James bombing the Snake with Carey in hot pursuit!

The race websites and email distribution lists for the BURN 24 & the 6 Hours of Warrior Creek have never been used for anything other than race related announcements.  While this post is not race related, it is.  The BURN 24 has served as the unofficial grassroots 24 hour national championship for some time.  We’ve had pros race with us over the years and exceptionally fast individuals but for the most part, we’re all average run of the mill cyclists with day jobs that share cycling as a hobby.  That brings a sense of family and camaraderie to our sport.  It makes it fun!  We’ve seen this over and over when unfortunate circumstances arise that leave us with a rider down.  Regretfully, we’ve been left with a rider down.  James Caudill is a past participant of the BURN 24 Hour Challenge.  He has also helped build and maintain the trails at W Kerr Scott.  James is a cyclist.  That makes him part of our clique, right?  Last fall James was involved in a serious accident that involved major head trauma.  You can read his story here.  This year at the BURN, we’ll be selling left over race t-shirts from previous year’s events to benefit the C Foundation.  Our designs are typically pretty cool so whether you’re in need of a new t-shirt or out of shop rags, consider making a purchase or even just a donation.  All proceeds will go directly to the C Foundation to help cover the cost of James’ rehab and to help others in need that are suffering from traumatic brain injuries.  We would appreciate the extra support!

We never say never around here but we’re about to stick a fork in it!  It’s been a fun ride over the last dozen years or so but it’s time for the Southeast’s longest running 24 Hour MTB relay race to ride off into the sunset.  You can say our flame has BURNed out.  Don’t despair though, we’re about to take the wraps off a new event coming later in the year that will still give you a solid dose of Dark Mountain and an infamous BURN lap or two.  Don’t miss out on the 14th Annual 13th BURN 24 Hour Challenge.  Registration has been steady, just like the rain down here in Wilkes.  We’re looking forward to seeing you soon.

Starting at 8pm while you’re in a stupor from gorging yourself on deep fried turkey, sign up for the BURN 24 Hour Challenge on Memorial Day Weekend 2013.  For one week, use the coupon code “tryptophan” and save 10% on the already ridiculously low registration rates.

We’ll be racing at high noon on 5/25/2013.  We hope you can join us!