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. A line of bike lights pierces the evening twilight. The drumbeat of waves lapping on the rocky shore. Mansions emerge before us, their majestic architecture lit up beyond their walls and hedges.

Our monthly Full Moon Rides – Sponsored by AARP Rhode Island have returned for the 2024 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 along the mansions of Bellevue Avenue. These rides have limited capacity, so be sure to register as each date’s tickets become available. All of the 2024 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 is now open for the October 17th ride. 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.

Next ride is Thursday, October 17th!

Mark your calendars!

2024 Full Moon Ride Dates

Worm Moon. Monday, March 25th
Pink Moon. Tuesday, April 23rd
Flower Moon. Thursday, May 23rd
Strawberry Moon. Friday, June 21st
Buck Moon. Sunday, July 21st
Super Sturgeon Moon. Monday, August 19th
Super Harvest Moon. Tuesday, September 17th
Super Hunter’s Moon. Thursday, October 17th

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.

The March 25 ride gathers at 6:00pm, starts at 6:30, with sunset at 7:03, moonrise at 7:37.
The April 23 ride gathers at 6:30pm, starts at 7:00, with sunset at 7:34, moonrise at 7:33.
The May 23 ride gathers at 7:00pm, starts at 7:30, with sunset at 8:05, moonrise at 8:44.
The June 21 ride gathers at 7:30pm, starts at 8:00, with sunset at 8:22, moonrise at 8:41.
The July 21 ride gathers at 7:15pm, starts at 7:45, with sunset at 8:12, moonrise at 8:57.
The August 19 ride gathers 6:30pm, starts at 7:00, with sunset at 7:37, moonrise at 7:57.
The September 17 ride gathers at 5:30pm, starts at 6:00, with sunset at 6:50, moonrise at 6:47.
The October 17 ride gathers 5:00pm, starts at 5:30, with sunset at 6:00, moonrise at 6:01.

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.

• This ride is for 18+.
• This is a NIGHT ride. We will be riding on dark roads.
• A helmet, front headlight, and red rear light are required to participate. Be sure your lights are well charged. Please also bring your water bottle, snack, and bicycle lock.
• Please check your air pressure, brakes, and gears to ensure your bike is in good working order before arriving. An air pump will be available at the start of the ride.
• 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.
• This ride traverses downtown streets, and is suited for riders comfortable riding with traffic.

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.