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MOONSHADOWS IN MOAB: An Unforgettable Sunset into Moonlight Experience |
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 The Moab region is world renowned for spectacular red rock formations and breathtaking views. It has become difficult to open up any travel or sports magazine without seeing some reference to this one-of-a-kind geographic wonderland. Roughly one and a half million tourists travel worldwide to reach what has become an outdoor recreationalist’s paradise. While most tourists enjoy the wonders of the incredible national parks, few venture further to Dead Horse Point State Park. This region has not only been compared to the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, it has actually been used to imitate the Grand Canyon in multiple movies, most notably the end scene in Thelma and Louise.
Another seldom enjoyed aspect to the Moab region is the beauty of this landscape under a summer evening’s full moon. The amazing rock formations take on a ghost-like quality, dancing in the dark to their own mystical music. Shadows cast upon the desert create another visual paradise and open the imagination to an unfamiliar, yet inviting world. Those adventurous enough to venture out into the light of the full moon are never disappointed, leaving them with magical, reflective moments that last a lifetime.
A special treat for road cyclists has been the establishment of the Moab Skinny Tire Events. A multiple day festival in the spring (Moab Skinny Tire Festival) and a 100 mile ride with an extremely challenging climb in the fall (Moab Century Tour) opens and closes the road cycling season with ideal weather conditions and incredible routes through what has become the ‘new landscape in road cycling’. The most special treat quite possibly for any road cyclists is the newest event; Moonshadows in Moab.
Unlike other full moon bike rides, this event offers participants with a true ride, not just a lap around town at midnight. Starting at sunset, this 44-mile ride climbs 1700 feet as it wanders through the canyon country. As the sky turns from the beautiful red glow of sunset into the blue twilight, riders are greeted with echoes of coyote howls and the inspiring scent of sage. The silvery moonlight grows larger and bright as participants make their way to the edge of the earth at the overlook at Dead Horse Point State Park. Here the views deep into the canyon below dance in the silvery moonlight as riders peer down at the mighty Colorado River over 2,000 feet below. Participants catch their breath from the ride, and then lose it again from the breathtaking views. A light dinner is served at the AID station aptly called “The Moonshadows Café”, possibly the most unique AID station you’ll ever visit, located at the very edge of the canyon.
Cyclists are encouraged to arrive at the top, grab their gear from the sag vehicles and take a short stroll to the Overlook, enjoying the view of the full moon rising. After riders are done eating and relaxing, the beautiful descent awaits them. The ride back is just fast enough to add an additional thrill without working the brakes too hard. By the time participants make it back to their vehicles roughly around ten, they are inspired, excited and while they may be ready to get off their bikes, they surely are not ready to call it a night.
The short drive back to Moab allows time to relax from the ride, and get ready for alittle post-event revelry at Frankie D’s Desert Saloon for a bit of music and socializing. Riders can enjoy sharing stories in the large outdoor patio area covered in twinkling lights, or they can dance to their hearts content to the music playing inside. The next morning has a recovery ride ideally starting at ten to provide sleep in and breakfast time.
While all events in Moab are truly special in their own right, Moonshadows in Moab is a must-do for all road cyclists. Registrations are encouraged early. For more information please see SkinnyTireEvents.com or at Facebook.com/MoabSkinnyTireEvents to become our friend and participate in our incredible promotions like the giveaway of a new Fezzari road bike frame this past spring.
Moab has gained national credibility in the road cycling industry as well as made fans out of cycling icons like Bob Roll, Chris Carmichael, Ron Kiefel and Marty Jemison. There’s no better way to see for yourself why road riding here is so spectacular than to participate in a fully supported Moab Skinny Tire Event. We hope to see you soon!
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Live Music and Encantado Fire Spinning apres-Ride |
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Enjoy live music by classic rock band HYRDUS and Fire Spinning by Encantada
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Frankie D's Desert Saloon
Live music by classic rock band HYRDUS 9pm - 1am. Outdoor patio, non-smoking bar, pool tables, game horse shoes, full late-night menu, dance floor, and more.
10:30pm Encantada Fire Spinning Group. See balls of fire spin like galaxies in front of you. This 25 minute performance set to music will be the perfect finish as you relax at Frankie D's Desert Saloon following your Sunset Into Moonlight Road Cycling Ride.
Be sure to cycle back to your car in time to change shoes and drive to Frankie D's Desert Saloon in Moab (20 minute drive from Hwy 191 and Hwy 313, the begin/end point of the Moonshadows in Moab ride). See full schedule, but suggestion is to leave the turnaround point at Dead Horse Point State Park by 9:15pm to ensure travel time if you want to see the fire spinners.
Frankie D's Desert Saloon at 44 West 200 North (turn west on 200 North, near the Bowen Motel, and drive one block west). Enjoy $5 coupon (good for food and non-alcoholic beverages) compliments of Moonshadows in Moab.
Enjoy Yourself while Kickin' back.
Sunday June 27th - RECOVERY RIDE
10:00am Meet at Archway Inn Hotel for a 20+ mile flat spin around Moab guided by Mark Griffith, Event Director. SAG vehicle with food and water provided.
Choose to ride 'the Townie' ride through the heart of Moab, along Mill Creek Parkway and south toward Spanish Valley. Additional miles may be along the Colorado River on the Kane Creek side.
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Moonshadows in Moab