24 hour racing

One of the newest crazes in mountain bike riding is the 24 hour race. Yes, it is a race that lasts for 24 straight hours of biking. This includes riding in the dark on trails in the woods with just a light mounted on the handlebars. A trail that seemed just wide enough for the bike to fit through during the daylight hours will now become way too small to fit through in the dark.
Most races are composed of teams of 2-6 riders, but there are those who choose to ride solo. That means he or she is riding the entire 24 hours with relatively no breaks. At least within a team, you are getting a break while another member of your team is riding.
The popularity of this type of race is growing. The ability to compete and then ultimately complete it is a major accomplishment. It is akin to completing a marathon. I have yet to attempt a 24 hour race, but I have been part of a 12 hour 4 rider team. This was hard to complete, but I had half the distance to ride than the 24 hour race.
Websites for training and tips for completing the 24 hour race are increasing as the popularity of the race increases. One site offers a monthly subscription for training instructions.
Maybe sometime I will get motivated to compete in a 24 hour race, but I know will not be motivated enough to do it solo! That takes a different type of rider, a crazy one.

Blog from a 24 hour competitor
Another blog from a competitor
Tips for 24 hour racing
Trainer for hire
More tips for competing