo: 60 miles with 6,810 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. Five rest stops. . Starts at 9 am at Gila Hike and Bike, 103 E. College Ave. in Silver City.
Nano Fondo sponsored by Morning Star Sports:
30 miles with 2,747 feet of climbing
The 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 10:00 am in Pinos Altos, in front of the historic Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House.
