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Home > Around Town > 2nd annual NIPR Bikenic closes out the summer
2nd annual NIPR Bikenic closes out the summer
Northeast Indiana Public Radio’s second annual NIPR Bikenic takes place Saturday, August 28, at Headwaters Park.
By Michael Summers
michael_summers@fortwaynereader.com
Fort Wayne Reader
2004-08-16
Long-time Fort Wayne residents might remember the WBNI Annual Classic Bike Tour, a 15-year summer traditon featuring a scenic bike tour through the countryside. Though very popular, the Classic Bike Tour had to be retired in recent years because, says Karen Fraser of Northeast Indiana Public Radio, “it was no longer a scenic country road.” Increased traffic made the route risky, and organizing the tour became more time-consuming.
After a year hiatus, the event returned as the Bikenic in 2003, a bike ride/picnic event in Headwaters Park downtown. Bicycling enthusiasts shouldn’t worry; the day starts off a 7 a.m. with a self-guided bike ride of Fort Wayne's 15-mile Rivergreenway along the banks of the St. Mary’s, St. Joseph and the Maumee Rivers — NIPR supplies the maps and water.
The picnic itself kicks off at Headwaters Park Pavilion West starting at 10 a.m., where visitors can enjoy food, family games, and treats, with live music courtesy of Point of Departure. Games include the Climbing Mountain, the Dunk Tank, Kid’s Karaoke, and the Cow Milking Contest (no, it’s not a real cow). Plus, everyone receives a commemorative T-shirt.
Jamison Meats is bringing the hog roast, while there’ll also be frozen custard from Ritter’s, a popcorn machine, and many other tasty treats. The festivities wrap up at 1 p.m.
Last year, the first for the Bikenic, was a great success. “We really lucked out with the weather last year,” says Karn Fraser. “Hopefully, this year, it’ll be just as good.”
With September fast approaching and the sunsets starting to come just a little bit earlier day by day, the Bikenic is a great opportunity to squeeze the last drops of summer out of the season before labor day is upon us.
Tickets available at Higher Grounds Coffee, Ritters, Jamisons Meats, Bookmark, Summit City Bicycles, and selected Lassus locations. |
