We were lucky enough to catch up with Ryan Parnell of 24 Hours in the Canyon to ask some questions about their upcoming event happening on June 5th-6th at Palo Duro Canyon.
How long has the event been around and how did it start?
First event was in 2007 — I went to the inaugural LIVESTRONG Summit in Austin and they challenged us to do something to help cancer patients in our community.
2007 — 120 riders & donated $14,400
2008 — 353 riders & donated $40,000
2009 — 550 riders & donated $50,000
What was the motivation behind starting this event and who benefits from it?
I was prematurely diagnosed with lymphoma in 2006. Later, it was determined that what I have is spleen tissue left over from a previous injury. Since then I have dedicated myself to helping patients diagnosed with cancer. The Don and Sybil Harington Cancer Center receives 90% of our proceeds and the Lance Armstrong Foundation receives 10%
How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
Last year, we donated $45,000 that went to the Harrington Breast Center, which is a part of Harrington Cancer Center. That money was used to fund mammograms and diagnostic services for women who couldn’t afford care. Our donation helped more than 300 women and helped to diagnose 3 women with breast cancer. The money that we give to Harrington is used for patient care only.
Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances and planning it takes to put on this event?
We start planning and working on our event in November. You have to get an early jump if you want to get sponsorships and donations. It takes about 100 volunteers to put on our event. As for finances, our goal is to have the bulk of our expenses sponsored by businesses. This drastically limits our expenditures, and allows us to donate more money.
Can you give us some idea with regards on how hard it is to host this event during the night?
The night is actually the easiest part. Most people will go to sleep! Things really tend to slow down when the sun goes down. Lots of people will go out for a lap or 2 because our event is the only time you can ride the trails legally after dusk and then they go to sleep. Honestly, the hardest part is staying awake. I will have been up a lot of hours the week of the event finalizing details.
Which was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Meeting so many people who have been touched by this terrible disease and hearing their stories. Also, getting to present the big check to Harrington Cancer Center after the ride.
What’s the average number of riders per year who finish the 24 hour race?
Usually we don’t have more than 6 or so that end up riding the entire 24 hours without taking more than small breaks in between laps.
How many riders do you medically assist during the average race?
We probably help 50 or 60 riders. Most common is of course road and dirt rash. Last year, it seemed like everyone found the cactus on the trails.
What was the worst accident you had in this event?
We had a broken hip the very first year we put the event on. It was a freak accident on the mountain bike trails.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Come join us! We have the perfect venue to host 24 hour mountain bike and road riding at the same time. Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the US and us absolutely stunning.
How many port-a-potties do you have?
We only need 6 — two per campground. This is because all of the campgrounds have restrooms. We didn’t start having port-a-potties until 2009 and what prompted us to have them was a water line break in 2008. All of the water in the park was shut off for about 6 hours…which meant no restrooms. So, we have them now just in case.
Any celebrities joining the ride?
Nope
Additional stuff you would like to let folks know about this years ride?
I think you covered all of the good stuff
On that note — ‘Thank you Ryan for granting this quick interview and we hope we can catch up with everyone at the event.
Click here to view the event details for the 24 Hours in the Canyon or Follow them on Facebook