Spencer Lueders

Meet Spencer Lueders, the man behind the mission

Spencer Lueders, a Charlotte, N.C., attorney and cyclist, founded 24 Hours of Booty in 2002. 24 Hours of Booty is a grand convergence of Spencer’s passion for cycling and his respect for Lance Armstrong’s accomplishments as a cyclist and cancer advocate. While juggling the demands of a legal career, a growing family, and his commitment to health and fitness, Spencer set out to do something that would show support for Lance and for the cancer foundation that bears his name.

In 2001, Spencer and his father rode all 470 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in five days, honoring the place where Lance Armstrong found professional rebirth after his cancer recovery. Their challenge was not only physically and emotionally rewarding, but it also served as an instrument to bring awareness and recognition for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. As they raised money from friends, family and colleagues, each person recognized the sacrifices Spencer and his father were making as a small token of what sacrifices the cancer community makes every day. While a father and son grew closer over the miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, they hoped that their efforts would help bring the cancer community and the Lance Armstrong Foundation closer to everyone.

Once back in Charlotte, Spencer was pleased with his accomplishments but wanted to do more. While riding Charlotte's “Booty Loop” one day, he had an idea for an even bigger fund-raising event. Call it divine inspiration, killer endorphins or a too-tight helmet, Spencer's brain wave would ultimately result in something bigger than he ever could have imagined. From that seed of thought born on the Booty Loop one day, 24 Hours of Booty was born.

What makes Spencer's story even more inspiring is that he has no history of cancer in his immediate family. Someone who recognizes the impact cancer has on individuals, families and the community, as well as how each person can make a difference, Spencer has become a hero to the cancer community and an extraordinary model of how citizenship can work.

Want to know more? Follow Spencer on Twitter.