City: Charlotte, NC

Category: Spectator Sports

Telephone: (704) 386-3043

Description: Introduced in August 2004, the criterium is part of the USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar (NRC) and attracts pro cyclists from around the world for a competitive, invitation-only twilight race over 50 miles. Uptown streets offer plenty of places to watch the race for free, or you can pay to party in the hospitality tent. Proceeds benefit the Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas. For those who want to ride rather than watch, 24 Hours of Booty is an around-the-clock amateur bike ride for all skill levels held the weekend prior to the criterium. Run on a 3-mile route around Queens University that locals call the “Booty Loop,” the community event takes its name from the area known for attracting lots of shapely bikers, runners, and walkers. The amateur event benefits the Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.