LHT FULL MOON RIDE 2023

LHT FMR 2023

Co-sponsored by
Mercer County Parks

Saturday, September 30
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

The Lawrence Hopewell Trail’s Full Moon Bike Ride is an out-of-this-world experience.

A fantastic night of music and fun with a moonlight ride through Mercer Meadows Park on Saturday, September 30. Gather friends and family, bring a picnic dinner, decorate your bike, and enjoy the park before the ride. Dance to the music of a techno DJ, and other music along the trail. Make smores. Get to know some of your neighbors. Most of all, enjoy the evening and have fun along the LHT!

You won’t want to miss our 8th Full Moon Bike Ride co-sponsored by the Mercer County Park Commission.

FAQs

How do I register?

Registration is easy. Everyone must register whether you ride or just enjoy the other fun aspects of the evening.

Will there be on-site registration?
Yes. You can register at the Full Moon Bike Ride, but the price for adults will increase to $25. We urge participants to register in advance so that we can better plan for a wonderful experience for everyone. Participants who do not ride must also register.
How much does it cost to participate?

The fee is $15 for riders ages 12 to 17 and $20 for everyone over 18. Group rates for riders are available. Contact us to register groups. There is no fee for non-riders, but a donation is requested.

Why do I have to register if I am not riding?

We ask everyone to register so that we can plan for the number of participants, whether they are riding or not. We also need to have all guests sign the waiver.

How skilled a rider do I need to be to participate?
The Full Moon Bike ride is suitable for all experience levels. You must be able to complete the six-mile route.
What is the nature of the route?

The ride generally follows a flat route on wide paved and packed gravel paths for six miles. It takes, on average, about 30-40 minutes at a casual pace.

What should I expect on the ride?

The most special part of the ride is being able to travel through the park under a full moon! While on your journey there are some musicians to serenade you and beautifully lighted sections of trail to add to the experience.

What is the schedule?

Sunset on September 30 is around 6:45 PM, and moonrise at 7:30 PM. Before the bike ride, attendees are invited to bring a picnic dinner, decorate their bikes, listen to the DJ, or enjoy the campfire.

Participants are encouraged to arrive by 7 to check-in. The ride will begin at 7:30. The route will remain open until last ride at 9:30 for riders who arrive later, or wish to ride another loop as the night gets darker. Event ends at 10.

Should I decorate my bike?

We encourage bike decorating. Glow sticks will be available at the event for bike decorating, but we encourage you to plan ahead and bring your own decorations. Prizes will be available to the winner in the “Youth Category” (ages 12-17) and in the “Adult Category” (ages 18 and over).

Will Full Moon Ride tee shirts be available this year?
Yes, t-shirts are available for purchase during online registration.
Why are young children not permitted to participate?
We understand that some children under 12 are accomplished riders, but we have no way of knowing that. For the safety of children, as well as all others, we have made the decision to exclude those under 12. Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
What about children in carriers?

We leave it to parents to decide whether to bring children in bike carriers. Children under 12 cannot be on their own bikes.

It is going to be dark out. Is it safe to ride?
The LHT and the Mercer County Park rangers have done everything they can to make sure riders are safe. The trail will be checked for twigs and other debris before the event. Rangers and volunteers will be posted along the way to keep the riders moving safely and to address any issues that might arise. Of course, we need your help in making sure that you are safe. The LHT encourages helmets for all riders for safety reasons, and also highly recommends the use of front and rear bike lights. Moonlight, even on a clear night, will not fully light the trail in the woods.
What if my bike malfunctions?
We will have volunteers on hand to help with unexpected repairs. However, we strongly encourage a degree of self-sufficiency as well. Bring an extra tube or repair kit in a backpack or in the car.
Will there be parking?

There will be parking in the lot near the Mercer Meadows Dog Park and Rosedale Lake area. We encourage carpooling whenever possible.

Mercer Meadows park is a big place. Are there directions to the starting area?

The event starts and ends at the parking lot at Rosedale Lake. The entrance is located along Federal City Road, between Blackwell Road and Old Mill Road in Pennington, New Jersey.

You can find the location using google map locator.

Are there restrooms available?

Yes, restrooms will be available at Rosedale Lake.

Will food and beverages be available?
Yes, there will be a vendor selling ice cream. Additionally, weather permitting, there will be a campfire to roast a marshmallow and make a s’more (ingredients provided). However, it is always a good idea to bring some water and snacks with you.
Is there a rain date?

The rain date for the Full Moon Ride is Sunday, October 1, 2023. If rain forces the change, the program will be limited to the bike ride (without lights and music along the way).

Why should I donate?
The LHT is definitely a free amenity open to everyone. It is designed, built, and managed by the Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation, a nonprofit organization. Most of the work associated with creating and maintaining the trail has been, and continues to be, done by volunteers who raise the funds to make the trail a reality. The LHT continues to assist with completing the final few segments of trail as well as work to connect with other communities, add amenities and trail improvements, and support trail development in the region.
How can I volunteer for the Full Moon Ride or the LHT?

If you are intrested in volunteering for the Full Moon Bike Ride or to support the LHT in general, contact us and tell us about your skills and availability.

LHT FMR Girl on Decorated Bike

Why Support The LHT?

It takes a whole community to make something this good. Thank you for your support!

OUR LOCATION

Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation
The Historic Hunt House
197 Blackwell Rd.
Pennington, NJ 08534

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