LHT's Full Moon Ride Set For Aug. 26

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Lawrence Hopewell Trail’s fifth annual Full Moon Ride is set for Sunday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. It begins in the picnic pavilion area of Mercer Meadows Park. The ride will include floating lanterns, a ride through “Firefly Lane” with twinkling lights in the tree canopy, and live music, among other activities.

“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. The ride is brought to the public in partnership with the county.

Watson brings his longstanding commitment to the environment to his volunteer service with the LHT and his creation of the Full Moon Ride. He is vice president of the D&R Greenway Land Trust, and has been picked by Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora to co-chair his Greening/Sustainability/Recreation/Natural Resources Transition Committee.

“For those who know and love the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, this annual ride offers a way to discover the splendor of the trail in a different light, while raising funds for one of the most worthwhile endeavors in Mercer County. Mercer County is a proud supporter of the LHT,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said.

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, Sept. 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 a reduced rate of $15 per rider for those who register by Aug. 15. There is no fee for participants who will enjoy the evening but who do not ride, although a donation is requested. The funds help support of the work of the Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation.

“The LHT is a nonprofit organization, not a government agency,” LHT Co-President Eleanor Horne said. “As such, we need to raise funds to cover the costs of trail building and maintenance, hosting cool events such as the Full Moon Ride, and covering our operating expenses. We so appreciate the support of participants in this event.”

Online registration is possible through 5 p.m. the day of the ride. After that, participants can register at the event. To register online, visit http://lhtrail.org/fullmoonride. The 2018 Full Moon Ride tee shirt is also available for pre-purchase or purchase at the ride.

The organizing committee for the 2018 Full Moon Ride includes Watson and Horne as well as Joe Pizza, Dave Buxton, and Wanda McNeill representing the Park Commission.

Patch file photo