Five Things to Know for the Anthem Moonlight Ride
By: Richie Bozek
With the eighth annual Anthem Moonlight Ride rolling up fast next weekend, here are five things that will help you gear up for the fun-filled evening:
1. When and Where
Just in case you registered for Moonlight Ride without bothering to check when and where the event is, or if you are pondering that last minute sign up (do it), here are those details for you:
The Anthem Moonlight Ride is being held at Sports Backers Stadium at 100 Avenue of Champions on Aug. 6. The first wave of the ride takes off at 8 p.m.
If you are already registered, packet pick-up is available Friday, Aug. 5, from 4-7 p.m. at Sports Backers Stadium. You can also pick up your packet before the event on Saturday from 6-7:30 p.m. Remember to bring that photo ID! Walk-up registration is available at both of these times.
You can find all the info you need at www.sportsbackers.org (online registration is available through Wednesday, August 3rd).
2. Safety First
When you hit the Anthem Moonlight Ride course, you might notice that something’s missing on the roads…
That something is vehicles — the Moonlight Ride is on a closed course, meaning there’s no vehicle traffic. Just you, your bike, your friends, and the open road.
Of course, helmets are also required for all riders, as are front and rear lights for your bike. But we’ve got you covered with a blinking light for all registered participants that can be used on the rear, so just bring the light for the front, and you are ready to ride.
Agee’s bike mechanics will also be on hand before the ride for any last-minute maintenance issues or just to answer any general questions.
3. The More the Merrier
Cover your bike with all the crazy decorations you can! This year’s theme is U.S.A. in honor of the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. Show off your support
for Team U.S.A. by fitting as much red, white, and blue ribbons, lights, and whatever else you can think of, on your bike and in your outfit.
If you think you have what it takes, summon your creativity and enter the Virginia Credit Union Costume & Tacky Light Contest — all riders are encouraged to participate! There are three contest divisions: individual, duo/group, and children. Check out more details here: http://www.sportsbackers.org/events/moonlight-ride/costume-tacky-light-contest/
4. Family Friendly
The Moonlight Ride is an event the whole family can enjoy. Treat yourself to some pizza, ice cream, soda, and even Sierra Nevada beer for those riders 21 and up (be sure to bring your photo I.D.!)
Also catch a great live music performance from Red Light Romeo, named one of Richmond’s best cover bands by Style Weekly!
5. No training necessary
If you feel you haven’t been training properly for the Moonlight Ride with almost a week until the event, no need to worry. You might have seen the Tour de France on TV in the past month, but don’t panic — Moonlight Ride is a lot less intense, and a lot more fun (not that a grueling, three-week, 21-stage, 2,100-mile bike race isn’t fun – the riders do get to eat a lot during the race).
The great thing about the Moonlight Ride is that it’s an event for people of all skill and experience levels, and all types of bike – road, mountain, beach cruiser, are welcome. There’s a 15-mile and 8-mile course option, with five different waves you can ride in:
- Wave A – Hard Core
- Wave B – Weekend Warrior
- Wave C – Casual Rider
- Wave D – Slow Ride, Take It Easy
- Wave E – Family Wave
There are also two aid stations along the course stocked with water and snacks (and bathrooms!) if you need a break during the ride. So whether you are a frequent rider or you just pulled the beach cruiser out of the shed for the summer, the Anthem Moonlight Ride is the event for you.
Hope you are getting as excited for next weekend as we are! We look forward to seeing you out there on August 6th!
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