Charlotte

24 Hours of Booty is the one and only 24-hour road cycling charity event in the country. The official 24-hour road ride of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, this unique and exciting event is fully supported on a traffic-free loop. The event originated in 2002 when one man set out to cycle for 24 hours to raise money for the LAF. He set his sights on a three-mile loop of roadway, nicknamed the “Booty Loop” by local runners, cyclists and sports enthusiasts, in Charlotte, N.C.’s tree-lined Myers Park neighborhood. He completed his mission and started a movement.

In order to make my road cycling experience a little more enjoyable and to spice things up a bit I tried something a little different, at least for me anyway. I get invited by a few of my friends to go trail riding with them. Now, mind you, I haven’t been on a Mountain Bike in several years nor on a trail in the past 20.

The Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium is excited to announce its inclusion in both the U.S.A. National Racing Series and U.S.A. CRITS Championship series. The 2008 races have top ranking and the highest purses in the country, guaranteeing elite riders for both and an awesome spectator event.

For those of you that are looking for weekday morning rides, that are actually outside and not in a gym, the Pony Express Ride is for you. Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, starting from the Post Office on Ballantyne Commons Pkwy & Elm Lane at 6:15 AM, weather permitting. Rain at 5:45 AM or temperatures below 40° will cancel the ride. The ride will cover a distance of 15-20 miles at an average speed of 17-19 mph. It is a no drop ride!

This recreational bike ride offers a gently rolling 20 mile option and a more challenging 50 mile option through the rolling hills of Union County SC. If you always wanted to do a group ride, but were intimidated, this is your chance to feel the rush of riding in a group. The 20 mile route is designed for beginners and will have rest stops. In addition to several rest stops available on the course, your registration fee covers the highly sought Captain Jack T-shirt as well as a delicious lunch served at the Start/Finish line.

This week is Bike Charlotte. Make sure you go to BikeCharlotte.com for all the local bike related events this week.

May is National Bike Month, Bike-to-work week is May 12-16, and Bike-to-work day is May 16. If you need more ideas on how to promote cycling in your area the League of American Wheelmen have a .PDF file for you, 50 Things For Bike Month.

Just a reminder, the Inaugural Poker Ride, sponsored by Bicycles East, will be held this Saturday May 10. Find out more at BikesEast.com and sign up at ActiverZach.