Ride the Ranch: BorderLands Gravel Pre-Ride on the Day of the Dead
When the sun rises over Douglas on the Day of the Dead (Nov. 1), the desert light will spill across the grand façade of the Gadsden Hotel. Riders will gather near its front steps, the sound of freehubs and morning chatter echoing off marble and stucco. It is the calm before an unforgettable ride, a prelude to November’s BorderLands Gravel event and a celebration of community, history, and the open desert.
At 9 a.m., race organizer Mike Miller will roll out from the Gadsden and lead a small group of riders east through Douglas toward the wide-open horizon. The route will trace a stretch of the official race course, offering a first glimpse of what awaits during BorderLands Gravel. Just an hour later, the group will reach the historic John Slaughter Ranch, a landmark deeply woven into the story of the borderlands.
For those unfamiliar, the ranch once belonged to John Slaughter, rancher, lawman, and one of Cochise County’s most iconic figures. Today it stands as a museum and a living reminder of the people who shaped this region. Riders will roll past weathered adobe walls, windmills, and cottonwoods that have shaded the ranch for generations. It is a ride through living history that perfectly captures the spirit of BorderLands Gravel: honoring place, respecting the past, and embracing adventure.
From the ranch, the route continues into the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge. Expect quiet desert roads, endless views, and the occasional call of a red-tailed hawk. This stretch embodies what gravel cycling in the borderlands is all about: raw, scenic, and deeply humbling.
But this pre-ride is not only a chance to preview the course. It is a chance to connect with fellow riders, with the land, and with the community that makes this event possible. Whether you are local to Cochise County or visiting for the weekend, you are invited to join, meet Mike, and experience the unique desert landscape that defines this region.
Join the BorderLands Gravel pre-ride on the Day of the Dead. Ride the ranch. Meet the community. Experience the desert before race day.
Interested? Click the button below and email Mike Miller,
