Important Notice: bicycle and equipment check

To ensure that particpants have the necessary equipment, prior to the Grand Départ it is necessary to have your bicycle and equipment checked by a bicycle shop, an event organiser, or someone acceptable to the Kiwi Rim Ride organisation. You must complete this form which is to be sent to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 7 days before the Grand Départ. Failure to submit this form will see your tracking disabled in the MAProgress event.

Last updated: 9 September 2026

Bicycle Mechanics & Hardware

  • Standard, Human-Powered Bicycles Only: No recumbent, e-bikes or electric assistance permitted. No flares or other modifications. Just a regular bike with no gimmicks. 

  • Mechanical Inspection: Handlebars, brakes, and wheel hubs/rims must be tight with no play.

Lighting Systems (Redundancy Required)

  • Two Front Lights:

    • Minimum 300 lumens. 

    • The second light may be carried in a bag as a backup. 

  • Two Rear Lights: One running at all time while riding. We recommend a rear Garmin Varia or Magene L508 radar for the rear. 

    • Minimum 100 lumens.

    • Both must be mounted on the bike at the same time (in case of failure at night).

  • Recommended: Headlamp (minimum 200 lumens).

Reflective Tape & High-Visibility Standards

  • High-Visibility Outerwear: High-visibility vest or harness mandatory from dusk to dawn and in low visibility, recommended all the time.

  • Helmet: Approved cycling helmet (CE/CSA/CPSC/ASTM) with reflective tape on the left, right, and rear (minimum 2 cm high; 7 cm long).

  • Ankle Straps: Two reflective ankle straps mandatory at night (or reflective shoe tape over shoe covers).

  • Reflective Tape:

    • Crank Arms: Wrapped with reflective tape (at least 12 cm high on both sides).

    • Seat Stays: Reflective tape applied to rear stays (at least 25 cm high on both sides).

    • Front Fork: Reflective tape on both sides (at least 25 cm high on both sides).

  • Wheels: Minimum 3 reflective strips per side on both wheels. Alternatively: reflective sidewall tires, 2 cat-eye spoke reflectors per wheel, or 9 reflective spoke clips per wheel.

Safety, Survival & Emergency Gear

  • Navigation & Live Tracking: Active GPS tracker plus an onboard GPS device with the route pre-loaded.

  • Communication: Operational mobile phone with the Kiwi Rim Ride emergency number (+64 27 846 2004) saved.

  • Alert Whistle: Emergency whistle.

  • Environmental Care: Dedicated waste pouch for carrying trash between stops.

Rider Protection 

  • Bivy Bag or Tent: Weatherproof sleeping-bag over-bag or tent to protect from cold, wind, and rain.

  • Insulated Jacket: Down or similar warm thermal jacket.

  • Rain Gear: Fully waterproof rain jacket.

  • Thermal Outer Layers: Leg warmers or long bib tights, warm gloves or mitts, and a neck gaiter, beanie, or cap.