Start of the National 24 Hour Challenge Bicycle Race

The National 24-Hour Challenge is an annual bicycling endurance competition held in Middleville, MI on Father's Day weekend, June 20-21, 2009.

Four hundred riders gather each June to see how many miles they can ride in one 24-hour period, perhaps to set a new record. A lofty goal, because the men's record stands at 502.6 miles and the women's record is 440.2 miles.

Most ride to set a new personal best, or to qualify for awards based on their cumulative mileage. We expect to award a 9,000-mile patch to one rider this year. There must be something to it, because 90% of the riders each year are back for another try.

The Challenge, now in its 27th year, is the premier event of its kind and has has attracted riders from all over the United States and a dozen foreign countries. It is one of eight 24-hour events in the US. There is another held in Denmark. Ours is the largest (and finest!) of them all. These events are sanctioned by the UltraMarathon Cycling Association, which also sanctions the granddaddy of all cycling events—the non-stop Race Across America.

The Challenge was originally based in Byron Center, then moved to Middleville for less traffic and better facilities. We are very happy to be in Middleville and, by all accounts, Middleville is happy to have us.

National 24 Hour Challenge
24 Hour Triple Challenge
Ultracycling Cup event with 1.74 Difficulty Points
June 20-21, 2009
Middleville, MI
Website   for the National 24 Hour Challenge bicycle race
E-mail   n24hc @ charter.net