A high probability of rain and thunderstorms this Sunday has forced the Lawrence Hopewell Trail board and Mercer County Park Commission to postpone its annual Full Moon Ride to next month.
The board and county staff determined that moving the event – which has drawn over 500 participants for the last two years – is necessary to ensure the safety of hundreds of riders and dozens of volunteers expected at event.
“The weather forecast for this Sunday evening — for a cold front bringing widespread rain and thunderstorms…leaves us little choice but to move this event to September,” Jay Watson, LHT board member and curator of the Full Moon Ride said in a press release. “Our event co-sponsor, the Mercer County Parks Commission, agrees with this decision.”
As a result of the inclement weather, officials announced in a press release that this year’s Full Moon Ride will take place on Sat., Sept. 17, with a rain date set for the following day.
This is the third consecutive year for the nighttime cycling excursion. The ride will begin at Rosedale Park parking lot off Federal City Road will take cyclists through Maidenhead Trail, on to the Twin Pines Trail and then back to Rosedale Park. The ride is expected to take about 45 minutes to complete its six miles.
Though the delay will set the ride back by nearly a month, officials said an added benefit is that the ride will take place earlier in the evening since the moon rises earlier in September.
“With an expected moon rise of 7:47 p.m. on September 17, we can start the ride a full hour earlier than we planned for this Sunday,” Mr. Watson said. “Our ride will begin at 8:30, when the moon will be high enough to cast good light on the trail route.”
Those who previously registered for the ride will be automatically registered for the new date.
Those who can’t attend and who have already paid the registration fee of $10 per person, $20 per family, can be reimbursed by requesting reimbursement at [email protected] or can choose to donate their fees to the LHT.
The LHT is a nonprofit community group supported by generous donations from individuals and groups. Funds collected from the registration will go directly toward offsetting the cost of the event, continued construction of the LHT as well as ongoing trail maintenance.
Registration for the ride, which is open to adults and youngsters aged 12 and up, is possible through September 17 at http://lhtrail.org/2016/07/super-moon-ride-2016-registration/. Registration online is highly recommended.
Riders are encouraged to decorate their bikes. There will be limited number of glow sticks available to participants to light up their bikes and bicycle headlights are recommended for additional safety. Helmets are required.
If you have any questions regarding the event, email [email protected].
Riders will cycle six miles through the meadows and woodlands of Mercer Meadows.
