Gila Community and Tourism Development DBA Tour of the Gila

The mission of Gila Tourism and Community Development is to: promote bicycling and outdoor recreation for community and tourism development; create outdoor recreation opportunities for rural and low-income residents; educate the public about recreational safety and health benefits; and conduct other mission-related activities permitted by the New Mexico Nonprofit Corporation Act and federal regulations for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. The purpose of Tour of the Gila is to: promote the sport of bicycling in southwestern New Mexico and conduct the annual Tour of the Gila bicycle race. The Tour of the Gila is a 5-day bicycle stage race set among the scenic landscapes of Southwest New Mexico. The race began in 1987 as a way to showcase outdoor opportunities and bring much needed economic benefit to Grant County. Over the past 37 years, the Tour has become a “must-do” race for amateur and professional cyclists across the globe, due to its reputation for being an extremely well organized event with some of the most iconic routes in the country – known equally for their challenge and beauty. The Gila Tourism and Community Development 501(c)(3) nonprofit was established to support the race and to receive critical, sustaining funds from passionate donors. Scheduled for April 24-28, 2024, the Tour of the Gila is one of only two UCI level stage races in the U.S. for both Professional Men and Women, as well as being the only New Mexico cycling event that enables amateurs and beginners to race the same courses as the pros. The race is a hall pass to experience a long loop of the Gila National Forest, local/regional food, the hometown culture and truly is one of the most unique race experiences in the U.S. Our race has expanded its reach to a different time of the year in a spin-off event: The Gila Monster Gran Fondo, a fun ride that takes place in October. Local support for the event is phenomenal with the Tour enjoying the assistance of more than 800 volunteers as well as generous collaboration from State, County and City Governments and agencies. Educational opportunities are generated by having Professional cycling teams visit area schools – a huge hit with the kids! A children’s bicycle rodeo featuring bicycle safety activities is incorporated into the downtown event, as well as the ever-popular citizen races that give kids the opportunity to race on downtown streets. The Tour of the Gila is a great race and not just for spectators and fans – amateurs and professionals attest year-after-year to the positive impact the race has on their lives, launching the careers of America’s best riders. Olympians like Kristin Armstrong and Mara Abbot adore the Tour of the Gila, and Americans racing on and director World Tour teams appreciate the race’s role in their path to the top. Such professionals include 2023 Vuelta a España winner Sepp Kuss and EF Education-Cannondale Director Sportif Carmen Small.