NATIONS LARGEST TANDEM BICYCLE RALLY ROLLS INTO FORT WAYNE
On Labor Day weekend, up to 800 tandem bicycle riders from 26 states and Ontario will gather in downtown Fort Wayne for the 2014 Midwest Tandem Rally hosted by HOOTs (Hoosiers Out On Tandems).
“A vibrant downtown, easy access to rural routes and the Greenway Trail system coupled with Fort Wayne’s recognition as a “Bicycle Friendly” community status make this a great venue for the rally,” said organizer and volunteer Kent Ellis.
The Midwest Tandem Rally began in 1976 and has become a Labor Day tradition. Visit Fort Wayne estimates the gathering will generate up to $250,000 in new revenue for hotels, restaurants and other local businesses.
The Grand Wayne Center will begin filling with tandem teams Friday, August 29. A series of tandem tours are planned, including an IPFW Sculpture Tour and an Ice Cream ride on Friday; three tours of varying length on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31, and a breakfast ride Monday, September 1.
Riding a tandem, also known as a bicycle-built-for-two, requires teamwork between the “captain” in front and the “stoker” in the rear. Tandems are regaining popularity with baby-boom couples searching for exercise and activity they can enjoy together. And the bikes for two are the small bikes – there will be a number of bikes for 3 or 4 on the ride as well as a variety of designs, including recumbent tandems.
A mass start is planned for both Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9:00AM as hundreds of tandem riders set off at the same time from the parking lot at Harrison and Breckenridge Street, just south of the Grand Wayne Center. The Fort Wayne Police Department will escort riders to the city limits as they set out on 25 to 70 mile routes along scenic country roads.
A detailed schedule of events is online at www.mtr2014.org.
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