Chase the Moon ride this weekend

Bike riders, you may want to take a nap this afternoon so you'll be ready to Chase the Moon tonight.

The Chase the Moon Midnight Bike Ride, organized by The Conservation Foundation, offers riders the chance to cruise under the stars on the limited-access roads of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory near Batavia and Aurora. The only catch is that cyclists don't start pushing pedals until the stroke of 12.

The annual ride follows a 25-mile course from the check-in point at Marmion Academy to the luminaria-lined Fermilab entrance, through the grounds and back. Check-in starts at 10 p.m. tonight at the school, located on Butterfield Road one mile west of Kirk Road in Aurora. Riders must finish by 3 a.m. Sunday, and the course can be shortened to create a more recreational ride.

Organizers say more people than ever are riding bicycles, and they hope the ride highlights both the personal and the environmental benefits of cycling.

"This is a great way to get some exercise and, at the same time, raise awareness and funds for conservation initiatives," said Brook McDonald, president and CEO of The Conservation Foundation, in a written release.

Ride rules dictate that all participants wear a helmet and that each bike be lit with a headlight or flashlight. But organizers are encouraging riders to have fun with the requirements by offering prizes for the best decorated helmet and the best lit bicycle.

Riders will find free parking, entertainment and refreshments as they check in and will be entered into pre-ride raffles. As participants return from the course, they'll be greeted by a healthy breakfast. Each rider will receive a Chase the Moon T-shirt.

Participants younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult, and children riding their own bicycles must register. Registration is $35 for foundation members, $45 for nonmembers and $20 for children 12 and younger. The nonmember price includes a one-year foundation membership.

Proceeds from the ride will help support the programs and services of The Conservation Foundation, which works to preserve open space and offers environmental education programs through its Naperville headquarters.

If you go

What: Chase the Moon Midnight Bike Ride

When: Check-in begins at 10 p.m. today, ride starts at midnight

Where: From Marmion Academy, on Butterfield Road one mile west of Kirk Road in Aurora

Cost: $45 per rider, $35 for Conservation Foundation members, $20 for riders 12 and younger

Info: chasethemoon.com to register; (630) 428-4500 or theconservationfoundation.org for questions