Antelope Island by Moonlight 2012

2012 Antelope By Moonlight - End of the World - Mayan Meltdown

Each year as the bike season begins, I reflect back on all the rides/races I did in the previous year.  The one that brings the biggest smile to my face is the Antelope by Moonlight put on by Davis County. 2012 is their 19th annual ride with the theme for this year being "End of the World - Mayan Meltdown".  This is a fun, family night ride lit only by bicycle lights & glow sticks along with the moon and its reflection off the Great Salt Lake.

Eating up - Pizza Factory - Syracuse-2011

This year, July 6th will be the fifth year in a row I've ridden this well organized fund-raising event.  Each year I get more of my friends to make the drive and do the ride.  The last two years we've met at the Pizza Factory in Syracuse for dinner.  It makes a perfect place to meet and eat.  The food is always great and the owners, Josh and Emily Patten take really good care of our group.

Waiting for "Go" signal - 2011

Phil, Trevor and Ronelle - 2011

After dinner, it's easy to play follow the leader by car the last 5 miles to the Antelope Island marina where we park; putting us all close in the parking lot and easy to find everyone in the group to start the ride together.

This is a pretty easy ride for the whole family.  It's 11 miles out to the historic Fielding Garr Ranch making a total of 22 miles out and back. The historic barn is well lit with tables stocked full of fruit, granola bars, other treats and water.

Some of the things I enjoy most about Antelope by Moonlight:

1. The snake of lights winding its way down the road to the barn.
2. The breathtaking sight of the lights of Syracuse reflecting off the lake.
3. The fact that the entire road is closed to cars (The sag wagon help is on four-wheelers riding the shoulders).
4. Calling out to see where your friends are and hearing their excited voices on the dark road.
5. The meet-up at the barn.
6. Seeing the decorated bikes of all shapes and sizes - road bikes, mtn. bikes, kids bikes, tag-alongs, bike trailers - all lit up and many of them decorated in some of the craziest ways; including massive use of glow sticks and other crazy lights.

Click here to read the Deseret News' review on the 2011 Antelope by Moonlight ride.
Click here to read the Standard Examiner's review on what is done with proceeds from the Annual Antelope by Moonlight Ride.