39th Annual Moonlight Ramble in Downtown St. Louis
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(August 16, 2003) - Over 12,000 riders participated in one of the largest Moonlight Rambles through city neighborhoods, Forest Park and downtown along Washington Avenue on a sweltering Saturday night.
Moonlight Ramble Rumbles Through Downtown St. Louis
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by Betty Magrath, SLFP.com
photos by Bob Moore, SLFP.com
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), August 16, 2003 - With a loud cheer of 'Let's Ramble' shortly after midnight, the first wave of bicyclists lined up at 14th and Market Streets near the Soldiers Memorial to begin the 39th Annual Moonlight Ramble.
For the next two hours, families and friends on bicycles of every size, shape and color followed the route along Market and 18th Streets, past Union Station to Chouteau Street. The course wound through the Southwest St. Louis neighborhood into Forest Park. Many riders stopped near the Missouri History Museum to rest before heading back down Lindell Boulevard to Washington Avenue and the loft district, ending with breakfast at the City Museum.
"There are well over 12,000 paid participants this year," said Mark Cocksin, spokesman for Moonlight Ramble, in an interview after the last riders left downtown. He was referring to past events, where hundreds of riders unofficially joined the ride without paying an entrance fee.
"The city bent over backwards to fix the potholes and pavement along Market Street and to provide security," he continued. "Our goal is for everyone to have a safe ride. We had hoped to make the course 15 miles, but at the last moment, a segment was shortened in Forest Park because of sewer work near the Grand Basin. We really wanted people to see and experience the improvements happening in the Park," said Cocksin.
Prior to the start of the ramble, riders enjoyed an opportunity to browse through vendor booths and share tips and stories from last year's event. Many passed the time by riding through the downtown streets or checking their gear.
Shortly after 1:00 a.m., the bicyclists began arriving at City Museum, located at 15th Street, for refreshments provided by the St. Louis Bread Company. An engaging carnival atmosphere welcomed the ramblers, complete with a colorful ferris wheel, a giant screen showing a dinosaur movie and an opportunity to explore the wild and wacky maze of structures adjacent to the building.
Many riders continued their adventure by cruising up and down Washington Avenue past limos and exotic cars in what is known as the Loft District. Flashing lights, loud music and the revelry of club-goers sitting at tables in front of the venues added a new layer of excitement to the event.
The annual ride benefits Hostelling International USA, a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1934, that promotes international understanding among people of all ages through educational travel programs.
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Bicyclists and spectators waited at Soldiers Memorial Park prior to the Moonlight Ramble.
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Riders gathered near the ferris wheel at City Museum to enjoy refreshments after the ramble.
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Bicyclists enjoy the sights and sounds of nightlife on Washington Avenue near Tucker Boulevard following the annual Moonlight Ramble.
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