Antelope Island by Moonlight 2012 - Mayan Meltdown

Sunset on the Great Salt Lake Causeway to
Antelope Island.

by Karin Marie Plunkett

Couldn't resist a pic with one of the natives.

Imagine a 22-mile ride on an island surrounded by excited groups of families and friends. Now picture these people, old and young, bedecked with lights on helmets, bikes, and clothing. The Antelope Island Ride begins as the day ends. Our vehicle of anxious riders crept out along the causeway as the sun lowered in the sky.

Just before dark, the crowd began gathering for a large group start. With lights turned on and water bottles filled, folks gathered to participate in the adventure of night riding. City lights sparkled on the horizon and reflected in the glassy lake.

Watching small children, bike trailers, tandem bicycles, and the large variety of mountain and road bikes climb the rolling hills was both inspiring and delightful.

Meeting up at the historic barn for "updates" and refueling.

The ride is an out-and-back with a rest stop tucked into a cozy barn. There the riders are treated to a variety of fruits and bars. There we enjoyed the late moonrise as we regrouped and visited with friend.

Joining up at Syracuse Pizza Factory before
the ride so we can caravan across the causeway.

The Antelope Island ride is short enough to be undertaken by people of wide range of ages and fitness levels. The funds from the entry fees support the upkeep of the island. Approximately 2,000 people registered for the moonlight adventure this year. I hope to see you join us there next summer!

http://www.daviscountyutah.gov/go/moonlight/ 

http://www.davisareacvb.com/attractions/antelopeisland.htm

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.