INDIANAPOLIS — Happening Aug. 25-26 in downtown Indianapolis, IU Health Momentum Indy is built around three key elements: two days of high-level bicycle racing, a pair of community bike rides and a collection of kids’ activities designed to show kids how much fun they can have being active and outdoors. The Mass Ave. Crit will take place on Friday, Aug. 25 from 3:30-10 p.m., starting and ending at the Chatterbox on Mass Ave.
At 10 a.m. on Satuday Aug. 26, the Mini Major Taylor Ride is for kids who want to emulate the adults riding through Indy on two wheels, the fun starts on Saturday morning with the Mini Major Taylor Ride. Marshall “Major” Taylor was a barrier-braking African-American cyclist from Indianapolis who fought racial injustices and became a world champion. The whole family can enjoy this easygoing five-mile cruise on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. (There are longer rides starting earlier for those wanting more of a challenge.) Check in will be from 9-9:45 a.m. at 240 N. Meridian St. The cost $30 for up to 4 people, $10 per additional rider. Register online at www.momentumindy.org/mini-major-taylor-family-ride
Also on Saturday, downtown Indy’s University Park (307 N. Meridian) will be packed with activities designed to help kids ages 3 to 18 pedal, jump, climb and play, all while learning how to stay happy, healthy and safe from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. All the while, high-level bicycle racing will be happening on the streets of downtown during the Indy Crit. Scheduled activities include an opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn about the importance of early childhood education while having fun with their children, BMX stunt shows, Nine13 Sports bike simulators, Family yoga with Indy Yoga Movement and IndyFringe on Wheels mobile performance stage. There will be free kids bicycle helmets provided by the CIBA Foundation, helmet decorating, bicycle obstacle courses and much more. Admission is free.
At 3 p.m. the Riley Children’s Health Kids Bike Races offer races for kids from ages 3 to 18. Younger riders will race according to age categories (3-4, 5-6, 7-9, 10-12) 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. Registration is $15 (includes a T-shirt and goodie bag). Visit www.bikereg.com/iu-health-momentum-indy to register.