10/11/2026
Many cyclists, volunteers and sponsors enjoyed a very pleasant morning yesterday for the 8th annual Leonard Stringer Memorial Airport Loop Bike Ride Brought to You by Aerodyn Engineering. It was a great way to remember WLCVTA founder, Leonard Stringer, to share with the community the exciting progress for the Vandalia Trail project in Indianapolis and continued emphasis for the future White Lick Creek Greenway, and to take in the Indianapolis International Airport area in an active more personal way.
A huge thanks to our co-hosts, Indianapolis Airport Authority and Bridgeport Central Baptist Church (soon to be Damascus Road Church), whose generous support with their facilities, time, and resources make this event possible and successful each year. Their cooperation and coordination are also moving forward the Vandalia Trail project itself. Additionally, the 20+ generous sponsors, led by Flagship Aerodyn Engineering, provide much needed resources and publicity for the planning and development of these future trails and amenities. It was great to see so many volunteers and participants from these groups together for this community gathering and fun bike rides of 4 – 18 miles. The location is very flexible catering well to a wide range of cycling levels.
Before the ride, Cindy Miller MC’d, updating the participants on the recent trail progress and recognizing each of the sponsors. Daniel Hedglin of Indianapolis Department of Public Works then discussed the Indy Greenways masterplan update and reported that they had just submitted a grant application for construction of the first phase of Vandalia Trail from the county line to Girls School Road. The funding selection decision is expected early next year. Greg Midgley then described the ride details including the Airport Police es**rt of the Loop ride, followed by Pastor James Kalb and team of Damascus Road Indy emphasizing their continued support of the event and trails and giving an opening prayer.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the staging area had Damascus Road Church with a large, enthusiastic contingent of volunteers hosting refreshments and an impressive fun photo booth for riders afterwards, Athletico Physical Therapy providing stretching and massage for stiff riders, Indianapolis DPW with an Indy Greenways information booth, the Wayne Township Trustee’s office with a community help information booth, a National Road Heritage Trail, Inc. display, and Sweet Valley Ice Cream with sweet treats throughout. Young kids also entertained pedaling their little bikes around the gathering area.
Here are a few photos of the activities and energy with many more to follow in a separate post.
