Ride the light fantastic at the Anthem Moonlight Ride

This Saturday, August 26th, starting around 8 PM hundreds of bicyclist will don costumes, reflectors, and lights of all sorts and gather at Sports Backers Stadium. They’ll all be taking part in the annual Anthem Moonlight Ride.

The costumes are crucial because there are prizes handed out to the top 3 individuals, duos/groups and children. Be sure your costume is safe for wearing while riding a bike. Long dangling bits getting caught in a wheel could be very painful and make sure vision isn’t impaired.

The ride supports the Bike Walk RVA advocacy program. Bike Walk RVA is committed to making the Richmond area more bike and pedestrian friendly through the construction of more paved multi-use trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes in the Richmond region.

One of the best aspects of this ride is the lack of cars you have to dodge.  It takes place on roads closed to vehicular traffic so a perfect first bike event for all ages but especially for the younger riders. The course is closed to vehicular traffic but police will allow vehicles to cross the course at certain intersections – PLEASE show extra caution! These intersections are:

• Dumbarton & Hermitage
• Laburnum & Hermitage
• Westmoreland Street & Monument
• Willow Lawn Drive & Monument

Course maps can be found here. The Full Moon (15-mile) course for those that really want to stretch their legs and a Half Moon (8-mile) option for those are looking for a more leisurely ride.

Registration is available online and ranges from $30 adults/$10 youth to $50 adults/$25 youth. Besides the closed course and costume contests, there will be well-stocked rest stops on Monument Avenue and in Bryan Park. After the ride and safely back at Sports Backers Stadium, celebrate at the Agee’s Post-Ride Party with live music from the Jangling Reinharts. Enjoy a complimentary slice of pizza, ice cream, and soft drink or cold tasty Sierra Nevada beer.