Safety and Medical Suggestions

The New Mexico Touring Society would like to welcome the participants of the Gila Inner Loop Super Tour and provide tips on keeping your ride enjoyable. We will be traveling through some areas that are scarcely populated, and there won't be stores to purchase sundry items. Our experience from past rides can help you avoid some of the discomforts suffered by others in previous years. Here is a brief list of items you should bring to the tour:

Sunscreen: It's bound to be a scorcher!

Diarrhea Medication: Strenuous exercise accompanied by changes in your diet can take a toll.

Large Tube of Chamois Creme: Use it on your bike chamois.

Tube of Diaper Rash Ointment: If you didn't use Chamois Creme and saddle sores result use an overnight remedy like Desitin.

Moleskin or Waterproof Medical Tape: For blister protection.

Pre-wrap Tape: To prevent painful hair loss from the removal of medical tape.

Antacids: "Oh, what the heck, I'm on vacation," doesn't translate well in your tummy.

Anti-inflammatory Tablets (ibuprofen/Aleve): For achy joints from riding and/or sleeping on the ground.

Feminine Protection Items: May be hard to come by in some areas and, unfortunately, you won't find dispensers at the camp.

Tips To Make The Trip More Enjoyable

  • Don't overdo it. Take your time, take breaks, take pictures. You'll be traveling through some beautiful parts of the state, so take time to appreciate it.
  • Be sure to break in your ride gear before the trip. Blisters and chafing don't make for good additions to vacation memories.
  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Dehydration can be avoided with a little preplanning, use a "camelback" if you have one.
  • Eat, Eat, Eat. Overhydration can occur if adequate food is not ingested regularly. Take advantage of the necessary nutrients available at the rest stops.
  • Finally, refrain from eating sugary foods and drinks an hour before riding to avoid an insulin response that may result in low blood sugar and muscle fatigue.

Safety & Medical Concerns

Safety, Safety, Safety. Without question, the number one priority is to be the safest ride possible. Yes, we want you to have loads of fun, but no amount of fun can compensate for having to tell your family that you have sustained a serious injury. Therefore, here are rules you are required to follow:

  1. Helmets are Required
    Each and every rider, including those in a bike trailer, must wear an ANSI or SNELL-approved helmet.

  2. You're Required To Follow All New Mexico Vehicle Laws
    All bicyclists are operators of vehicles by New Mexico law and must comply with traffic laws as if driving a car or other motor vehicle. The NMTS reserves the right to expel any participant who demonstrates an unwillingness to ride in a safe and/or lawful manner. In addition to expulsion, riders who violate safety laws contained in the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Code are also subject to citation by law enforcement officers.

  3. The Gila Inner Loop Super Tour Is A Tour, NOT A RACE!

  4. Every Rider Is Responsible For His or Her Own Well-Being
    No amount of organization on our part can relieve you of the responsibility of caring for yourself. Each cyclist should ride as an individual, assume responsibility for his or her safety and health, obey the rules of the road and yield to cars and pedestrians.

  5. Steep Hills - Take Care on the Descents
    The tour travels narrow, two lane forest roads, that are in pretty good condition. However, in addition to the ascents, there are several long descents so make sure your brakes are in good condition. Keep your speeds down to comfortable speeds.

  6. Training - Be Prepared.
    Make sure that you work as well as your trusty bicycle. The Gila Tour is of moderate difficulty but it definitly has climbing at elevations. Get out for several rides, the NMTS has several weekly rides, to make sure you are working as well too.

  7. Equipment - Make Sure Your Bicycle is in Good Condition
    Nothing spoils a ride quicker than avoidable mechanical problems. This can be bad tires, spokes, brakes or other obvious problems. If in doubt, take your bicycle into a shop for a tuneup and ride it before the ride.

  8. Leave Room For Vehicles To Pass Safely
    The tour travels on public highways shared by other vehicles. Therefore:

    • Ride no more than two abreast, and then only where it is safe to do so and when it does not force other riders to swing out too far in the lane to pass you.
    • Wait until a car has passed before overtaking the rider in front of you.
    • Do not draft behind a vehicle.
    • Ride to the far right-hand side of the road.

  9. Communicate With Other Cyclists
    Call "On Your Left" to alert a rider you intend to pass. The call, "Car Back!" passes the message forward when a vehicle is approaching from behind. Use arm signals to indicate turns. Point out potholes, broken glass and other hazards to the rider(s) behind you. Do not be afraid to point out any emergency maneuvers, e.g., "Stopping!," "Dog!" If you stop to look at a map or eat a snack, pull all the way off the road.

  10. Pay Attention To The Route
    There are a few possiblities of wrong turns, be sure of which direction you are going. Keep your head up and take note. The route crosses railroad tracks, cattle guards, steep descents, and busy intersections.

  11. Please Thank The Volunteers!
    The volunteers have chosen to use their time to make the tour possible and enjoyable for you.