Three ways to suffer beautifully, all on the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway: the 80-mile Gran Fondo (9,336 ft of climbing), the 60-mile Medio (6,810 ft), or the 30-mile Nano (2,747 ft). Every route is an out-and-back up New Mexico Highway 15 out of Silver City — pick your poison and ride to the top.
It rolls at 9am from Gila Hike & Bike on College Ave and finishes at the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House in Pinos Altos. Fully supported — rest stops with water, electrolytes, and real food, plus a sag wagon trailing each route with tubes and inflation.
The payoff is the after-party: free beer, soda, food, music, and a film screening with endurance legend Lael Wilcox, whose name the fondo now carries. Recreational spinner or competitive hammer, this one is built to be a good day.