Southwest New Mexico became the destination for recreational road bicyclists from across the region and the country on Saturday, October 10th. The draw was a supported ride hosted by the organizers of the Tour of the Gila bicycle stage race, along with a handful of dedicated volunteers and record-setting ultra-endurance athlete Lael Wilcox.
The 2026 Lael Wilcox Gila Monster Gran Fondo presented by Hidalgo Medical Services enabled non-competitive athletes to enjoy a timed challenge in the Gila National Forest. Participants chose from three ride distances with each route going out and back on the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway, which makes up portions of both the Gila Monster Road Race and Inner Loop Road Race during Tour of the Gila each spring.
The 80-mile course went from downtown Silver City to the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center then finished in Pinos Altos, while the 60-mile route took riders to another vista but excluded 2,500 feet of climbing. The 30-mile course both began and ended in Pinos Altos and turned around at the breathtaking Wildhorse Mesa.
Along the route were volunteer-staffed aid stations stocked with water, electrolyte replacements, and food such as bananas, energy gels, and freshly baked cookies. Support vehicles carrying inflation and hydration supplies followed riders and provided mechanical support. For varied reasons, a handful of participants accepted rides back to the start or finish lines in support vehicles. Finish times and photos are available here.
After the ride, which finished in as few as two hours for some riders and as many as seven for others, participants and volunteers gathered at the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House to socialize over snacks, drinks, and live music. Wilcox, who this summer attempted another record-setting ride around the world, said a few words about that journey and her upcoming goals. Silver City resident and past Tour of the Gila competitor Michael Creed also addressed the crowd, speaking about his experience directing the U.S. National Team to first-place wins at the UCI World Road Cycling Championships at the end of September.
The event was made possible by title sponsor Hidalgo Medical Center plus ride sponsors Copies on the Run, Gila Hike & Bike, and Morning Star Sports, along with partners like The Murray Hotel and Copper Manor Motel. The 2026 Lael Wilcox Gila Monster Gran Fondo presented by HMS was sponsored under a special use permit with the Gila National Forest and held under USA Cycling Permit.