Annual NMTS Gila Inner Loop Super Tour Description Save the dates for this year's New Mexico Touring Society's Gila Inner Loop Super Tour! This extremely scenic tour will take us on a two-day ride on the Gila Inner Loop. You will ride through pine forests and green meadows and see wide-open vistas in the Gila National Forest and along the beautiful Mimbres River valley. Registration Form and Instructions Route Map Elevation Profiles Options Map Bikely.com Interactive Route Map     Click "Show" and "Elevation Profile" for elevation profile Gila Inner Loop Description Day 1 Pedal the Gila Inner Loop Scenic Byway which has some moderate to steep ascents and descents through the Gila National Forest. 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. The route the first day starts at the Wal-Mart parking lot in Silver City and goes over the Continental Divide twice to reach Camp Thunderbird, our overnight location in the Gila wilderness. The distance is about 40 miles, with about 3750 feet of climbing. At Camp Thunderbird on Saturday night, we will have a huge celebration with plenty of food and drink as well entertainment, laughs, and prizes. Optional miles for the first Day Climb to the Clinton P. Anderson Overlook - 14 miles round trip, 1450 feet of climbing. Continue past the Clinton P. Anderson Overlook to the Gila Cliff Dwellings - an additional 22.5 miles round trip and 1900 feet of climbing. Day 2 The second day, we ride down the scenic Mimbres River valley and then turn west along NM 152 to return to the start in Silver City, with a break at the Santa Rita open pit copper mine. Total distance is 33.5 miles and 2000 feet of climbing. Optional miles for the second Day Option for the second day is to return to Silver City by the reverse of the first day's route. Another popular option is to turn east at San Lorenzo, ride over Emory Pass (one of the top climbs in the US), and have someone pick you up at Hillsborough on the way home. Registration Print the registration on-line registration form and mail the form and a check to the address on the form. Fees The fee will be $55 for NMTS members, $60 for non-members. This fee includes SAG support and plenty to eat and drink at stops along the route, on both days. SAG transportation of your gear from WalMart to Camp Thunderbird on Saturday and returning to WalMart on Sunday. Overnight stay at Camp Thunderbird, including snacks and sodas/beer/wine after arrival, Saturday evening dinner, and Sunday morning breakfast. Hot showers and bunkhouse sleeping arrangements at Camp Thunderbird (bunk beds with mattresses; bring a sleeping bag). Camping outside is also OK, if desired. Registration Fees are non-refundable. Getting There Most riders will arrive in Silver City on Friday, May 9th. Stay at any of a number of local motels on Friday night, including Silver City Super 8, 1-800-800-8000, or www.super8.com Holiday Inn Express, 1-800-315-2621, or www.hiexpress.com KOA campground, 1-800-562-7623, or www.koa.com 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 I am looking for individuals willing to help support the tour, by helping with rest stops, driving SAG support, etc. If you are planning to ride the Tour and have a non-riding family member or friend who would like to come along, I will waive the registration fee for anyone volunteering his or her time to support the tour. Please contact Bill Thompson, 299-0302, to volunteer to help support the Tour or if you have any questions about the Tour. . Safety and Medical Considerations T-Shirt Back T-Shirts The optional 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! Order yours on the registration form by April 25. Meeting Place The meeting place and time will be specified on the registration form, be on time. Place: Wal-Mart parking lot on Hwy. 180, on the east end of Silver City. Park and meet in the parking lot on the west side of the Wall-Mart building. Time: Saturday, May 10, 2008. Sign-in starts at 7:30 AM, with the ride beginning at 8:00 AM. SAG vehicle leaves at 8:30. PLEASE be on time. Cars may be left overnight in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Most riders will finish the ride around noon on Sunday. Sponsors The following sponsors contributed to making the 2008 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