Families Ride by the Light of the Moon

Once again, AARP in St. Louis is sponsoring the Moonlight Ramble—the longest-running nighttime bike ride in America. The 2017 ride will wind through downtown St. Louis by the light of the moon. Riders gather at Busch Stadium’s parking lot C on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 5, with check-in beginning at 9 p.m. for a ride that starts a minute past midnight.

A leisurely ride rather than a race, the event has broad appeal for families as well as athletes. It has drawn thousands of participants annually since the early 1970s, and some who started the tradition as children now bring their kids along for the ride. Participants choose a route of 9½ miles or 18½ miles and return to the starting point for food and entertainment from 1 to 3 a.m.

“The Moonlight Ramble is a great St. Louis tradition, allowing people of all ages to ride safely through the streets of downtown,” said Sheila Holm, AARP community outreach director in St. Louis. “We invite everyone to stop by our booth before or after the ride to learn more about what AARP is doing right here in St. Louis. We think you’ll be surprised!”

AARP is offering free registration to the first 200 members and their guests who call 877-926-8300 toll-free or sign up at aarp.org/stlouis. Others can register online at moonlightramble.com or on-site Aug. 5. — John Reinhart