The 6th Annual 24 hours in the Canyon invites you to join their upcoming ride happening on June 2-3, 2012 at Palo Duro State Park – Canyon, TX
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Ryan Parnell, Event Director of 24 hours in the Canyon to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
Why join the Ride?
To make a difference in the life of a cancer patient, to remember those who we have lost to this terrible disease, and to celebrate with those who have won the battle. Also, people should join it because it is held in one of the most beautiful places to ride a bike!
How long has the event been around?
This is our 6th Annual ride
What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
In 2006 I was prematurely diagnosed with lymphoma. Thankfully, after numerous tests, scans, and a biopsy, it was not lymphoma. After that experience, I really wanted to do something to help people diagnosed with cancer. It was a scary time for me and my family, and we wanted to try to make a difference.
How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
The funds have helped to provide mammograms for women who could not afford one, it has helped in teeth removal from head and neck cancer patients who needed them removed prior to having their radiation treatment, as well as helping to provide a multi-disciplinary clinic where a patient from out of town can come and see every doctor who will assist in their cancer treatment at one time rather than several different appointments.
Do you have a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
Download the Map here
Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
We begin planning for the next year’s ride in late October. We have 25 committee members who work tirelessly to make 24 Hours happen. During the event, we have approx 60 volunteers (not counting committee members) & 20 medical personnel who assist thru the weekend.
What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Meeting someone who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 28 because of the money that we donated from the event. 24 Hours in the Canyon paid for her screening & diagnostic mammograms as well as her biopsy. She is now thru with her treatment and in remission. Doesn’t get any better than that!
What is the average number of participants per year?
We average about 500 riders per year
What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?
Unforgettable: Seeing 6 deer wander thru the campground at 2:00 am Sunday morning
Rewarding: Hearing all of the stories about the people that participants are riding for
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Sign up to ride or donate HERE. If you can’t make it to the event, you can register as a ghostrider and we’ll send you a cool Ghostrider T-shirt
What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I am the event director. This event has been successful due to the dedication of the committee. It has become almost a year-round passion of ours and truly takes a small village to pull it off.
Do you ride and if yes, what kind of bicycle do you ride and what is your favorite route in your area? Which are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides in Texas (besides your own)?
I ride both road and mountain bikes — Palo Duro Canyon is an amazing place to ride both disciplines.
MUST DO RIDES: Texas Time Trials (www.tt24tt.com), The LIVESTRONG ride in Austin, Shiner GASP
If you had to come up with a David Letterman style top 10 about the race, what would it read like?
TOP 10 FACTS ABOUT 24 HOURS IN THE CANYON
10: 130 campsites are used for the weekend… and lots of well placed tents elsewhere
9: The flies at Palo Duro Canyon laugh in the face of DEET
8. 24 Hours in the Canyon is the only simultaneous 24 hour road & mountain bike event in the country
7. There may or may not be some crazy costumes that show up at the Red Eye Rider start at 2:00 am Sunday morning
6. We challenge you to find a better goodie bag given to riders than ours
5. The kids race at the beginning of the event is the most exciting race of the weekend — and they all get a trophy!
4. $45 for non-competitive riders is a steal for what you get in return
3. 24 Hours in the Canyon is the only time you can ride the Palo Duro Canyon mountain bike trails at night (legally that is!)
2. Competitive, non-competitive, road, or mountain — we have it all!
1. 24 Hours in the Canyon is the most uplifting & challenging 24 hours that you can experience on a bike
Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year?s ride?
We still have room to put people who want to come and ride. Last day to register to ride competitively is May 25th and the last day to register non-competitive is May 28th.
Thanks Ryan for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the 24 hours in the Canyon
