The Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire Rescue Department holds it October Fiesta fundraiser each year to support its firefighting effors in the large area it protects. Coordinating with the event each year is the Gila Monster Challenge Grand Fondo bicycle race, with rides of 32, 50, 70 and 103 miles. It draws riders from all over the region. The finish line is in downtown Pinos Altos.
Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
Pinos Altos VFR October Fiesta
Pinos Altos VFR 2013 October Fiesta
Music played by these locals filled the air
Pinos Altos VFR 2013 October Fiesta
The Gila Monster Challenge Grand Fondo Bicycle Race coordinates each year with the October Fiesta to offer rides of 32,50, 70, and 103 miles. Pictured here are Michael Barrow of Las Cruces, left, and Wayne Schram of Tuscon, right, with Michelle Geels, center, organizier of the Grand Fondo.
Pinos Altos VFR 2013 October Fiesta
David Rinsch shows various steps of the gold panning process. He takes a load of possible gold-bearing dirt, and gets it good and wet.
Pinos Altos VFR 2013 October Fiesta
Some of the mud has been sloshed out, leaving larger stones
Pinos Altos VFR 2013 October Fiesta
Down to the black sand, which indicates magnetite in the remaining soil
Pinos Altos VFR 2013 October Fiesta
Rinsch points out specks of gold on the edge of the magnetite
Pinos Altos VFR 2013 October Fiesta
A pan with a richer mixture of gold.
Pinos Altos VFR 2013 October Fiesta
With help from Frank Ferrara of the Gila Rangers, Laz McCauley, 8, pops three balloons with four shots.
