Who We Are
Since 1987, our community has been putting on five days of world-class road racing in the Heart of the Gila. Organized by the non-profit Gila Community and Tourism Development, the race would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who step up each year to make this the most challenging bicycle stage race in America.
What We Do
Each year Tour of the Gila, one of the premier stage races in the world, takes place in and around Silver City. There are several racing categories that are based on the skill and experience of the riders--from beginning racers to professionals, or somewhere in between.
A large group of dedicated volunteers is responsible for putting on this exciting and amazing five-day stage race. Come join us--enjoy the spring with old and new friends, work hard and have fun!
There are many ways to contribute to this race:
Course Marshals: Marshals help manage the flow of riders throughout the racecourse; they keep motor vehicles and pedestrians off the roads at specific times and places, direct riders and race vehicles at intersections, and help pedestrians and spectators cross the racecourse at appropriate times. The greatest need for course marshals is during the Saturday Downtown Criterium, when racers ride several laps of a closed course in the historic district of Silver City. This is a good time to bring a friend or family member to enjoy the race and help you with marshaling.
Drivers: Drivers are needed for each of the race categories on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. A lead vehicle drives at the front of each category; support vehicles carry spare wheels for riders who need them during the race; "comm cars" carry the commissaires, or race officials; and the sag wagon follows the last riders in each category, and may pick up those who cannot finish the stage. No experience is necessary to be a driver; a training session is held prior to the event. Tour of the Gila covers the cost of gas.
Medical Personnel: Medical professionals are needed to treat injured and/or exhausted rider at the finish line's first aid tents. The race has received help from many types of medical professionals: physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, paramedics, EMTs, physical therapists, occupational therapists, trainers and medical assistants.
Host Housing: Tour of the Gila is required to provide some team housing during race week. Local residents who host team personnel have a unique chance to get to know the cyclists who travel here from across the US and the world. Teams need a place to sleep, access to a bathroom and to a kitchen, and a safe place to store bicycles. Hosts are not expected to feed or clean up after racers, who prepare their own meals or dine out. Any offers are appreciated--from a sofabed to a whole house, and anything in between.
Team Support: Teams often need assistance with transportation, handing food to racers in the designated feed zones, and other support activities.
Let us know what you'd like to do, how much time you can give, and what special skills you might have, and we can match you with a volunteer job. See https://tourofthegila.com/ for more information about the race and ways you can volunteer.
