Dangerbird hits its stride

A bikepacking ride that started with about 10 local cyclists is now drawing 200 participants to southern New Mexico, marking a decade of growth for an event that has become a celebration of the region's public lands and outdoor recreation. 

Dangerbird returns Nov. 6 for its 10th year, with registration already full. The free, noncompetitive event follows the 250-mile Monumental Loop, a network of roads and trails connecting the four sections of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. 

Patrick Nolan, executive director of Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, said the event began as a small group of local riders looking to explore the route together. As participation grew, organizers saw an opportunity to introduce more people to the monument and the communities surrounding it. 

"We really leaned in on making this event a celebration of public lands, a celebration of our community, a celebration of our monument," Nolan said. 

The route takes cyclists through landscapes that extend past the monument's most familiar destinations, including the Sierra de las Uvas and Robledo Mountains. Although the full loop covers 250 miles, Nolan said people also explore individual sections throughout the year, including the 27-mile Sierra Vista Trail. 

Dangerbird has attracted cyclists from neighboring states and other parts of the country, with past participants traveling from as far away as England and Finland. Nolan said he believes someone from England may return this year, reflecting the event's growing reach. 

That interest also brings visitors into Las Cruces and smaller communities along the route. Riders stop at restaurants, coffee shops and other businesses while traveling through the region, creating opportunities for local businesses to benefit from outdoor recreation. 

Nolan said Visit Las Cruces has been an important partner in supporting the event, while Picacho Coffee Roasters contributes coffee. Volunteers also help staff aid stations and the market, making the gathering a community effort that requires months of preparation. 

Kyla Navarro, who helps organize Dangerbird, said the event has become more involved than its early days as an informal invitation to ride. Organizers now coordinate permits, insurance, and communication with participants, including making sure cyclists understand the challenges of the route. 

"It's making sure that the riders are informed on what they're getting into because it is a difficult ride," Navarro said. 

Dangerbird is not a race, and Nolan said the goal is to give people an opportunity to enjoy public lands, meet other riders, and explore the region. Shorter introductory rides, including Safety Bird, have also been developed to help newcomers gain experience before attempting longer distances. 

Jessica Gomez, community engagement coordinator with Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, has participated in a shorter version of the ride with high school students. The approximately 20-mile experience introduced younger riders to bikepacking, while the larger event continues to require coordination among staff, volunteers, and community partners. Gomez said preparing for Dangerbird involves plenty of meetings with organizations, partners and sponsors, along with "lots of coffee." 

For Navarro, the work also brings opportunities to meet cyclists traveling from different places and see how they prepare their bicycles and equipment. She recalled participants arriving from Florida without a car, using other forms of transportation to reach Las Cruces with their bikes. 

The event's community focus extends beyond those participating in the ride. Organizers will host a free Pre-Bird Market at the downtown Las Cruces Plaza, bringing together local artists, bicycle vendors, organizations and families. 

The gathering will feature music, arts and crafts, a family bike ride, and an obstacle course. Safe Routes to School will also help provide bicycle safety training and helmet checks, giving residents an opportunity to participate even if they are not riding the Monumental Loop. 

The celebration is supported by Visit Las Cruces, New Mexico True, El Paso Electric, Picacho Coffee Roasters and the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division. 

As Dangerbird enters its second decade, organizers are considering how the Monumental Loop could become a more established outdoor recreation destination. Nolan said one long-term goal is to have the route formally recognized and managed, rather than remaining a collection of connected roads and trails. 

Navarro also hopes the event will continue introducing visitors to southern New Mexico, particularly those who may be more familiar with destinations such as Santa Fe and Taos. She said the region's landscapes offer a different experience that deserves greater attention. 

Nolan said the experience also carries a message about the region's public lands. 

"I hope they come away with a really firm understanding of why we work to protect these places," he said.