Tim Heffron had been an avid golfer for almost 30 years, but he’d been too busy to play in about a year when his wife brought him a newspaper clipping in 2011, telling him about the new Mulligan Tour, which had come to Fort WayneItAn expanded field, which includes more racing for beginners and kids, will compete at the third annual Parkview Cycling Festival on Sunday.
Last year, Fort Wayne’s “NASCAR on two wheels” had more than 200 racers. But race director John Martin still had to turn people away who came to register on race day. This year, the event added two races for beginners to combat that issue.
“The cycling festival continues to be a great success,” Parkview Hospital chief operating officer Sue Ehinger said in a statement. “It provides unique opportunities for participants and visitors to enjoy exercising and the offerings of downtown Fort Wayne.
“The cycling festival promotes health and fitness, which is an important part of Parkview’s mission, to improve the health of the communities we serve.”
About 4,000 spectators were estimated at last year’s event, organized by the Men of Steel Racing Club.
This year’s event, which starts at 8 a.m., will include eight races: Women’s, juniors, masters 35+ (Cat 1-4), Cat 5 race, Citizens race, Cat 3/4 race, kids races and Pro 1/2/3 race.
Races will start on Baker Street and include six turns.
The final race – the Pro 1/2/3 Race – has showcased riders from at least 10 different states, a press release said.
Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. for adults. There’s a field limit of 100 for most adult races, most of which cost $25. Depending on the race, prizewinners can earn from $250 to $1,200.
There’s no race-day registration for kids. But in addition to the races, the Parkview Bike Rodeo will teach kids about cycling safety and bicycle handling skills. Children who have pre-registered for the rodeo will receive a free helmet and get to practice on an obstacle course.
