Hundreds of spectators are expected to line the 8-mile route through the center of Akron to cheer riders as they pass a number of Akron landmarks and sites important in the life of Akron’s NBA phenom.

The Bikeathon event, featuring a number of NBA stars as well as dozens of corporate teams and hundreds of eager cyclists from around Ohio will start at 11:00am in front of Canal Park Stadium.

The 8-Mile Bikeathon Route

The 8-mile Bikeathon route heads north from Canal Park on South Main Street to Mill Street. Riders will turn east on Mill Street to Broadway, then follow Broadway across the All-America Bridge over the spectacular valley of the Little Cuyahoga River.

At St.Thomas Hospital, riders will turn around and return on the southbound lanes of the Y-bridge to Market Street.

The Bikeathon’s biggest challenge may be the steep incline riders will face going up "Cadillac Hill," the traditional name for West Market Street from Downtown to Maple Street.

LeBron will have a chance to salute his alma mater as all riders will turn on Maple Street to pass in front of St.Vincent-St.Mary High School, west on Smith Street for one block, then riders will make a left turn to return to Market Street via West Street.

A "reward" for cyclists will be coasting downhill past the venerable West Hill Hardware store and peddling up the incline past Tangier Restaurant to Rhodes Avenue.

The Bikeathon route heads south on Rhodes Avenue, across Copley Road to Edgewood Avenue and past the beautiful new Akron Zoo. Riders continue south to Vernon Odom Boulevard where they will use Opportunity Parkway to get to Pier Drive, a short street that will allow riders to use the boulevard at Bartges Street to go east to Main, then do another "180," to return by Bartges to Pier Drive, which takes riders back to Opportunity Parkway for the most exhilarating portion of the 8-mile route.

State Route 59, the Akron Innerbelt will be shut down so that riders can use the ramp at Opportunity Parkway to enter the divided highway northbound for a fast last lap to the State Street exit where riders re-enter Downtown.

From State Street, the route heads south on Bowery to West Exchange Street, then east on Exchange back to South Main, the end point (and beginning point) of the ride.

Akron Police and Volunteers To Manage Bikeathon Route

"We will have dozens of volunteers and uniformed police officers along the route," says Lt.Tom Hanley, of the Akron Police Department’s Traffic Bureau. " Road closures will be made with the safety of all riders in mind, while keeping traffic flowing through the city."

Hanley cautions that drivers of motor vehicles on Saturday the 25^th may experience slow downs if they are going through downtown. "Detours will be well-marked and officers will be available to assist drivers to find their way," Hanley said.

Childrens Ride Event

The 11am Bikeathon event will be preceded by a special Children’s Bike Ride, for 200 youngsters selected by administrators from Akron’s Recreation Bureau and the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority - - children who are active in programs at the city’s recreation centers or AMHA residents.

The event, for 8 - 11 year olds, will be staffed by volunteers. Their one- mile route will run north on Main St. to the Summacare Building at Market St. before returning south on Main Street to Canal Park.

Race Director Chris Dennis says "The James Family Foundation will make sure that every one of these young riders has a bicycle and a helmet. This should be a memorable day for them."

At the conclusion of the Bikeathon events, all riders, their guests and the public are invited to join the King for Kids Community Celebration at Lock 3 Park.

Registration Details

There is a $25 registration fee to participate in the Bikeathon. Children from 12-14 can also participate if accompanied by an adult (aged 21 and over). All riders must wear a helmet and are encouraged to raise at least $100 in pledges to receive additional prizes. Individuals and teams can participate and LeBron James will present awards to those who raise the most money.