What has become a major event had a very inauspicious beginning. In October 1964, Dick Leary, a ride leader for the Ozark Area Council of American Youth Hostels (the forerunner of Gateway Council, HI-USA) organized an urban nighttime bicycle ride, starting at midnight at Saint Louis Union Station. Unfortunately, no one else showed up, so Dick was the sole participant in the first Moonlight Ramble®.

He tried again the next year, and a few more people showed up. Even more came the following year and by the early 1970s, the ride was drawing thousands of participants. Since this was a leisurely ride rather than a race, it had broad appeal.

Over the years, the event has started from different locations, at different times, and taken different routes. It was known early on as the "Midnight Ramble", but has been the "Moonlight Ramble"" since the 1970s.

Many new features have been added since the beginning, including entertainment, vendor village, food, souvenirs, premium rider levels, and a great family-oriented after-party.

• Approximately 15,000 riders participated.

• Approximately 25% came from outside the Saint Louis Area.

• 10% were under the age of 12.

• Riders came from at least 26 states and a dozen countries.

• Scouts were offered special group registration and private staging area.

• 100 "Premier Riders" with commemorative jerseys lead the first wave from their VIP staging area.