CARY, N.C. -- The Littles took a bike ride together to kick start their Fourth of July weekend. They traveled 50 kilometers, which is about 31 miles. Thomas, 10, who’s the youngest of the four, was up for the challenge.

"Being on a tandem [bike], it's kind of easy,” he said. “I don't think I can do it on a solo bike."

Participants in the 16th annual Firecracker of Fourth of July Bicycle Ride chose to take the 50K or 100K route. The longer route took them through Wake, Harnett, Chatham and Durham counties. With more than 1,000 people riding, it's become one of the largest single day cycling events in North Carolina.

The ride also raises money for the Eastern N.C. Chapter of the National MS Society. Organizers said they raised $14,000 in 2007. The event started in 1993 with eight friends.

"We didn't have anything to do that day, so we just decided to go out for a ride,” said organizer Kevin Coggins. “Then, we found out lots of other people didn't have anything to do that morning either. And so, we've had this tremendous response."

Coggins said the ride is a great way to get a workout in the morning, and then still have the rest of the day to enjoy food, fireworks, and family. And, that’s exactly what the Little family had planned.

“We're off work, and it's just a fun thing to do,” said John Little.