Gila Inner Loop Bike Tour Description The New Mexico Touring Society's Gila Inner Loop Super Tour is a two day bicycling adventure geared for riders of all fitness levels. The tour begins and ends in Silver City. Pedal the Gila Inner Loop Scenic Byway which has some moderate to steep ascents and descents through the Gila National Forest and crosses the continental divide two times. The altitude ranges from 5,800 to 7,800 feet and the terrain varies from rolling hills to evergreen forest. Motor vehicle traffic is low which makes the ride both safe and enjoyable. After leaving Silver City pedal through historic Pinos Altos, past Signal Peak, the Ben Lilly Monument, and on to Lake Roberts. After the night at Camp Thunderbird, the next morning ride through the small town of Mimbres past the Santa Rita mine and back to Silver City. Last year's tour had 60 cyclists. Seen on the Gila Tour Optional Side Trips Enjoy a 34 mile round-trip ride to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument ruins where you can experience a 1,550 foot pass with a 1400 foot descent into the Gila Gorge to view the Gila National Monument's cliff dwellings ruins and the challenging 1400 foot return ascent. There is a nice walk through the ruins and a visitor center. The seven mile climb from the NM 35/NM15 intersection to the pass at the Clinton P. Anderson overlook has a spectacular view of the Gila National Monument. This is an option on the first day. A short side trip through Pinos Altos provides a tour of the historic main street at the beginning of the tour. A bicycle or car ride from Hillsboro to Silver City over Emory Pass is an awesome 45-mile one way ride, rated by Bicycling magazine as one of the top climbs in the country. It is hot and dry but well worth the effort. This could be added on before or after the tour. Total Miles Total miles are 80 (approx. 40 each day) plus optional 34 mile(round-trip) into the Gila Cliff Dwellings.   Route Map   Elevation Profiles   Options Map   Gila Inner Loop Super Tour Description Fee Includes        Lodging at Camp Thunderbird Saturday Night Sumptuous catered cuisine de Italiano dinner Saturday night. Catered breakfast Sunday morning. Fruit, drinks, snacks on the road. SAG Support: we carry your gear and weary riders. Maps and ride instructions are picked up on the day of the ride. League of American Bicyclists rider's insurance. A great ride with fun people! Food On the ride Saturday and Sunday: Snacks, water, and sports drink, and fruit. Saturday Lunch: Typical ride lunch food is provided: peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, cookies, sports drink, etc. Saturday Night: A sumptuous group dinner provided at Camp Thunderbird by the Camp Thunderbird staff. Sunday Morning: Breakfast provided by Camp Thunderbird. Lodging and Personal Items Friday night: On your own. Silver City lodging. KOA Campground, Silver City, 1-800-562-7623. Showers are available (small fee) for the after ride. Saturday night: Camp Thunderbird (Provided). Camp Thunderbird has dorm-style bunks. Hot showers are provided. Bring a sleeping bag, towel, soap, a change of clothes for the evening, and rain gear. Expect cool weather at night, bring a jacket. There will also be prizes for the scavenger hunt during the day's ride. Tent camping is available, too. Required Bicycle Equipment All riders must wear an ANSI or SNELL approved helmet. Bring spare tubes, patch kit, pump, and basic tools. Bring rain gear and sunscreen. Expect cool mornings and hot afternoons. Showers and thundershowers with hail have been experienced so be prepared. Support Support vehicles will carry baggage to Camp Thunderbird, sag riders, and provide food stops with fresh fruit, snacks, sports drink, and water. Please pack light as space is limited. Volunteers If you have the time or a significant-other that doesn't ride, the Gila Tour can always use volunteers for SAG stops, luggage, etc. Housing and food are provided. The duties aren't all consuming so you have time to enjoy the beautiful Gila National Forest. Contact the "Contacts" below to volunteer or for more information. Safety and Medical Considerations Contact / Registration Registration forms are required by . For more information, download and print a registration form or contact the following individuals or see the March. Sign-Up Deadline The ride is limited to fifty riders so don't get left out! 2006 T-Shirt Back T-Shirts The 2007 Gila Inner Loop T-Shirts are long sleeve, synthetic with distinctive Gila artwork and the NMTS logo on the front and Gila Tour Logo on the back. This shirt will enhance your wardrobe. No one should be without one! Meeting Place Sponsors The following sponsors contributed to making the 2007 Gila Inner Super Loop a great success. Support our 2008 Gila Sponsors Bike Coop 3407 Central NE Bikes + 8810 Holly Ave NE Cycle Cave 5716 Menaul NE (west of San Pedro) Fat Tire Cycles 421 Montano, NE Great Harvest Bakery El Dorado Square, Riverside Plaza Ln. NW High Desert Bicycles 909 36th, Rio Rancho Performance Bike 1431 Mercantile Ave NE Sport Systems 1605 Juan Tabo NE, south of Indian School Sportz Outdoor 6915 Montgomery NE, west of Louisiana Twin Sisters Cycling Silver City, NM Two Wheel Drive 1706 Central SE, west of University  Wolf's Bagels Montgomery and San Pedro