24 Hours in Old Pueblo

The eighth annual 24 Hours of Old Pueblo, one of the largest 24 hour races in North America, will happen February 17-18 north of Tucson, Arizona. Promoters attribute the race's popularity to its emphasis on celebrating mountain biking. Its late winter time slot also draws racers from colder climates looking for warmer weather.

"We like to think of the event as a huge party that happens to have a mountain bike race going on nearby," said Todd Sadow, president of Epic Rides, the promoting company. "The event has grown to attract more than 3,000 people, including participants and spectators, each year and that is a testament of its ability to appeal to a wide range of cyclists - not just the serious racers."

The 24 Hours in Old Pueblo will be the only American race in the 2007 Kona Global 24 hour series (G24) thanks to a recent three-year sponsorship agreement signed by Epic Rides and Kona.

"The 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo has a solid reputation and the vibe that Kona has been looking for in an around-the-clock event," said Kona's Mark Peterson. "A portion of the proceeds is donated to a non-profit that promotes economic development for old mining communities (Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition). This fits right in with our belief that bikes can help make the world a better place."

As the title sponsor, Kona earns special privileges. Peterson said that Sadow "pretty much sealed the deal" when he noted in his sponsorship proposal that Kona would "receive intimate one-on-one time from within the port-o-lets throughout 24-Hour Town."

Registration is closed, but for more information or to volunteer, visit http://epicrides.com/twofour/24.htm.