IU Health Bicycle Festival to Roll Through Downtown Indianapolis Next Weekend
Downtown Indy will host IU Health Momentum Indy, one of the nation’s biggest cycling events for racers, spectators and casual riders, next weekend. With high-level racing, community fun rides and activities for kids and their families, the events kick off on Friday with a panel discussion featuring professional cyclists and IndyCar champ Tony Kanaan, an avid cyclist.
The centerpieces of the weekend are two nationally respected criterium races – better known as “crits” – held on Saturday and Sunday. Racers from around the U.S. will be on hand for the Mass Ave Crit presented by First Internet Bank and the Indy Crit, events that are like a Formula One race on two wheels, because fans get the thrill of watching racers take tight corners and speed by so fast they can feel the breeze.
The two crits offer decidedly different vibes: Saturday’s Mass Ave Crit is a twilight race with a party feel, and the Indy Crit features a family-friendly atmosphere all day on Sunday, with a kids race, bike obstacle course, BMX stunt show and lots more healthy activities.
While the elite racers will compete for thousands of dollars in prize money on the race courses, anyone with a bike and helmet can take part in the free Honor Major Taylor Ride presented by Zipp, designed for riders of all ages.
IU Health Momentum Indy schedule:
Fri., Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. INSPIRE: An Evening of Conversation with athletes who will share stories of perseverance, triumph and even humorous moments on and off the road in a panel discussion at the Indiana State Museum. The athlete panel includes IndyCar driver and dedicated cyclist Tony Kanaan; Oksana Masters, a World Cups multi-medalist and Paralympic summer and winter sports champion; professional cyclist Cory Williams, co-founder of L39ion of Los Angeles; and professional cyclist Rahsaan Bahati, founder of Bahati Racing and Bahati Foundation. Attendees also will be able to tour the museum’s Mayor Taylor exhibit. The event is free, but reservations are required. Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inspire-an-evening-of-conversation-with-todays-most-compelling-cyclists-tickets-390595209787.
Sat. Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. Honor Major Taylor Ride presented by Zipp is a free community ride with routes of varying lengths that pass by sites relevant to Major Taylor, the Indy native and world-class African-American bicycle racer who overcame racial injustices to become known as the world’s fastest man. Check in at the tent next to Moar Tea at 448 Mass Ave. between 8 and 8:45 a.m. Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/honor-major-taylor-ride-pb-zipp-mini-major-taylor-ride-pb-pnc-registration-359749579677.
Sat. Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. Mini Major Taylor Ride presented by PNC is an easygoing four-mile cruise on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail that welcomes all skills and levels of ability on a route that is fully protected from traffic. Check in between 9 and 9:45 a.m. at the corner of Mass Ave. and New Jersey/Michigan streets. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/honor-major-taylor-ride-pb-zipp-mini-major-taylor-ride-pb-pnc-registration-359749579677 to register.
Sat. Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. Mass Ave Crit presented by First Internet Bank is a twilight race with a party vibe. Great spots to watch include the start/finish line near Silver in the City on Mass Ave and one of the two tight turns – one at Mass Ave at East and North streets and one at Mass Ave at Vermont and Alabama streets. Plan to eat and drink at one of the Mass Ave establishments on the route or visit one of the food trucks. The Mass Ave Crit is a stop on the American Criterium Cup, a 10-race criterium series that will be streamed on Outside TV.
Sun. Aug. 28 at 9 a.m. Indy Crit will include many of the same cyclists as the Mass Ave Crit racing on a different route. The start/finish is on New York Street between Meridian and Pennsylvania streets, and the race includes the 300 block of Mass Ave. Good viewing spots will be from University Park, which will be filled with family-friendly activities (see below), to and along Mass Ave.
Sun. Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Riley Children’s Health Kids Zone presented by PNC and Meijer serves up activities designed to help kids ages 3 to 18 pedal, jump, climb and play, all while learning how to stay happy, healthy and safe. Games, challenges and other activities will engage both kids and adults in a festival atmosphere. Activities include games, BMX stunt shows, jump rope performances, distribution of free kids’ bicycle helmets provided by the CIBA Foundation and more.
Sun. Aug. 28 at 1:50 p.m. Riley Children’s Health Kids Race presented by PNC & Meijer offers races for kids from ages 3 to 18. Younger riders will race according to age categories (3-4, 5-6, 7-9) in a non-competitive, fun event (participants are not timed or scored), while 9-to-18-year-olds will race in Novice Racing and Junior Racing events. Registration tent will be located at Meridian and New York streets. Participants must bring a bike and helmet (helmets are being distributed on site for free). Head over to https://www.bikereg.com/iu-health-momentum-indy to register.
IU Health Momentum Indy is a two-day outdoor festival celebrating healthy lifestyles through cycling events, family fun and fitness activities. Held in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, it offers attendees both an evening street-party vibe and community-festival feel, with plenty of opportunities to watch cycling events, join organized rides or participate in health-focused activities for all ages. A nonprofit founded in 2010, the IU Health Momentum Indy has contributed more than $180,000 in event proceeds to local nonprofits supporting youth development, workforce development, and health and wellness. More at https://www.momentumindy.org/.