February 24, 2006
Billy the Kid’s Last Trail Ride” Back in the
Saddle.
125th Anniversary of “The Kid” meeting his
fate, at the end of the trail.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is back in the saddle in support of the fifth annual Billy the Kid’s Last Trail Ride” - the retracing of Billy the Kid’s travels after his infamous escape from the Lincoln County jail in 1881 by some of New Mexico’s modern-day cowboys, their friends and guests. This year marks the 125th anniversary of Billy’s final days at the end of his final trail ending in Ft. Sumner.
The adventure begins April 21st near Lincoln and ends April 29th in Ft. Sumner. The riders and their camp move from ranch to ranch, over 125 miles of mountains and plains into the Pecos River country. Ranchers along the way will host, just as they did during Billy’s day.
“Billy the Kid’s Last Trail Ride gives New Mexicans and their visitors a genuine cultural experience,” said Michael Cerletti, New Mexico Tourism Department secretary. “I can think of no better way to discover the beauty, enthusiasm and tradition of New Mexico’s Old West than to see it first hand, in the company of its most ardent supporters.”
After each day on the trail, ranch camps will provide a chance for respite, a laugh or two, and an opportunity to learn about the history of Billy the Kid. Many of the people who live on the land that Billy once rode over have fun and entertaining “Billy stories” to tell.
“Riders will long remember the warm hospitality and excellent food of our ranch camp hosts and caterers,” said Wally Roberts, trail ride coordinator. “The ride is a ‘Wild-at-Heart’, an unforgettable eight days of enchanted New Mexico; enough starry skies and campfires, history and memories to last a lifetime.”
Riders are accepted on a first-pay, first-ride basis. There will be additional charges for riders needing special arrangements. For more information visit http://www.billythekidtrailride.com/ or contact Wally Roberts, 505-441-1229 (cell phone) or wally@billythekidtrailride.com. Riders needing to rent a horse, contact Trail Boss Kim Chesser, 505-347-2668 or chesser@direcway.com.
Mike Stauffer, Communications Director, New Mexico Tourism Department
505-827-7379, mike.stauffer@state.nm.us