The day is here: it’s time for a 24 hour bike ride!
24 Hours of Booty is a unique event were cyclists of all ages and abilities gather together and ride their bikes for 24 hours, all in the name of fighting cancer.
The 24 Hours of Booty is an
extraordinary cycling event that
is safe, fun, and open to all levels
of cycling ability, while bringing
cancer awareness to the community
and raising funds for noteworthy
cancer charities.
Last year, my mom and I participated in this event in the town I grew up in. This year we’re headed to Charlotte, the place where it all started 10 years ago.
This year’s already shaping up to be an adventure due to the record breaking heat that seems to be sweeping the country.
At a temperature almost 10 degrees hotter than usual, it’ll make for an interesting ride.
It’s so hot, in fact, the event organizers have issued a code red warning implying the potential for dangerous course conditions and are stressing the importance of safety, hydration, slowing down and taking care of yourself.
If it bumps up to black, the ride is shut down. Fingers crossed the heat’s not only bearable, but that the course stays open!
What’s a 24 Hour Bike Ride?
A 24 hour bike ride isn’t the most standard of events, and I’ve gotten a lot of questions about it.
How does it work?
24 Hours of Booty in Charlotte is a 2.97 mile loop around a neighborhood called Myers Park. While it’s open to traffic, lanes are blocked off and well marked for riders.
You can ride the loop as many or as few times as you want over the course of 24 hours. There’s no winner; there’s no set distance goal; there’s no minimum requirement to ride. It’s just about riding, having fun, and raising money for cancer.
Where do you go when you’re not riding?
Home base is called “Bootyville”. It’s full of tents and tables for eating, vendor booths, and a huge campground for all our tents.
Where do you sleep?
Most people stay in tents on a field in Bootyville. Some people head home for the night or grab some sleep in an air conditioned hotel. Staying overnight’s half the fun though. 
What do you eat?
Lots and lots of food. There are at least 4 meals served; usually 5. If you volunteer before the event like we do, tack on another meal to that. The Charlotte event is 7pm to 7pm, so they serve dinner, a midnight pizza party, an early riser breakfast, breakfast, and lunch. The food is provided by local restaurants. Of course there’s snacks and drinks galore to be found in between.
There’s always a chance to grab something and refuel- you burn a lot of calories in 24 hours!
How far do you ride?
As far as you want! Last year I rode 50+ miles. I’m hoping for a little more this year. Some people ride 300 or more!
Do you have to do the whole 24 hours?
Nope. In fact, the Charlotte ride is so popular they have a special event called “Reboot”, where riders can sign up to join the course during the day on the second day of the ride.
How many people do it?
Charlotte, the largest of the 3 events, has 1,200 riders this year {plus 300 volunteers}.
A little perspective? That’s 1,500 people lining up in Bootyville. That’s how many people die each day from cancer. And that’s why these events are so important.
How much money does it raise?
Charlotte has already passed the amazing milestone of ONE MILLION dollars this year, and the event hasn’t even started. That’s beyond impressive, considered the grand total raised so far is $6 million.
What in the world do you pack?
Lots.of.stuff. A tent, sleeping bags, bikes, helmets, shoes, clothes, and more.
Here’s a list of what I brought last year.
This year’s essentials are parred down a little thanks to experience. I’m loading up on a few extras though, like ZICO coconut water, Arctic Ease ice compresses {in case the knee or ankle flare up}, and Grease Monkey wipes to clean up messy hands after messing with bike chains, etc.
Other 24 Hours of Booty posts:
24 Hours of Booty: Last year’s ride recap.
24 Reasons Everyone Should Sign Up for a 24 Hour Event
Packing for a 24 Hour Bike Ride
Let the Ride Begin: last year’s ride goals
So, there you have it, a 24 hour bike ride. Now it’s time to toss the bikes on the car and head to Charlotte for a day of volunteering, and then tonight it’s time to ride!
Whew, good thing I carbo-loaded on salted caramel shortbread last night!
Psssst: Read this year’s 24 Hours of Booty recap here!!
{ 17 comments… read them below or chime in }
so exciting!!! good luck.
ps: I would bring along 2 extra tubes and co2 cartridges if you have them…flats are NO fun!
Have fun! And for goodness’ sake, STAY SAFE!!!! Good thing some other people will be there to help keep you in line! =)
Good luck and have fun!
How fun! Hope you knock out a ton of miles.
This looks so exciting! I have never heard of an event like this. Have fun!!
This sounds like a totally amazing event! I definitely would love to participate.
That sounds so fun!!!
Aw!!! That’s great!! My husband did this two years in a row, when we lived in Charlotte. I wasn’t cycling at the time, but always wanted to join in. Good luck!
Looks like a lot of fun! I’m very, very jealous..
AWESOME that you did this!!!!!!!!!!!! I practically live on the course, right behind freedom park!!! I wish I had known you were riding!
What a great event…..sounds like lots of fun and bonding while working together for a great cause…..this reminds me a lot of Relay For Life we do. It is from 7pm to 7am and it’s walking with a similar idea. It’s always so much fun, but also very emotional….
~stumbled~
What a great idea. Every year, we are involved in Ryan’s Ride which is held in memory of a friend’s son who died when he was two. His dad is a cancer survivor and avid road cyclist. All monies go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The adult road race that takes place on the same day is halted, and out onto the streets pour hundreds of kids, four and under. It is such a touching sight. They get under starters orders, then race their bikes to the end and get an icecream. It is a wonderful way to have some family time, remember a darling little boy and raise money for cancer. http://ryansride.org.
Sounds like an awesome event! Good for you!
That’s SO awesome!! Looking at all your gear, you’re a serious rider. What an amazing even to be part of!
Wow! This is an great charity. I wish my husband was closer because he would love to join you all.
As a cancer survivor, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
When will the heat end???? Good luck!