Cyclists pedal their way to COTA track
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As the helicopters buzzed overhead, one group of Austinites geared up for the Grand Prix.
Instead of traveling to the track in traffic, Bike Austin hosted two guided rides to the Circuit of the Americas race site Saturday and Sunday.
"You get your heart rate going, your blood flowing before you get there. It's a lot of fun," cyclist Nadia Barrera said.
Tom Wald with Bike Austin says almost 20 people showed up for Bike Austin's rides, and this is just the beginning.
"Turns out a lot of people are biking out there on their own, but we wanted to make sure people who wanted a little bit more guidance had it as well," Tom Wald with Bike Austin said. "We want to highlight that this as an option to get out to the park, not only for F1 but for other events, and furthermore, we're also working with Council Member Chris Riley and others to provide a dedicated facility all the way out to the track."
Bike Austin worked with city officials to map out the safest ride possible. Cyclists left town on Riverside, then connected with a series of trails in Pleasant Valley, which hooked up with Burleson Road, eventually taking them to Richard Moya Park.
The ride was 11 miles and lasted about one hour.
Cyclists could valet their bikes and shower at Richard Moya Park. Circuit of The Americas provided shuttles to the track, which is about four miles from the park.