Situated in the heart of Downtown Indy on Monument Circle, the Indy Criterium Bicycle Festival on Saturday, July 9 offers cyclists a unique opportunity to race the city streets that they would rarely do otherwise. But Indy Crit is more than a race – it’s a festival that showcases Indy’s growing cycling culture. Families can enjoy activities all day including a morning family fun ride and a kid’s zone with face painting, games and kids races. Non-racers can enjoy a Sun King beer garden, food vendors, an expo and more. All proceeds benefit Freewheelin’ Community Bikes, a local non-profit committed to enhancing life skills for community youth through bicycles.
Not the competitive type? Here are 5 ways to get in the festival spirit at Indy Crit.
Indy Crit Kick Off Ride presented by Franciscan St. Francis Health – 8 a.m.
Avid cyclists who just want to get out and enjoy a ride can bike 14, 32 or 52 miles through the scenic south-side of Indy. All participants will take one loop of the Indy Crit race course. The ride starts and ends on the south steps of Monument Circle. There is free bike parking on Monument Circle after the ride provided by Pedal & Park and IndyCog.
The free kick off ride is a one-mile parade lap around the actual Indy Crit course followed by a 14 mile, 42 mile or 52 mile ride.
Freewheelin’ Family Fun Ride: 9:30 a.m.
This one-mile parade lap around around the actual race course starts and ends on Monument Circle. Looking to up the ante? There is an optional 3.5 miles ride along the Cultural Trail following the parade lap. This ride is free for participants.
Kids can participate in a one-mile lap around the actual race course before the start of Indy Crit.
Kids Zone and PNC Kids Race – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bring your kids to the free PNC Kids Zone for bike safety obstacle courses, face painting, games, helmet decorating, kids races and more. Kids age 3-8 years old can participate in the PNC Kids Race kicking off at 2 p.m. Kids will receive a race bib and refreshments for their participation in the race.
HandleBar Indy Pedal Pub Tour & Race – 3 p.m.
Enjoy a frosty brew in hand while you pedal around the streets of Downtown on the Handlebar! The tour will start and end at 310 S. Delaware and include a “race” with another Handlebar bike at the Indy Crit at 4 p.m. All sales go to Freewheelin’ Community Bikes.
Pedal around the streets of Downtown Indy on a HandleBar. The tour will end with a “race” between two HandleBars during Indy Crit.
BMX Stunt Shows – throughout the day
Check out professional BMX stunt riders from the X-Games and Dew Tour. Three 25-minute shows will take place throughout the day: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Be awed by BMX Stunt shows taking place three times throughout the festival.
