LAWRENCE-HOPEWELL: LHT, county hosts Super Moon Bike Ride

The Lawrence Hopewell Trail and the Mercer County Parks Commission are hosting the first-ever Super Moon Bike Ride at Mercer Meadows on Aug. 10, the night of a confluence of celestial events – a "super moon" and Perseid meteor shower.
The event starts at 8:30 p.m. at Rosedale Park (located off Federal City Road in Hopewell Township).
Riders will cycle around a 6-mile loop along the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, the Maidenhead Trail and the Twin Pines Trail. The ride, expected to take about 45 minutes, will end with water ice and ice cream.
"We expect this to be a spectacular nighttime ride through one of New Jersey’s premiere open spaces and along the Lawrence Hopewell Trail," said Jay Watson, LHT board member and curator of the moon ride. "If skies are clear this will be a super ride on the night of a super moon!"
Aug. 10 is expected to be a special celestial evening with the super moon, when the full moon makes its closest approach to the earth on its elliptical orbit, resulting in the largest apparent size of the moon seen from earth. And the night sky will be especially active that evening when as many as 50 to 100 meteors per hour may be streaking across the sky as part of the annual Perseid meteor shower.
At the fun bicycle ride, bike decorating will be encouraged and limited glow sticks will be provided to light up participants’ bikes. The ride is for ages 12 and up, and helmets are required for all riders.
"We hope individuals and families will join us for the ride. We will pass through meadows and forests, all on gravel paths that serve as the pathways through Mercer Meadows," said Eleanor Horne, co-president of the LHT.
Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes said: "I encourage everyone who enjoys the outdoors to take part in this special event. It’s a unique opportunity to observe the wonders of the night sky while experiencing the natural beauty of Mercer Meadows along a great trail system."
Participants are encouraged to preregister for the ride online at www.lht.org and to bring a copy of the signed form with them. Registration, which is required for those who wish to participate, also may be done that evening at Rosedale Lake, said Co-president Becky Taylor.
Should there be any question about weather impacting the ride, visit the LHT website on Aug. 10. The LHT will post information about cancellation, should that be necessary.
While the county park system is generally closed from dusk to dawn, the Mercer County Park Commission elected to co-sponsor this special event and representatives will join the ride. Park rangers also will be present at two crossings of Blackwell Road to ensure safe crossing.
"The Park Commission is thrilled to be partnering with the LHT on what I’m sure will be a fabulous and unique evening," said Kevin Bannon, executive director of the Mercer County Park Commission. "This is the first of many family oriented programs that will take place in Mercer Meadows and on the LHT. "
The LHT is a 20+ miles bicycle and pedestrian recreational trail and transportation corridor through public and private lands in Lawrence and Hopewell townships. The idea for the LHT grew out of a commitment to improving the quality of life for all who live or work in the region. The LHT supports an active, livable, and sustainable community with alternative forms of transportation to reduce reliance on automobiles. It also promotes health and fitness, recreation, and outdoor education. For more information, visit www.lhtrail.org.
The Mercer County Park Commission manages diverse offerings within its more than 10,000 acres of parks, recreational facilities, and open space throughout Mercer County. Mercer Meadows, where the Super Moon Bike Ride will take place, consists of more than 1,600 acres, divided among five separate districts. Miles of mowed and gravel trails provide visitors and their families with scenic walking and biking routes through the meadows and woodland. Fishing is a popular activity at the park’s four water bodies. For more information, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.