Many traditions are returning to Davis County this summer, and one of the most popular is the Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride. This year, it’s back with a new theme, “The Rolling ‘20s Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride.

It will take place on Friday, June 25, starting at 10 p.m., though many riders arrive hours earlier to enjoy a pre-race party. The 27th edition of this event will include food trucks, a Roarin’ ‘20’s speakeasy “mocktail” lounge, costume and bike decorating contests, photo ops and more.

“We’re looking forward to this year’s Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride, especially after we missed everyone last summer,” said Randy Elliott, Davis County Commissioner. “This event is such a special, unique ride; we have had some families coming for the past 20 plus years.” 

It’s also a fundraiser for the Friends of Antelope Island, a non-profit organization that helps promote the island and expand and improve facilities and educational programs.

“The ride is the top money maker of all the events we’re involved in,” said Randy Cook, a trustee of the Friends board. “One hundred percent of the proceeds from this ride go towards our efforts to enhance the visitors’ experiences on the island through physical improvements to the facilities.”

As an example, Friends just approved an expenditure of $38,000 for improvements at the Fielding Garr Ranch, including picnic tables and other amenities. The Friends are also involved in development of an archery range on the island, with more information on that forthcoming later this summer.

The moonlit ride will take participating “guys and dolls” (the Roarin’ ‘20s theme) from White Rock Bay to Fielding Garr Ranch and back under the light of a full moon. Families and adults are both invited to participate and encouraged to don their bikes with luminescent lights and get spiffed up in their best Gatsby wear. 

“Last year may have been the ‘quaran-twenties’ but now we’re ready to bring in the Roarin’ ‘20s,” said Jessica Merrill, director of Discover Davis, in a release. “This event is so much more than the ride, and our participants have so much fun with our themes each year by dressing up, decorating their bikes and enjoying the pre-party entertainment offered. We definitely can’t wait to party and be together again in a Gatsby-style environment.”

All tickets must be purchased prior to the date of the ride. Tickets will be available for purchase until June 24. Every participant is required by law to have and use a helmet, headlamp and taillight. Registration can be done online at  https://www.daviscountyutah.gov//moonlight?utm_source=Davis%20Jounral&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=Moonlight%202021