The Lael Wilcox Gila Monster Gran Fondo presented by Gila Hike & Bike 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. In 2025, the Gila Monster Gran Fondo is named after this inspirational endurance cyclist. She returns as the headliner 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.
GRAN FONDO: 80 miles with 10,696 feet of climbing
🏁 Silver City to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Visitor Center and back to Pinos Altos on NM 15, finishing at the historic Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House
🕘 9 a.m. from Gila Hike and Bike
7️⃣rest stops.
MEDIO FONDO: 60 miles with 6,966 feet of climbing
🏁 Silver City to the Clinton P. Anderson Overlook and back to Pinos Altos on NM-15, finishing at the historic Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House
🕘 9 a.m. from Gila Hike and Bike
5️⃣ rest stops.
NANO FONDO: 30 miles with 2,870 feet of climbing
🏁 Pinos Altos to Wild Horse Mesa and back to start on NM-15 to the start line.
🕙 10 a.m. at the Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House in Pinos Altos
1️⃣ rest stop
💦🍪💨 Sponsored 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.
🍻 Your registration includes an After-Ride Party from 4-6 p.m. at the historic Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House. Bring your families, mingle with fellow participants, and replenish your spent calories while quenching your thirst with a festive beverage.
🧷 Rider packet pick-up will be on Friday, October 10, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Gila Hike & Bike, 103 E. College Ave. Late packet pick-up and late registration will be available at Gila Hike & Bike at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 11.
💥 The entry fee is $100 per person until September 27, and $110 thereafter.
🛏️ 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 9, through Sunday, October 12, guests may call 575-956-9400 and press option 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.
🌲 The Gila Monster Gran Fondo is sponsored under a special use permit with the Gila National Forest, and held under USA Cycling Permit.
For more information, call Jack Brennan at 575-590-2612.
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Silver City, Sports events in Silver City, Workshops in Silver City.
