Get ready to ride, Indianapolis!
The IU Health Momentum Indy Divas are cycling into summer with energy and style, building up to the Honor Major Taylor Fondo in July. This women-focused cycling program fosters fitness and strengthens community bonds, empowering women to take to the streets and trails confidently.
The Divas program, open to all women regardless of cycling experience, runs from April through September and offers a vibrant schedule of weekly rides, mentorship and skill-building opportunities. Women gather weekly in Carmel, Indiana, for group rides emphasizing inclusivity and support. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just learning to balance on two wheels, the Divas ensure a place for everyone, grouping participants by pace and experience.
“We have a mission to inspire our community to experience getting on your bike and riding and the joy that brings, whether it’s your childhood memories of being on your bike, improving your health and wellness, connecting with others,” said Jennifer Cvar, executive director of Momentum Indy. “(Cycling) just facilitates strengthening community and bringing people together.”
This year, the IU Health Momentum Indy weekend expands to a three-day event from July 11-13.
The highlight of the Divas’ season is the Honor Major Taylor Fondo on July 12, where riders can choose from routes ranging from 14 to 62 miles. The Fondo honors the legacy of Major Taylor, an Indianapolis native and the first African American professional cyclist to achieve international fame. His story of perseverance and excellence continues to inspire cyclists across the nation. The event will take center stage at University Park, three blocks north of the Circle. The day includes free activities such as a kid zone, kids’ bike races and the mini Major Taylor ride for families along the cultural trail.
“There’s lots of fun ways to get engaged and do something right in the heart of downtown Indianapolis that’s of little to no cost, as long as they can get there,” Cvar said.
The Divas program focuses on empowering women and building skills and safety awareness. Cyclists are guided through essentials such as bike safety, basic maintenance and road etiquette.
“The women who lead our different ride groups are like cheerleaders,” Cvar said. “They’re always supporting one another. No one will ever get left behind on the road by themselves. We ensure that everyone finds a place wherever they are.”
Membership in the Divas comes with a host of perks. For an annual fee of $150, members receive a stylish club jersey, a T-shirt and access to exclusive clinics and social events. They also enjoy a $75 discount on registration for the Honor Major Taylor Fondo. The program offers scholarships to ensure financial constraints do not stand in the way, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
“It’s important that any woman who wants to be a part of it can do it, and they don’t have financial hardship,” Cvar said.
Additional details can be found on the Divas’ official website, momentumindy.org/divas.
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
