Fifth Annual Full Moon Ride At Mercer Meadows Park
The Lawrence Hopewell Trail’s (LHT) fifth annual Full Moon Ride, featuring a Mercer Meadows pond alight with floating lanterns, a ride through “Firefly Lane” with twinkling lights in the tree canopy, and live music — among other activities — is Sunday, August 26. Co-sponsored by the Mercer County Parks Commission, the event runs from 7 to 11:30 p.m., starting in the picnic pavilion area of Mercer Meadows Park.
“We are excited to offer a blend of nighttime experiences that tickle the senses, especially a glorious six-mile bike ride under a full moon along the trails in Mercer Meadows,” said Jay Watson, creator and lead for what has become the LHT’s signature event each year. Watson brings his longstanding commitment to the environment to his volunteer service with the LHT and his creation of the Full Moon Ride. In his “day job,” he is vice president of the D&R Greenway Land Trust, and recently Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora tapped him to co-chair his Greening/Sustainability/Recreation/Natural Resources Transition Committee.
Before the bike ride, attendees are invited to bring a picnic dinner, decorate their bikes, watch a movie on a huge, outdoor screen or enjoy a campfire. The band, Sounds of Sandstorm, will perform contemporary blues and jazz throughout the event.
When the moon rises at around 8 p.m., groups of 40 to 50 riders will head out in waves from the picnic pavilion area of Rosedale Lake, riding the elevated edge around the lake before moving onto a segment Watson is calling Firefly Lane because twinkling lights will illuminate the canopy above riders’ heads. By moonlight, they will also pass lanterns floating on Dragonfly Pond and will be serenaded by classical musicians.
Adults and children of all ages are welcome at the activities prior to the bike ride, with the expectation that adults supervise their children at all times. The full moon bike ride itself is open to adults and children aged 12 and above. For riders under 18, helmets are required by law. The LHT encourages helmets for all riders for safety reasons, and also suggests the use of bike lights.
Participants are encouraged to carpool if possible. All participants should use the entrance to the park on Federal City Road, between Blackwell Road and Old Mill Road in Hopewell Township. The rain date is Sunday, September 22, but if rain forces the change, the program will be limited to the bike ride.
For each person riding the six-mile Full Moon loop, the admission fee is $20. There is no fee for participants who do not ride, although a donation is requested. The funds help support of the work of the Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation.
Online registration is possible through 5 p.m. the day of the ride. After 5, participants can register at the event. Visit lhtrail.org/fullmoonride to register online. The 2018 Full Moon Ride tee shirt is also available for pre-purchase or purchase at the ride.