Momentum for a healthy, family-friendly festival month in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana – Bikes are expected to take over Indianapolis’ landscape this August, replacing basketball.

Prior to the two-day downtown cycling festival, IU Health Momentum Indy has released its race month calendar.

The celebration of cycling and human-powered mobility, according to the event’s organizers, will take place on the streets.

Indy Criterium Bicycle Festival executive director Jennifer Cvar co-founded the event 13 years ago and later bought the Mass Ave Crit local bike race.

According to Momentum Indy, the two events were merged in 2019 for the first time, drawing thousands of people to the downtown celebrations.

“I think it really started out as really centered around the bike race and the spectating aspect of the fun and excitement of watching these cyclists compete on the city streets of Indianapolis. Then it grew into this fabulous festival celebrating movement and healthy activity and just being part of the community,” Cvar said.

On August 25 and 26, junior, beginner, and professional riders will compete in criterium events on two distinct, closed urban courses. The Mass Ave Cultural Arts District will host Friday’s activities, and University Park will host Saturday’s racing and festival.

“We have so many family-friendly activities such as yoga, and obstacle courses and things for people to do in the downtown space,” Cvar said of the festival’s schedule.

The weekend’s events will include a longer-distance event that is open to both novice and seasoned cyclists.

The Marshall “Major” Taylor Fondo, which takes place on August 26, honors the life of one of the first black sports icons in history. He was a trailblazer who created his own path as a competitive cyclist throughout the 1880s and 1900s.

A 14, 30, or 62-mile bike trip that includes supported rest stops and historical areas of interest is available to participants.

On Thursday, August 3, IU Health Momentum Indy was scheduled to begin its month of events at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum. In conjunction with the museum’s “First Thursday Nights” program, the group will present a unique Bike Night.

The Sports Legends Experience grounds will be used by organizers to host bike and helmet giveaways, safety presentations, obstacle courses, and fitness competitions.