In the past few years Indianapolis has put a considerable amount of effort and dollars into the restoration and promotion of the six "Cultural Districts" which include Broad Ripple, The Canal and White River State Park, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave, The Wholesale District, and Fountain Square. Each of these areas have their own charm and appeal that makes it worthy of a visit to dine, shop, stroll, frolic, what have you. Here is a challenge to all of you by Laura the RIPP-le Fitness Reporter: Take a Bicycle Cultural Tour! What better way to see the best Indy has to offer while getting a great full body workout! Here's how:

Begin in Broad Ripple:

Oh, good ol' Cozy Broad Ripple. We love you so and will always stay true, but, today it is time to venture outside of the box of which many of us reside. No worries, we will be back soon and will adore you just the same.

The Canal Tow Path, which begins about a block north of Broad Ripple Avenue on the Monon, leads you Southwest. The five mile stretch calmly guides you past Meridian Street, the charming 56th and Illinois sector, across Butler Campus and the IMA grounds ending at 28th Street and Riverside Park.

MAP: http://www.indygreenways.org/canal/centralcanal.htm

You immediately pick up the underused, yet lovely White River Whapahani Trail, that hugs the river for a few miles until you reach Downtown and IUPUI campus.

MAP: http://www.indygreenways.org/whiteriver/whiteriver.htm

http://www.indyculturaltrail.org/map.html

This Northwest area of downtown highlights a rich and proud sentiment to African American heritage. As you glide along, notice the abundance of cultural monuments such as the Madame Walker Theater, the gorgeous worship centers, and the thriving entrepreneur commercial businesses. Check out the various events on the Avenue at: http://www.discoverindianaavenue.com/home.cfm

After passing through campus (IUPUI) and gaining access behind NIFS (National Institute for Fitness and Sport), you will run directly into the next Cultural District and the first of the 5 downtown to visit, The Canal & White River State Park. The canal walk is a car-less haven for activity speckled with runners, surreys, rollerblades, and bikers on land combined with gondolas and pedal boats on water. Take a visit to the Indiana State Museum or The Eiteljorg while there as they sit directly next to one another right on the route! As you pass by the White River Park, you just might hit some of the various entertainment that often speckle the grounds.

This area of downtown basically consists of the "belly" of downtown. . . .most literally! Amidst the diverse restaurants, theatres and sports venues, you will find Circle Centre Mall, a shoppers dream. There is truly something for everyone in this area of downtown (even parks and beautiful monuments for those more outdoor-sy types)! Just don't tell anyone you saw me at The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory getting ice cream; even us trainers need a treat now and again!

Fountain Square is off the beaten path quite a bit, but it is well worth the trip southwest of downtown via Virginia Avenue. Entering this corridor of the trail feels as though you have ridden back into the 1950's. The little strip is centrally located around the historic round fountain, and boasts its own soda fountain, duckpin bowling alley, and independent restaurants, galleries and coffee shops.

Say "Mass Ave." and you will see people's eyes perk up and smile! This area is largely known for its eclectic art, theater culture, well-known dining, and after-dark clubs. The friendly merchants and genuine hospitality make it hard not to bring a smile to your face, and even harder not to go into every shop! If you need a fueling for the ride back up the Monon, there are several sites to get a bite ranging from finer fare to pub food.

http://www.discovermassave.com/home.cfm

Mass Ave. will lead you to 10th St. where you will find the South tip of the Monon Trail. Simply take the Monon about five miles until you hit our lovely Broad Ripple, the northern representative of our cultural districts!

Laura Minor, owner of So.Be.Fit. Personal Training, would love to organize a group ride to experience this with our readers! Contact her at www.sobefitindy@live.com