Community Corner

Explore County Parks On Moonlight Bike Rides

Starting in June, the St. Charles County Parks Department will guide cyclists of all ages through park trails after sunset.

For those who are too busy to enjoy a day at the park, this summer you’ll have the opportunity to grab your bike and hit the trails after sunset in several St. Charles County Parks.

Starting in June, the St. Charles County Parks Department is once again offering the Moonlight Bike Ride program. For the third year, park staff, rangers and volunteers from Gateway Off-road Cyclists (GORC) will guide cyclists on trails through the woods at four county parks.

Bekin Youngblood, program coordinator of St. Charles County Parks, said the Moonlight Bike Rides were started because normally trails are only open to patrons during daylight hours.

Find out what's happening in O'Fallonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 “It’s a great way to spend the evening with your family and a unique opportunity because most parks close after dark and on a normal basis we’re in the same boat,” he said.

Rides are open to cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Youngblood said previous rides drew everyone from the die-hard mountain bikers families with kids.

Find out what's happening in O'Fallonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We have something for everyone, even if you have training wheels,” he added.

Cyclists must bring their own bike, helmet and are required to have a light on their bike or helmet.

Guides are trained in First Aid and carry supplies during rides.   

To participate in the Moonlight Bike Rides, you can register by visiting the parks department website or by calling 636- 949-7535.

Moonlight Bike Rides will be offered:

  • At Indian Camp Creek Park on June 17 from 9-11:30 p.m. and Oct. 14 from 6:30-9 p.m. Indian Camp Creek is located on Dietrich Road seven miles north of the Interstate 70 and Highway 40/61 interchange. The park features more than 10 miles of single-track trail.
  • At Quail Ridge Park on July 15 from 9-11:30 p.m. Quail Ridge is located near the intersection of Highway 40 and Interstate 70 off Prospect Road. This park features four miles of natural-surface terrain and three miles of paved trail.
  • At Broemmelsiek Park on Aug. 13 from 8:30-11 p.m. and Nov. 11 from 6-8:30 p.m. This park is located four miles southwest of the Highway 40 and the WingHaven Boulevard interchange on Schwede Road. It contains more than seven miles of natural-surface trail.
  • At Matson Hill Park on Sept. 9 from 7:30-10 p.m Matson Hill is located off Matson Hill Road, one mile northwest of Matson’s Katy Trail Parking lot along Hwy 94.
  • At the Louis H. Bangert Memorial Wildlife Area (Bangert Island) on Dec. 10 from 5-7:30 p.m. This park is located in St. Charles near the intersection of South River Road and Old South River Road and features more than four miles of natural-surface trail.

 

 

 

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from O'Fallon