FREE community event grows in popularity; attracts sponsor; Residents Discover Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Bicycling enthusiasts are not the only ones getting involved in the second season of the Trek the Trails community bike rides. The weekly rides -- held each Tuesday from May through September – are also gaining support from businesses in the form of sponsorship for the popular community events.
“Local businesses are getting involved in an event that promotes healthy communities and helps residents explore our trail system on a free guided tour,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Last year, our rides were so popular that they attracted more than 70 riders each week. That trend has continued this year as more as more residents seek to enjoy one of the finest trails systems in the Midwest.”
This Tuesday, Coca-Cola has stepped forward to sponsor the Trek the Trail ride from IPFW to downtown and back, by providing refreshments and a chance to win a Coca-Cola bicycle. Raffle tickets will be handed out at the start of the ride and a name will be drawn at the end of the ride. The winning ticket will take home of a 26-inch, custom-made Coca-Cola bicycle. Coca-Cola is also providing refreshments for cyclists at the beginning and the midway stop of the ride.
Participating cyclists are asked to meet at the IPFW parking lot, on the campus side of the river, near the pedestrian bridge, no later than 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday July 12, 2011. The 8-mile trek will take them down the St. Joseph Pathway of the Rivergreenway, into downtown Fort Wayne; cyclists will then ride back to IPFW.
“This is a great opportunity for residents to Discover Fort Wayne from a new perspective,” Mayor Henry said. “Riders will get to experience the natural beauty of our city, while taking part in a healthy activity and socializing with their friends and family. I'm thrilled the Coca-Cola has asked to sponsor the ride and be part of our great trail system.”
“Coca-Cola is proud to support our local community and provide opportunities for people to get active this summer,” said Charles Foster, Distribution Center Manager of the Coca-Cola Ft. Wayne facility. “Playing outside and spending time with family and friends is what the season is all about.”
Participants are required to wear helmets during the ride. If there is unsafe weather, such as lightning, the ride will be cancelled.
In addition to the Tuesday rides, this year’s Trek the Trails tradition included four once-a-month Saturday rides. The City is also hosting Monday lunchtime walking tours around downtown each week. The 40-minute tours meet at the Courthouse Green at noon through the end of July; walkers will be taken on a guided tour of the trails, downtown and nearby historic neighborhoods.
Tuesday’s event is one of 22 trail adventures that take cyclists on guided tours along the more than 60 miles of trails that wind through urban and rural areas around the city.
Remaining 2011 Trail Rides:
July 12, 2011 - Rivergreenway - Meet at the IPFW parking lot off Coliseum Blvd on the campus side of the river near the new pedestrian bridge. Ride is 8 miles.
July 19, 2011 - Rivergreenway - Meet at the Headwaters Park parking lot near the intersection of Clinton and Superior. Ride is 8 miles.
July 26, 2011 - Aboite Trails - Meet at the back of Indian Trails Park on Aboite Center Rd. Ride is 8 miles.
August 2, 2011 - Rivergreenway - Meet at the parking lot in Shoaff Park by the soccer fields on the south side of the park, near the trail. Ride is 8 miles.
August 9, 2011 - Rivergreenway - Meet at the Lawton Park Trailhead gravel parking lot near the skate park on 4th St. Ride is 8 miles.
August 16, 2011 - Rivergreenway - Meet at the North River Rd Trailhead (Boat Launch) west of Kreager Park. Ride is 8 miles.
August 23, 2011 - Aboite Trails - Meet at the back of Indian Trails Park on Aboite Center Rd. Ride is 8 miles.
August 30, 2011 - Towpath Trail - Meet at the new trailhead parking lot at Statesman's Way and Engle Rd. Ride is 9 miles.
September 6, 2011 - Rivergreenway - Meet at Moser Park in New Haven in the parking lot by the baseball field. Ride is 8 miles.
September 13, 2011 - Rivergreenway - Meet at Swinney Park West in the swimming pool parking lot. Ride is 8 miles.
September 20, 2011 - Towpath Trail - Meet at the new trailhead parking lot at Statesman's Way and Engle Rd. Ride is 9 miles.
September 27, 2011 - Rivergreenway - Meet at the Lawton Park Trailhead gravel parking lot near the skate park on 4th St. Ride is 8 miles.
Saturday Trail Rides – 9am:
These are longer trail rides intended for intermediate bicyclists. Please be ready to ride at 9am.
August 13, 2011 - Rivergreenway - Meet at the parking lot in Shoaff Park on the south side of the park by the soccer fields, near the trail. Ride is 17 miles.
September 10, 2011 - Towpath Trail and Rivergreenway - Meet at the new trailhead parking lot at Statesman's Way and Engle Rd. Ride is 20 miles.