Anthem Moonlight Ride

It was the morning of August 21st and there was still a sense of uncertainty if I was going to participate in the 2nd annual Anthem Moonlight Ride. I have heard a lot about this race but since I recently got into the sport I was a bit intimidated by the lengthy 17-mile course layout. The farthest distance I had ever ridden before this was eight miles, so to tack on an extra nine miles on a course I have never been on would be a challenge. As the day progressed I had made up my mind that I was going to partake in this race. Now that my mind was set I became very anxious and excited about what the evening would hold. I was also eager to get some “quality daughter time” and ride alongside my parents, who encouraged me to ride in this event in the first place. They started riding a few months before me for exercise and I eventually followed suit. Since this event didn’t start until 8p.m., hence Moonlight Ride, we didn’t arrive until six in order to stretch, register, and walk around to all the various vendors. Water bottles and safety lights were the giveaways of the day. Luckily, Agee’s Bicycle had a tent set up and they were kind enough to fill up my tires with air; that would have been unfortunate to start my first race with a flat tire. With the start time drawing closer, we enjoyed watching all the other riders putting their final touches on their bikes, safety equipment, and of course the best part of the race, the costumes.  We so happened to be lined up next to the “bride” and “groom” couple who looked liked they just walked out of the chapel and were biking to their honeymoon. 

Finally, the sound everyone was waiting to hear all night. It was the sound of a blow horn and I’m sure it was heard throughout the entire city but it signified 8p.m. and the start of the race. All 2,000 participants jumbled together began pedaling away. As the sun was almost completely set we approached our first big hill on Hermitage Road when bikers were finally spread out. All you could see for miles were blinking red and orange lights; what an extraordinary site that was. Once we reached Bryan Park the sun had fully set and visibility was a concern. All participants were required to have front lights. Some bikers had green and yellow glow sticks interlaced through their wheels lighting the way. We tried to stay on pace with this group of bikers as they made a good focal point in front of us to follow on this dark part of the course.

For the most part the ride seemed pretty easy until we reached mile nine on Monument Avenue. My legs began to fatigue and my energy level was low, but I challenged myself and was determined to cross that finish line. It felt like days went by as we reached mile marker 12. At this stage of the race staying alert was key. Dodging cars and fallen bicyclists had become a common theme and reminded me of a video game. We were on our way to the last rest stop on the course, mile marker 14, when I realized how close we were to finishing the race. After a big gulp of blue PowerAde, I was back on course determined to finish. Chatting away the last three miles with my parents I looked up and noticed the close proximity of the Sports Backer Stadium in which we had started and was overwhelmed with excitement. I looked at my watch and was thrilled that we had rode the Full Moon (17 miles!) in one hour and twenty minutes. 

The party had already started as we crossed the finish line with Farm Vegas putting on a great show on stage as participants drank Blue Moon beer and cooled off with their favorite flavored ice cream. This was a spectacular event and was my stepping-stone into cycling; I am now riding two to three times a week. Though I didn’t get dressed up this year, I have already started thinking about a creative costume for next year’s ride.

For more information: Anthem Moonlight Ride