13th Annual N.I.T.E. Ride

Monument Circle will cater to a different crowd of travelers the night of July 22. Onlookers will be able to witness a parade of bicycles rather than the typical automobile traffic.

The 13th Annual Navigate Indy This Evening (N.I.T.E.) Ride will give bicyclists the opportunity to take a 20-mile casual tour through downtown Indianapolis and the near Northside. Attractions include the Indiana Government Center, IUPUI, Butler University, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Major Taylor Velodrome. A rest stop will be stationed at the American Legion Mall for snacks and refreshments.

According to Dan Shields, N.I.T.E. Ride event director, the ride is an opportunity for more than just exercise, it is the chance to ride “through our beautiful downtown Indianapolis and being able to see and hear so much more than ever possible from a car.”

He said that experience and the accomplishment of completing the 20-mile course is what has kept people coming back for N.I.T.E. Rides for over a decade.

The N.I.T.E. Ride began with 600 participants in 1994 and has been a sell-out since 2003 with 2,500 participants. It was also deemed the “Best City Tour” in 2001 by the League of American Bicyclists and Bicycling Magazine.

The N.I.T.E. Ride is sponsored by the Central Indiana Bicycle Association. The festivities begin as early as 8 a.m. with a morning ride and continue until the end of a post-ride party at the Velodrome at 2 a.m. Sunday. Those who wish to register should plan on arriving at the Velodrome early because the event is expected to sell out. Registration is $27 and begins at 4 p.m. for same-day registration (early registration is closed). Participants receive dinner, snacks, drinks and a T-shirt.

Bicycles are required to have a headlight, taillight and reflectors.

For more information go to http://www.cibaride.org/niteride/nitehome.html