“We expect this to be a spectacular nighttime ride through one of New Jersey’s premiere open spaces and along the Lawrence Hopewell Trail,” said Jay Watson, LHT board member and curator of the moon ride. “If skies are clear this will be a super ride on the night of a super moon!”
August 10 is expected to be a special celestial evening with the super moon, when the full moon makes its closest approach to the earth on its elliptical orbit, resulting in the largest apparent size of the moon seen from earth. And the night sky will be especially active that evening when as many as 50 to 100 meteors per hour may be streaking across the sky as part of the annual Perseid meteor shower.
At the fun bicycle ride, bike decorating will be encouraged and limited glow sticks will be provided to light up participants’ bikes. The ride is for ages 12 and up, and helmets are required for all riders.
“We hope individuals and families will join us for the ride. We will pass through meadows and forests, all on gravel paths that serve as the pathways through Mercer Meadows,” said Eleanor Horne, co-president of the LHT.
Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes added, “I encourage everyone who enjoys the outdoors to take part in this special event. It’s a unique opportunity to observe the wonders of the night sky while experiencing the natural beauty of Mercer Meadows along a great trail system.”
Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the ride online at www.lht.org and to bring a copy of the signed form with them. Registration, which is required for those who wish to participate, may also be done that evening at Rosedale Lake, said co-president Becky Taylor.
Should there be any question about weather impacting the ride, please visit the LHT website on August 10. The LHT will post information about cancellation, should that be necessary.
While the county park system is generally closed from dusk to dawn, the Mercer County Park Commission elected to co-sponsor this special event and representatives will join the ride. Park rangers will also be present at two crossings of Blackwell Road to assure safe crossing.
“The Park Commission is thrilled to be partnering with the LHT on what I’m sure will be a fabulous and unique evening,” said Kevin Bannon, executive director of the Mercer County Park Commission. “This is the first of many family oriented programs that will take place in Mercer Meadows and on the LHT.”
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