NightBiker

Twenty-five years ago, Steven Spielberg made cycling through the stars look hella sweet. Of course, not everyone keeps an adorable, big-eyed, wrinkled alien around the house (no, pugs don’t count), so such a celestial tour may seem impossible. Fear not! You can ride your bike and glimpse the heavens during the Planetary Pedal. Sponsored by the fine cycling advocates at Trailnet, the five-mile ride takes off from the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park this evening. Registration begins at 6 p.m.; return to the planetarium by 8 p.m. for a presentation in the Orthwein StarBay. And the awesomeness doesn’t stop there: Following the presentation, you have the opportunity to peer into the night sky with members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society. These savvy star-gazers can help you identify planets, constellations and other far-off objects. All of this fun is available for the decidedly non-astronomical price of “free.” Call 314-416-9930 or visit www.trailnet.org/pedalseries.php for more information.