Attention dirt bike riders: if you've ever caught yourself staring into space, dreaming of riding all day and all night, now is your chance to realize that dream. For the first time since 2007, the Fraser Valley Dirt Riders Association (FVDRA) is holding its 24-Hour Dirt Rider Marathon. Riders of all calibres as well as spectators who want in on the action are invited to Hope, B.C., for a fun weekend over July 30 and 31.

"This year we’re raising money for cancer research—it’s Ride for the Cure," said Jane Yaschuk, the race director and marathon co-ordinator.

Yaschuk said the marathon is a well-respected event, drawing in many sponsors in addition to hundreds of riders. The FVDRA itself is a large club, with more than 200 voting members. It is also part of the Pacific North West Motorcycle Association.

There are two race courses, each catering to different calibres of riders. The lottery course will appeal to teams made up of dirt bikers with varying experience levels, such as families. There will be a minimum lap time, and every lap completed within the minimum time earns the team entrance into a lottery.

The main event, though, happens on the marathon course—and riders here are in it for the long haul.

"This is an endurance race and there are teams of six that run in a couple of categories," said Yaschuk. "The team that completes the most laps in the 24-hour period wins. We have some outstanding artwork trophies."

The course changes every year, so exact comparisons are difficult, but Yaschuk said that the winning team in 2007's expert class completed 88 laps. The event attracted 243 participants, but Yaschuk hopes that even more will attend this year.

"I would like to invite B.C.’s off-road riders to come join the fun and support Ride for the Cure," she said. "The Fraser Valley Dirt Riders welcome you."

Learn more on the FVDRA's website or the ride's Facebook page.