Cycling and wellness enthusiasts of all ages and abilities will experience something new at the inaugural Cyclovia Topeka, July 29-31.
"Cyclovia Topeka isn't just about bikes. It's about being healthy, moving and enjoying a ride, a walk or a workout," said Rosa Cavazos, director of tourism development at Visit Topeka. "It's about exploring Topeka and learning the rules of the road on a bike."
Shawnee County's Largest Workout will kick off Cyclovia Topeka beginning at 7 p.m. July 29 on the Capitol south lawn. The Cyclovia Topeka Glow Ride will begin at 9 p.m. The evening concludes with live music in Downtown Topeka.
Activities pick up again the morning of July 30 on South Kansas Avenue, including cycling-related vendors and food trucks with healthful menu offerings, exercise sessions, a children’s obstacle course and helmet give-away, six different excursion rides, a slow race in three heats, Bike Polo, a chorale of unique bikes, a scavenger hunt throughout Topeka and more.
Also included in Cyclovia Topeka is the premier showing in Kansas of “Rider and the Wolf.” The film begins at 6 p.m. on July 30 at the Jayhawk State Theatre of Kansas. Donations of at least $5 are requested at the door and will entirely benefit the Topeka Bikeways Foundation.
The award-winning film is the story of Mike Rust, a mountain biking pioneer and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame cyclist who mysteriously disappeared in 2009. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Carl Rust, Mike’s brother. Limited amounts of merchandise will be available for cash-only purchase.
On July 31, a 50 mile ride will explore Shawnee County. Also throughout the weekend, Heartland BMX is hosting races and riders from across the country. If you've never seen a BMX race, you'll have the chance Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Area cyclists are eager to share the sport they love with the community and the region.
"Cyclovia gives us the opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the fascination of the bike through art, film, music and fitness activities," said Julie Funk, and organizing committee member and director of GP VeloTek, a Northeast Kansas bicycle racing team, and the VeloTek Grand Prix, an annual stage race. "The energy we see in Topeka right now to make our city bike-friendly is more than I've seen in 20 years. That's something to celebrate!"
Cyclovia Topeka is the winner of Visit Topeka’s My Top Festival contest. The theme was nominated by Topekans and won a popular vote. The festival would not be possible without the commitment of area cyclists and partners: Downtown Topeka, Inc., Gp VeloTek Bicycle Racing Team, Heartland BMX, Kaw Valley Bicycle Club, Safe Kids Kansas, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation, Shawnee County’s Largest Workout, Topeka Bikeways, Topeka Community Cycle Project and Topeka Metro Bikes.
Joining Cyclovia Topeka are the rescheduled Rotary Freedom Festival on Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Urban Slide, presented by Carnival Guy Events and Visit Topeka, on Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31.
Complete details are available online at http://www.visittopeka.com/cyclovia.
Cyclovia Topeka’s Facebook event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/1262822423747106/
Topeka is an American Bicyclists League bronze-level Bicycle-Friendly City.
Upcoming Visit Topeka events include: Cyclovia Topeka, July 29, 30 & 31, Downtown and throughout Topeka Urban Slide, July 30 & 31, 4th and Kansas in Downtown Topeka Kansas Mariachi Festival, Sept. 16, in Downtown Topeka Kansas Chocolate Festival, Sept. 24, in Downtown Topeka More in October and December, details coming soon. Learn more at VisitTopeka.com/events