CATEYE MOONRIDE

One of the most iconic mountain bike events ever created in Aotearoa New Zealand is back!

The iconic Cateye Moonride is making its return to Rotorua and it’s set to light up Waipa with good vibes, fast laps, and full-moon energy (yes, we know we are not exactly on the full moon date but the energy will still be there...).

The 12-hour race kicks off at 10am, followed shortly after by the 6-hour race. You’ll be looping a 5–7km course through the world-class Whakarewarewa Forest, with options to enter as a relay team of 2-5, or for the most hearty of you out there, go 6-12 hours solo.

There’s also a dedicated e-bike division for those who want to bring the extra power.

Whether you’re riding solo, teaming up with your crew, or entering the office squad for bragging rights, this is the ultimate overnight mountain bike party in the forest.

EVENT INFORMATION

Moonride isn’t just about the riding — it’s a full-blown festival of fun. A central stage will pump tunes all day and night from the heart of Tent City, where you can set up your team base. Expect a buzzing atmosphere, food carts, lights, laughter, and a whole lot of trail stoke.

We're also introducing a few trophies to give clubs, schools and businesses bragging rights for the year. Trophies will be on the line for:

Inter-Club 12 Hour Showdown
Business House 12 Hour Trophy
Inter-School 6 Hour Champs

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, club shredder, family team, or a lycra-loving lunatic — Moonride is your chance to ride hard, laugh harder, and make memories that last longer than your lap times.

Mark your calendars, gather your squad, and we’ll see you under the moon.

GEAR UP. RIDE THE NIGHT. MOONRIDE IS BACK.

Mountain Bike Rotorua - Trig Dark Night - MCoker_edited_edited.png

PHOTO CREDIT: Mountain Bike Rotorua, Mark Coker

PHOTO CREDIT: Mountain Bike Rotorua

HOW THE RACE WORKS

In short:

You enter a team of 2-5, or if you're feeling really brave, as a solo.
Get yourself to Rotorua, best to travel down a day or two before the event to get your pre-event pedals in, enjoy some of the local hospitality, and so you have plenty of time on Friday and Saturday to get yourself sorted. Set up your event site with all the gear you need or want. It's your space so go for it.
Collect your rego on Friday or Saturday morning, as per the check in times. This will include race plates and your team baton (which is your timing chip too)
Get to event briefing at 9.45am, then your first riders will line up in the start box ready for the 10am gun.
Ride laps with your mates (or solo if that's what you're in to) for either 6 or 12 hours). Chill out in Tent City, listen to the music, sink a couple of bevvys, visit the food carts or cafe, crank up your BBQ, Uber Eats if that's what you're in to, set up a spa pool on your team site... just have a bloody good time.

Simple right?

For most, the Moonride is primarily about getting out and having a fun time with your mates, your family and hundreds (or thousands) of other like minded peeps in a super rad place with frigin awesome trails.

PLACE GETTERS AND PRIZE GIVING

Podiums are awarded to the overall place getters (1st, 2nd and 3rd) of each Race Category for Male, Female and Mixed Team divisions. Trophies will also be presented to the Inter-School, Inter-Club and Business House winners.

Prize giving is ONLY for the overall Race Category podiums.

Prize givings will take place 15mins-ish after the end of each race (6 hour and 12 hour).

SPOT PRIZES

Spot Prizes will also be given out during the event and at prize giving, selected randomly and only available to participants present at the the time of the prize being awarded.

We'll stoke the vibe with great drinks and food while the MC's and the music will greet riders at the finish.

PHOTO CREDIT: Giant 2W Gravity Enduro, RMTBC

PHOTO CREDIT: Giant 2W Gravity Enduro, RMTBC

ENTRY DETAILS

Entry Details:

The Moonride has Male, Female and Mixed (teams minimum 2 females) as well as e-bike division options (e-bikes can ONLY be used in e-bike categories).

Riders have the choice of entering one of the below event categories

These are:

6 Hour Team (2-5 riders) Relay Race
6 Hour Solo Race
6 Hour Inter-School Trophy Race
12 Hour Team (2-5 riders) Relay Race
12 Hour Solo Race
12 Hour Business House Trophy Race
12 Hour Inter-Club Trophy Competition

Entry Fees:

Full event entry fee information can be found on the rego page.

FAQ's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What's the general timing of the event?

Most people will turn up on the Thursday or the Friday, settle in to Rotorua, head out for a ride etc. Then they'll head down to Waipa MTB Carpark on Friday afternoon to start setting up their Event Site in Tent City. You have until 7.30am Saturday to get vehicles in and out of Tent City before we shut the gates and you have to walk everything in or out.

Then race briefing at 9.45am before going straight in to the mass starts (which can be a weeee bit of chaos).

When and where is rego pick up?

There will be two option days to pick up your race plate and timing chip:

1) Friday between 10am-7pm at Waipa MTB Carpark.

2) Saturday from 6.30am-9am at Waipa MTB Carpark.

When can I set up my Event Site at Tent City?

You can cart gear in and out of your site all race long but for driving in to your site you have the following options

1) Friday between 10am-7pm

2) Saturday from 6.00am-7.30am

What's the distance I have to pedal?

Gosh, that depends on how many laps you do! Laps are between 5-7kms.

What sort of trails will we race?

The race is designed around Grade 2-3 trails. There may be slightly more difficult lines that riders can take but they will have Grade 2-3 ride around options.

Are there any age restrictions?

Yes! 8 years old is the youngest rider permitted and under 10 year olds must have an Accompanying Adult. See the Race Rules for deets.

Are there limited entries?
Yes so it is best to enter early to avoid disappointment. Plus, the earlier you buy, the more you save on entry fees.

How do I know I/we are entered?
You will be sent a confirmation of entry email provided you have given a valid email address. If you do not see this in your Inbox, please have a look in your intercepted spam folder to see if for some reason it found its way there. Any issues, contact our friendly team.

How do I wear my race number plate & timing mechanism?
Race plates must be attached to the front of competitor’s mountain bikes so the race number is clearly visible from the front. The race timing will be your baton to pass between team mates so they must be worn to count your laps.

What items of equipment are compulsory?
An approved cycle helmet and if you're racing the 12 hour you must have at least one white/yellow light on the front/facing forward.

Do I have to hand back my race number and timing mechanism?
Race plate – No, they are yours to keep as a memento of the event.

Timing mechanisms – Yes, once you have completed the event. If you did not start the event and took your timing mechanism home by accident please contact us immediately to organise its return. If you pull pin mid race, please return your timing mech to officials at RACE HQ before departing too.

What if I lose my timing mechanism?
If you lose your timing mechanism you will be liable for its replacement cost as stated in the event Rules (timing mechanism are up to $100 each).

When and how can I see the results?
A complete set of preliminary results will be available following the event. It may take a few days to authenticate results so keep an eye on our social media & check this website under results for a link to view.

Will photos be available and can I purchase them?
Yes. Check out the event Facebook page post event for an album of photo’s you can download. If you would like a photo in high resolution, please contact the event photographer directly through their Facebook page.

What happens if it rains?
We will be working closely with the Rotorua Lakes Council and the Rotorua Trails Trust to make calls about the weather. If it rains you’ll no doubt get a bit wet, muddy and have even more fun battling the elements to conquer the course. This may see a change of course depending on the conditions and trails used. In extreme weather events the event MAY be cancelled.

What happens in an incidence of extreme high winds or fire?
In the unlikely incidence of extreme high winds or a neighbouring forest fire the Event Director will make a decision on race morning in the interest of everyone’s safety. This decision will be final. Updates will be given to all competitors at the race briefing ahead of the first riders scheduled event start on the morning of the race.

What should I do if I come across an injured rider?
In the event you come across an injured rider, you must stop and assess if they are o.k. If they are seriously injured ensure oncoming riders can see you and send an on-coming rider down the track to get help from a course marshals and the event medical crew. Any time lost helping out a fellow rider will be rewarded with an average place and time from the competitors other results.

Where do I find info on Event Safety, Race Rules and Fair Play?

Race Rules can be found on the Race Rules page.

Where can I read the Event Waiver?
The Event Waiver is the Terms and Conditions and be found on that page.