LOWVELO event draws thousands for cancer research, bringing road closures to Isle of Palms

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The LOWVELO ride returns on Saturday, November 2, as cyclists come together to raise funds for lifesaving cancer research at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.

This year’s event expects over 1,800 participants—surpassing last year’s record of 1,334 riders—and aims to continue LOWVELO’s legacy of fundraising, which has generated $2.3 million over just five years to support cutting-edge cancer research.

Cyclists of all skill levels can participate in rides ranging from 10 to 80 miles. The Brittlebank Park venue in Charleston will host the start lines for the 80-, 50-, and 23-mile routes, while the 10- and 20-mile rides and stationary cycling classes will kick off at Isle of Palms.

The day begins early, with the venue opening at 6 a.m. for check-in, late registration, and bike maintenance, followed by the National Anthem and staggered start times based on route distance.

Ride Day Schedule:

• Brittlebank Park (80, 50 & 23 miles): Venue opens at 6 a.m.; 80- and 50-mile rides depart at 7:30 a.m.; 23-mile ride departs at 8:45 a.m.
• Isle of Palms (10 & 20 miles, stationary classes): Venue opens at 7:30 a.m.; rides depart at 9 a.m., with stationary classes starting at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m.

Participants and spectators should plan for traffic impacts on Isle of Palms. Ocean Boulevard, between 14th Avenue and Pavilion Drive, will be closed starting at 5 a.m. Thursday, October 31, and remain closed until midnight on Sunday, November 3. No parking will be allowed on the closed stretch of Ocean Boulevard on November 2, and law enforcement will be on-site to help direct traffic around the event.

Event organizers encourage attendees to arrive early and follow signage to parking areas. Parking for Brittlebank Park riders will be at 333 Fishburne Street in Charleston, with shuttle services available to the start line. Isle of Palms participants can park at the Isle of Palms County Park parking lot off 14th Avenue.

Shuttles will also run every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Isle of Palms and Brittlebank Park, providing return transportation after the Finish Line Festival. Bicycles will be transported separately.

For more information on the event and to view photos and videos from past years, visit LOWVELO’s official website.