Marvellous night for a Moonride

MOONRIDE: The Nzo Moonride got under way last night and will continue late into tonight. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER A - 190513SP17

The 20th Nzo Moonride began last night in Rotorua, with hundreds of mountain bikers tackling the 24-hour event.

The iconic Nzo Moonride is being held in the Whakarewarewa Forest based at Waipa.

The 2014 event sees 150 teams and 50 individuals ride a 8.5km loop for 24 hours, 12 hours or 6 hours.

This is the first time the event has been held in the warmer months so it will be a big change for regular competitors.

The Moonride was started in 1994 as part of the Mad Mad Mid-Winter Festival so is renowned for wind, rain and even frosts.

A March Moonride means warmer nights, better camping and track conditions and still plenty of night riding.

The 12-hour and six-hour events begin at 10am today with riding wrapping up at 10pm. The new Moonride course starts and finishes at Waipa carpark and uses trails such as Tahi, Creek, Lion, Turkish Delight and Rockdrop Climb.

Teams ride the 8.5km circuit and complete as many laps as they can within their time frame.