Silver is a bit like Bisbee, the southern Santa Fe of NM.
And if you go to the Gila, even though it will be full of cars, the road from Silver City to Pinos Altos is so packed with bike riders year round that the cars are well trained. Very nice ride, from desert to the pines. Silver is a bit like Bisbee, the southern Santa Fe of NM. Again, go during the spring bike race, Tour of the Gila. The crit around downtown is a hoot to watch. Eat at the Mexican place on the very north end of the downtown, hidden behind the thrift store.