Riding the Cycles of the Moon

How’s your night vision? If it’s sharp and you have a bike with a light, you might want to join the dozen or so die-hard pedalists who’ll be cruising Jan. 31 on a full-moon night ride at Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Coast.

Education specialist Winter Bonnin says it’s a great opportunity for atmosphere: “Bikers don’t usually have the chance to ride in the dark since the park closes at sunset. The only chance of doing this is on the full-moon mountain bike ride.”

Docent Brian Flynn of Newport Beach led the group last time, under the December full moon. The bicyclists traveled about 10 miles around the perimeter of the park. They stopped at Indian Rock, a flat area on the upper canyon, turned off their bike lights, looked at the stars and listened to the sounds of nature.

“We found owls and bats, and we heard other things. It was up to our imaginations as to what we heard. Some thought one sound was [created by] a bear, but it was most likely a bird flying out of a bush,” Flynn says. “Most of the animals are nocturnal, and we don’t want to disrupt their habitat. That’s why we ride at dusk--so we don’t disturb them.”

The group can be as large as 25, and there are usually two docents, one in front and one in back to keep things orderly. “It was only me [in December], so we had to do a military count-off, and by the end of the evening, people were counting off in joking ways,” Flynn recalls.

Flynn completed his docent training four years ago and has led many hiking and biking tours (he gathers 30 to 60 people for summer rides). “You always hear about people giving back, and I thought I’d give it a shot,” he says.

His favorite part of the park? “El Morro [canyon] is like everyone’s backyard--it’s convenient to reach and a great exercise place. Most of the trails go in, out or around it. And the views are amazing.”

Flynn doesn’t recommend the two-hour trip--with its 2,000 feet of elevation gain--for beginners. “We don’t restrict anyone, but most [participants] ride all the time; some even race. We stay together, but if someone is riding a beach cruiser, it brings down the pace of the group. But we wait for people; we accommodate.”

Anyone interested in the next full-moon ride--Jan. 31 barring problematic weather--can call (949) 497-7647.