Fun, Fitness Bring Families to the Anthem Moonlight Ride
By: Becky Seidel
The Anthem Moonlight Ride is back this year on August 22 at 8:00pm, providing an exciting opportunity to ride a great course around RVA under the stars. With two course options, the Full Moon (15 miles) and Half Moon (8 miles), it’s a great way for families to get active together (and the Agee’s Post-Ride Party, with live music, pizza, and ice cream, doesn’t hurt either). With the course options and multiple start waves, the event caters to riders of all skills and abilities, including newcomers, past participants, and those who like to get decked out in costumes and tacky lights before hitting the 
pavement. Here’s a closer look at three local families from each of those categories who will be taking part in the Moonlight Ride this year.
The Newbies
“We’ve never really done anything like this before,” said Kristin Jones of her family’s first time participating in the Anthem Moonlight Ride. She is excited to hit the streets on August 22 with her husband and three children, especially after hearing about how much fun it is from friends who have participated before. The family is very active and looks forward to the unique combination of fun and physical activity that a bike ride under the stars will provide. “We’re always looking for ways to incorporate fitness into our daily routine,” said Jones, and with two of the kids riding and another rolling along in a bike trailer, she’s sure that the Anthem Moonlight Ride will be the start of an active family tradition.
The Returning Riders
Many participants keep coming back year after year. Scot McRoberts and his family share an enthusiastic commitment to fitness, which has led him and his two sons to take part in the ride for the past several years. This year they’ll be joined by his wife and youngest daughter, and Scot is excited about getting the whole family out on their bikes to ride together. “We’re all active in one way or another,” he said. “I’m 52, and it’s important to me to stay active so I can continue to do things like the Moonlight Ride with my kids.” One of his favorite things about the Moonlight Ride is the opportunity to ride the streets on a course closed to vehicle traffic, which allows the whole family to focus on enjoying the evening.
The Costume Contestants
One of the highlights of every Anthem Moonlight Ride is the costumes and bike décor, and this year’s Virginia Credit Union Costume and Tacky Light Contest is sure to bring out the creativity of each contestant. Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character or decorate their bikes with tacky lights. There is also a special ‘Stars & Stripes’ theme for those who want to show support for the home team in the UCI Cycling World Championships
, with prizes going to the top individual, duo/group and child. Susan Dausch knows all about the costume contest and can’t wait for her family to show off their designs. “The kids are really looking forward to decorating their bikes and getting out on the course to show them off!” says Dausch. “We often bike together in the neighborhood and on vacation, so we are excited about adding all the decorations and glow sticks to our bikes!”
The decorations, along with the great course and Agee’s Post-Ride Party, make this event about more than just riding a bike. It is a great opportunity for riders of all ages and ability levels to enjoy a safe, scenic route around Richmond under the stars, with friends and family.
Got plans for a great costume or tacky lights display? Let us know in the comments section! More information and registration for the Anthem Moonlight Ride can be found at www.sportsbackers.org. Be sure to sign up before the July 16 price increase to save a few dollars!