Full Moon Rides: the Ocean Loop by Sunset and Moonrise

Newport feels a lot different at night, especially in the silver glow of a full moon with the line of bike lights piercing the evening twilight and the drumbeat of waves lapping on the rocky shore.

Our monthly Full Moon Rides – Sponsored by AARP Rhode Island have returned for the 2026 season. These scenic evening group rides wind along the Newport shoreline, delighting first-timers and returning riders alike. A Full Moon Ride is social and easygoing; the pace is patient, nobody gets left behind, and participants are welcome to finish their journey with food and libations.

The Full Moon Ride coastal route will bring us past scenic harbor, bay, and ocean views – lit first by the setting sun, and then by the rising moon. We’ll ride 15 miles on Newport’s scenic roads and coastline, around the beautiful Ocean Loop, and and back into town. These rides have limited capacity, so be sure to register as each date’s tickets become available. All of the 2026 dates are listed below!

Suggested Donation: $10 per Rider. Donations are not a requirement. Donations of all sizes are welcome, and support Bike Newport’s inclusive programs for bike safety education and advocacy. Thank you! We require all riders to kindly pre-register on Eventbrite for our ride-planning purposes. Riders must be at least 18 years of age. Registration for subsequent dates becomes available as soon as the preceding ride has ended. Please bookmark this page in your web browser to refer back for all the relevant registration links, updates, and announcements.

All the Details:
20-30 minutes before the start of each ride we’ll gather at Equality Park on Broadway in downtown Newport, as marked by the star on the map, adjacent to Parlor Bar & Kitchen (at 200 Broadway). The ride lasts roughly two hours from departure, returning to our starting spot.

Wednesday April 1 – Pink Moon: gather 6:10pm, start 6:40, sunset 7:10, moonrise 7:03

Friday May 1 – Flower Moon: gather 6:40pm, start 7:10, sunset 7:43, moonrise at 8:07

Sunday May 31 – Blue Moon/Micro Full Moon: gather 7:30pm, start 8:00, sunset 8:12, moonrise 9:04

Monday June 29 – Strawberry Moon//Micro Full Moon: gather 7:10pm, start 7:40, sunset 8:23, moonrise 8:40

Wednesday July 29 – Buck Moon: gather 6:55pm, start 7:25, sunset 8:05, moonrise 8:23

Thursday August 27 – Sturgeon Moon: gather 5:45pm, start 6:15, sunset 7:26, moonrise 7:15

Saturday Sept 26 – Corn Moon: gather 4:55pm, start 5:25, sunset 6:35, moonrise 6:23

Monday Oct 26 – Harvest Moon: gather 4:15pm, start 4:45, sunset 5:47, moonrise 5:45

You can access the route here. The route begins at Equality Park.

Once we reach King’s Park, our coastal route will bring us past scenic harbor, bay, and ocean views – lit first by the setting sun, and then by the rising full moon.

Requirements:

IMPORTANT: You must be able to ride 15 miles comfortably at 10mph with traffic and know how to use your gears for hills (there are several.)This is a NIGHT ride, we will be riding on dark roads.

• A helmet, bright front headlight, and rear red blinking light are required to participate.

• Ensure your bike is in good working order before arriving.

• Be sure your lights are well charged.

• If riding an e-bike, ensure it is charged and in FULLY working condition

• Please also bring your high viz vest/jacket, water bottle, and bicycle lock.

• Check your air pressure, brakes, and gears

• If you start on the ride and are then not able to continue on the ride, you are responsible for getting yourself home.
  
  
  Suggested Donation: $10 per Rider.
  
  Dress for the weather! We will cancel the ride if weather/road conditions are not safe and attempt a reschedule within 3 days. Keep an eye on our social media @BikeNewportRI and check this web page for updates.

Our special thanks to AARP Rhode Island for again sponsoring these popular Full Moon Rides!

When you register, you’ll be invited to “opt-in” for Bike Newport to share your contact information with AARP Rhode Island – our host and generous sponsor. Once you do, AARP will contact you to confirm your interest. This is a wonderful way to find out about other programs that might interest you.