Expect Many People To Be Riding on Bikes on Grant County Roads This Saturday

Route for Recreational Ride Follows NM Highway 15 to the Gila Cliff Dwellings

Silver City, NM — This Saturday, October 10, an organized recreational bicycle ride will take place along New Mexico Highway 15. Up to 200 people on bikes will be pedaling the route leading from Silver City to the Gila Cliff Dwellings and back to historic Pinos Altos. 

There are no road closures planned, but law enforcement officers will escort the riders from the start at Gila Hike & Bike (103 E. College Ave.) through Silver City to the start of NM-15. 

The likelihood that people driving cars will notice an increased number of people riding bikes in and around Silver City during the days surrounding the event, which is hosted by the organizers of the Tour of the Gila.

Participants are instructed to follow state and local laws. New Mexico law treats bicycles as vehicles, meaning riders share the same general rights and duties as drivers of cars.

A reminder of New Mexico traffic laws related to cycling:

Idaho Stop: Bicyclists are allowed to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs under Senate Bill 73, which took effect in July of 2025. This means people riding bikes can proceed through an intersection without coming to a complete stop as long as the intersection is clear and it is safe to do so.

Two abreast: People on bikes may ride side by side when it does not impede traffic. 

Lane positioning: Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

Three feet to pass: Under New Mexico statute (NMSA § 66-7-355), drivers must pass a cyclist at a safe distance. Three feet is the recommended minimum distance. People driving motor vehicles should wait for a clear lane and allow ample room.

Registration costs $110 and is open at bikereg.com/gila-monster-gran-fondo. In-person registration and packet pickup is at Gila Hike & Bike (103 E. College Ave.) on Friday, October 9, from 3 to 7 p.m.

The 2026 Lael Wilcox Gila Monster Gran Fondo presented by HMS is sponsored under a special use permit with the Gila National Forest and held under USA Cycling Permit. Organizers also thank the following event sponsors: J & J Signs, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House, State Farm - Jon Saari, Murray Hotel, Copper Manor Motel, Town of Silver City, Grant County, Gila National Forest, Grant County Search & Rescue, Gila Amateur Radio Society and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.