Press release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Community Bike Ride offers Close Encounter
Nighttime Trail Ride Gives Rare View of Planet
Free Event Showcases Fort Wayne Trail Network(October 6, 2010) – The popular community bike rides that took place this summer will offer one more unique opportunity to “Trek the Trails”. The City of Fort Wayne in conjunction with the Greenway Consortium and the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society, are sponsoring a nighttime ride that will focus on the planet Jupiter. The Free guided event will take place on Tuesday October 12, 2010 beginning at 7:30 PM.
If you see a bright “star” in the eastern sky this month – you’re likely seeing Jupiter. The biggest planet in our solar system is nearly at its brightest in October since Earth passed between Jupiter and the sun late last month. It’s the closest the planet has been to Earth in 47 years.
On this bike ride, the tour will stop and riders will be able to look through telescopes that will be set-up along the trail. The focus will be on the planet Jupiter and the Galilean Moons. Astronomers will be on hand to point out constellations, answer questions and provide additional information to stargazers.
“Our community is embracing the trail network. We are using the trails for recreation, for active transportation and now here’s a chance to use them for education. We will continue to look for creative ways to use the trails that bring even more value to the community,” said Mayor Tom Henry.
The eight mile ride will meet at the Rockhill Park Trailhead, located at 1500 Catalpa Street, near the intersection of Freeman and West Jefferson Boulevard. The ride will head west on the Wabash and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
For the safety of all participants, bicyclists must have the following in order to participate on the ride.
- Front White Headlight
- Rear Red Reflector or Rear Red Flashing Light
- Helmet
Participants should wear light colored clothing which is more visible at night.Residents interested in the ride and needing more information should call 427-6002.
A rainout date is set for October 16, 2010 at 7:30 PM.
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