There is a lot of info here — We’ve tried to answer all of the most commonly asked questions. Please read thru these prior to emailing your question.
Q: When & where will goodie bag pickup be?
A: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Northwest Texas Healthcare System Pavilion Auditorium – See location map HERE
Friday, May 31, 2024 – 4:00pm – 8:00pm – Mack Dick Pavilion – Palo Duro Canyon
Saturday, June 1, 2024 – 7:00am – 9:00am – Mack Dick Pavilion – Palo Duro Canyon
*If you don’t want to wait in line to get your goodie bag & t-shirt, you can choose to have it mailed to you when you register
GOODIE BAGS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP AFTER 9:00am ON SATURDAY
GOODIE BAGS MAY BE PICKED UP FOR YOU BY SOMEONE ELSE
Q: What do I get with a PREMIUM Registration?
A: When you register, if you pay the PREMIUM Registration fee, you’ll receive the following:
Choice of a six-pack of Park Road 5 Pale Ale or a bag of Slick Tire / Knobby Tire Coffee
Entry into a drawing for a bike rack from 1UP
$20 in Merch Money – to be spent on 24:00 gear or can be donated to your fundraising total
Entry into Pondaseta Pre-Ride Party (8:30pm – 10:00pm) for you + a guest – Mack Dick Pavilion – Adult beverages & snacks provided
Live recording of Beyond the Ribbon Podcast (8:30pm – 9:30pm)
Q: Do I really have to ride for 24 hours?
A: The short answer is NO… unless you are racing competitively. While there will be many people who will complete (or attempt) the 24 Hours solo, most choose to do it as a team. Non-Competitive teams may be made up of as many riders as you would like. Your team may choose to attack the 24 Hours in many ways. Here are examples of what some teams have done:
Assign hours to a specific rider so they know when they are riding.
Each rider rides when they want and for as long as they want.
Everyone sticks together – ride as a team & rest as a team
It is really up to you!
Q: Do I need to reserve a camping spot at Palo Duro Canyon?
A: No. We take care of everything. When you register, the Team Captain or Solo Racer will be asked to tell us what your plans are for camping. A camping spot will be assigned to your team for Friday & Saturday nights of the event (while spots are available). Camping assignments will be emailed out prior to 24 Hours in the Canyon. We will assign camping spots with electricity and water hookups for teams utilizing campers or RVs.
Q: What campgrounds will be used for the weekend?
A: We have every camping spot in Palo Duro Canyon reserved for the event.
Q: Which campground will I be in?
A: You will be assigned a spot based on the following criteria (while spots are available):
If you are a sponsor
Timeliness of registration
Whether you are riding competitively or non-competitively
Road or Mountain Bike
If you need electricity or not for a camper or RV
Q: What hotel is closest to Palo Duro Canyon?
A: The closest hotel will be in Canyon (9-10 miles from Palo Duro Canyon). It is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites (2901 4th Ave) — (806)655-4445
Q: What if I am from out of town and can’t make it on Wednesday for packet pick-up?
A: No problem. See Question 1 Above
Q: Will I have to pay to get into Palo Duro Canyon?
A: No. Your registration fee covers entrance into the park. You will receive a wristband in your packet that allows you free entry into the park. If you have friends or family who are not participating, they will have to pay to get in.
Q: What is provided for the weekend?
A: Your registration gets you:
Entrance into Palo Duro Canyon
Camping Spot for Fri & Sat of the event (based on availability)
Event t-shirt
Goodie bag
2 Meals – Dinner on Friday and Saturday nights
Stocked rest areas
24 Hours of fun!
Q: What are we having for dinner?
A: We will be serving the following (subject to change):
Friday Night (Mack Dick Pavilion) – Pasta Feast
Saturday Night (Lone Star Interpretive & Mesquite) – BBQ Sandwiches
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Here is a suggested list of items that will make your weekend more enjoyable:
Bike
Helmet – REQUIRED
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Lights for night riding
Headlight and Taillight – REQUIRED
Snacks
Water
Ice – may be purchased at the Trading Post or in the town of Canyon
Camping supplies
Q: What routes will we be riding?
A: All routes will be clearly marked for you to easily follow.
ROAD: See map on website
MTB: See map on website
Q: Is the 100-mile route for competitors only or can anyone ride it?
A: The 100-mile route is only for 24 Solo racers and those racing in the Slicks & Knobbies categories.
Q: What happens when the sun goes down? How do I ride safely?
A: When the sun goes down, you are required to have adequate lighting for your bike. This can be done in a variety of ways from as simple as flashlights to a bike lighting system. You MUST HAVE 1 headlight & 1 taillight from dusk to dawn.
Q: Are there age breakdowns for the competitive race?
A: Yes, we have the following age breakdowns for competitive racers:
14 & under / 15-17 / 18-34 / 35-49 / 50-59 / 60-69 / 70+ — These categories are only for solo racers. Teams are not split into age categories.
Q: How are the age categories figured?
A: It is solely based on your BIRTH YEAR. ex) 2018 – 1974 = 44 (35-49 category)
Q: What teams may participate in the competitive race?
A: We allow 2 and 4 person teams that can be made up of all male, all female, or mixed. We also have a Large Team category that is 7 minimum and 10 maximum members.
Q: Are registration fees per person or per team?
A: Registration fees are per person
Q: When does the Registration Fee increase?
A: The Registration fee will increase by $25 on 4/12/24 & an additional $10 on 5/3/24
Q: Can we register a 3 person team in the 4 person category?
A: Yes
Q: When is the last day to sub/change a competitive racer on my team?
A: No changes may be made after competitive registration closes – which happens 2 weeks prior to the event. Event Director reserves the right to allow changes at any time.
Q: Will you keep my time that I ride for me and my team?
A: We will have electronic chip timing for competitive participants only. This will be done for award purposes. We encourage non-competitive participants to set a goal for yourself and/or your team and keep track of your own progress.
Q: How does the timing work for competitive racers?
A: Each team or solo racer will have a timing chip assigned to them for the event. Teams will exchange riders in the designated exchange zone upon completion of a lap. Riders may only be exchanged there — not on course.
Q: If I am racing, can I use more than 1 bike?
A: Yes, as long as it is the same type of bike in the category that you are racing in (Geared, SS, or Road).
Q: Can I use a time trial bike on the road course?
A: Yes
Q: What is the definition of a FAT Bike?
A: A Fat Bike is defined as 3.7-inch tires or larger on the front & rear
Q: How do I get registered?
A: Registration is online only.
Q: Is there day of event registration?
A: No. In fact, registration will usually close prior to the event due to being out of camping space in the park
Q: When can I register my child(ren) for the kids race?
A: You can sign your child(ren) up on the Wednesday prior to the event at packet-pick-up or on the Saturday morning of the event starting at 8:00 am at the Mack Dick Pavilion.
Q: What is a Ghostrider?
A: A Ghostrider is a non-participatory category. For example, it is someone who can’t make it to the event or doesn’t ride bikes but wants to support the cause. By registering as a Ghostrider you are making a donation to support 24 Hours in the Canyon and we’ll send you this year’s Ghostrider shirt.
Q: What is the Red Eye Rider Award?
A: This is for Non-Competitive riders – we will meet at 2:00 am in Mesquite Campground on Sunday and check-in. Anyone who checks-in and rides a lap will be entered into a drawing for a prize to be determined.
Q: What happens if I register and then can’t make it to the event?
A: While we will miss you at the event, we cannot refund any registration fees.
Q: What if it rains? Will you re-schedule the event?
A: Cancelling 24 Hours in the Canyon will be a decision that will be made on the day of the ride. If the decision is made to cancel the event, we will not be able to make it up. All announcements of closing of trails or canceling the event will be made at Palo Duro Canyon.
Q: Are dogs allowed in the Canyon?
A: Yes, but they MUST remain on a leash.
Q: Do I have to raise money for 24 Hours in the Canyon?
A: Fundraising is not a requirement for 24 Hours in the Canyon. However, we encourage you to try to raise some money to be donated. All proceeds are donated, & we have many fundraising incentives to reward you for your efforts.
Q: When will I receive my fundraising incentives?
A: Fundraising incentives are available when you pick up your goodie bag.
Q: How long after the event can I raise money and earn fundraising incentives?
A: We will still qualify you for incentives for 1 week after the event.
Q: Where does the money from 24 Hours in the Canyon go?
A: ALL proceeds from 24 Hours in the Canyon are used to fund the 24 Hours in the Canyon Cancer Survivorship Center at 6600 Kilgore Dr. #100. The proceeds are donated to the Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation (a 501c3 – non-profit) which oversees the center. For more info on the Cancer Survivorship Center, click HERE
Q: Do corporate matching funds count?
A: Yes. Please check with your employer to see if they will match any money you donate to a non-profit organization. This is an easy way to fundraise.
Q: Who do I make a check out to?
A: 24 Hours in the Canyon
Q: If I need a camping spot prior to or after the event, how do I that?
A: See News item here –> https://24hoursinthecanyon.org/?p=2303