Racing bicycles to return to Mass Ave

Competitive cyclists from across the Midwest will converge upon Mass Ave for the second straight year, taking part in a series of races known as the Indianapolis Cultural Trail Mass Ave Criterium.

The event will occur from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, in the 400 and 500 blocks of Mass Ave, with the triangular course also covering Vermont and East streets. Vehicular traffic along the route will be restricted that day, although pedestrians and cars will be allowed to cross these streets mid-race.

Presented by NUVO, the annual event is described as a European-like festival which involves races in five categories, as well as a kid’s race and a bicycle safety rodeo.

“Indianapolis has a strong tradition of cycling witnessed by the Major Taylor Velodrome and numerous state and national champions on the road and the track,” said Kevin McKinney, editor and publisher of NUVO newsweekly. “It is fitting that Indianapolis is the host for the state’s premier criterium,” added McKinney, who also rides with the NUVO/Indianapolis Cultural Trail Cycling Team.

David Andrichik, owner Chatterbox Jazz Club, said that Mass Ave is very excited about hosting the race. “Our merchants regularly work together on these special events that benefit our cultural district and compliment our regularly scheduled quarterly celebrations.”

The first Mass Ave Criterium was conducted last August in the 600 and 700 blocks of Mass Ave. The course was shifted southward this year to avoid Cultural Trail construction.

Races begin with the Category 3 class ranking at 8 a.m. Categories 4 and 5 will race at 9:10 a.m., followed at 10:10 a.m. by a master’s race for cyclists over 35 years of age. A women’s open race will begin at 11:25 a.m. Cyclists in the highest category will race at 12:35 p.m.

Kids’ races will begin at 12:20 p.m., free for children aged 12 and under. Participants must bring their own bicycle. Helmets will be provided as necessary. Children will race in heats by age group. All participants must register prior to the race at the Athenaeum.

Bicycle Indiana will provide a bicycle safety rodeo for children and families beginning at 9 a.m. at the Indianapolis Fire Department, and will teach bicycling safety and maintenance and distribute free children’s helmets while supplies last.

Race registration, a bicycling information fair, post-race party and awards announced by Mayor Greg Ballard will be held in the Rathskeller and Athenaeum.

The YMCA in the Athenaeum will also offer parking and free showers for racing cyclists. After the race, competitors and spectators are invited to a post-race party in the Rathskeller Biergarten with live music, brats, beer and other beverages.

A pedal-and-park facility will be located in the parking lot just east of the Athenaeum off Michigan Street. Free parking will also be available at the English Foundation Building at 615 N. Alabama St.

A “criterium” race is a mass-start race typically held on a course of three or more corners under one mile in length. Competitors race for a designated time and at the end of that time they have three laps to finish.

For more information or to register, visit www.IndyCulturalTrail.org or call 713-3333.

Same day: Alleycat Race

A second bicycle race is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15. The Indy Cultural Trail Alleycat Race will begin at Hardee’s restaurant at 144 W. 16th St., and finish at the Athenaeum.

Participants will travel through checkpoints where riders will have to complete “an activity as a rite of passage” to the next stage of the race. The rites are described as “physical and mental challenges which level the playing ground” for competitors.

The winner will receive $1,500. Second- and third-place prizes will also be awarded. To enter, go to www.ICTalleycatrace.com.