Sign up for sixth annual Crystal Lake Night Owl Bike Ride

In collaboration with local bicycle enthusiasts, the sixth annual Crystal Lake Night Owl Bike Ride will take place at 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. This year, it will be held at an earlier start time.

The purpose of this late night bicycle ride is to benefit The Land Conservancy of McHenry County's mission to preserve natural, scenic and agricultural areas in the county. The ride is also to promote bicycling as an alternate means of transportation and exercise within the City of Crystal Lake.

Get your bike, helmet, light and water bottles ready for this fun night time event!

The ride is limited to 500 riders. Advance fee is $15 per rider through 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, or $20 night of ride.

Any rider 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult throughout the ride.

The safety of Night Owl participants is of primary importance. The route is on public streets and must be shared with motor vehicles during evening hours. They require all riders to wear helmets, have lights on your bicycle and ride no more than two abreast.

The Crystal Lake Police Department also reminds participants to obey all traffic laws. This is not a race, but a ride! The Crystal Lake Police Department bike patrol will ride along with us to insure a safe and fun ride for all participants.

The ride will start at 10 p.m. at the Crystal Lake City Hall complex, 100 W. Woodstock St.

For information, visit www.clnightowlride.org.

There are many volunteer opportunities, including rest stop setup, serving, cleanup, photographer, registration, ride marshals, food distribution, route cleanup and parking.

There will be parking in the Metra commuter lot across the street from city hall.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, contact Zoe Clemmons at zclemmons@conservemc.org.