Salamonie, Roush lakes host part of Huntington Bike Challenge, Sept. 19-20

Indiana DNR Release:

Portions of the sixth annual Huntington Bicycle Challenge, Sept. 19-20, will give cyclists the chance to enjoy the scenery of DNR properties Salamonie and Edward J. Roush lakes.

Organized by the Huntington County Visitor Bureau and 3 Rivers Velo Sport, the event attracts both tour riders and competitive racers to compete for big dollars, or simply ride the course through beautiful Huntington County.

Parkview Home Health & Hospice, title sponsor of the event, invites riders to “ride to remember a loved one.” Special event T-shirts can be ordered with the name of a person you are riding in honor of.

An online registration form, course map, lodging, and details are available at www.visithuntington.org www.3rvs.com or www.truesport.com. Call 800-848-4282 for more information.

The competitive race is sanctioned by USA Cycling and runs 140 miles (70 each day) both on and off road. The two-day offers a shared cash purse of $6,000 to the top winner in several categories. Cyclo-cross bikes are recommended for the race, but road bikes or mountain bikes with slicks or semi-slicks have also been used. The registration fee for racers is $60. USAC or NORBA licenses are required for racers and are available on site for a fee.

Non-competitive tour riders follow an all on-road course that travels through the city of Huntington and most major townships in Huntington County. These tour riders can choose between 9, 27, or 65 miles marked course each day. Whole families are welcomed to participate in the shorter courses designed especially for them. Registration for the tour ride is $35 for both days and $25. Registration fees include a free T-shirt. Tour riders are not eligible for cash prizes but door prizes will be awarded at the end of the day. Sags (feed zones) are positioned throughout the course for both race and tour riders. Food is furnished at the finish line.

The Business Team Challenge is open for all businesses or industries with a team of three to six riders on Saturday, Sept. 19 only. College and university bike teams are welcome. Registration for this ride is $250 per team. This is a fun and friendly competition over a 25-mile road course that is a team effort. Special medals and media coverage will be awarded to the top finishing teams.

Registration opens at 8 a.m. in downtown Huntington, 401 N. Jefferson St. A mass start for race participants is at 9 a.m. from this location. Tour riders will depart 15-30 minutes later from the same area following the start of the race.