FitFest Returns Sept. 11 with Bike Rides and Bike Rodeo
The City of Huntington Planning Department is bringing back FitFest this year with two bike rides on the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health and a bike rodeo on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Ritter Park Fountain.
As in previous years, this rain-or-shine event will honor Dr. Paul Ambrose, a Huntington physician who died in the 9/11 attacks 20 years ago. Registration for the bike rides and bike rodeo will begin at 8:30 a.m. with bike rides beginning at 9 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.
The Harveytown Health Crusaders ride will depart at 9:15 a.m. from the Ritter Park Fountain and will travel 2.8 miles of the PATH to Harveytown Park and then return to Ritter Park. For those looking for a longer ride, the Floodwall Flyers bicycle ride begins at 9 a.m. This ride will make a 10-mile loop through the city using the Ritter Park Trail, St. Cloud Commons, and Floodwall Trail PATH sections. Both rides will be escorted by members of the Huntington Police Department Bicycle Patrol.
The bike rodeo will give kids and new riders an opportunity to practice safe bicycling habits with obstacle courses and challenges to build skills while having fun. In addition to the two rides and bike rodeo, the City of Huntington will be selling bicycle licenses for $1 and others will provide information about the PATH.
Historically, FitFest has been a celebration of healthy activities in the vision of Dr. Paul Ambrose’s legacy in the community. Dr. Ambrose received his medical degree from Marshall University, and dedicated his life to improving health outcomes and fighting obesity. In 2008, the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health trail system was dedicated in his honor.
“The PATH is an incredible asset in our community,” City Planning Director Breanna Shell said. “As we reflect on the significance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and Dr. Ambrose’s passing, we hope that this event will pay tribute to Dr. Ambrose and his passion for improving health outcomes as the City works toward long-term plans for trail maintenance.”
For more information about FitFest 2021, please contact planningdept@huntingtonwv.gov or call 304-696-5540, then press option 3.