Starting and finishing in Whanganui, the Renegades Muster is an ultra-distance bikepacking event covering approximately 850 km of rugged, remote, and breathtaking terrain.
This is a timed race, the clock starts when you roll out and doesn’t stop until you cross the finish line. Sleep when you want, ride when you can. How you manage the journey is all part of the challenge.
The route winds through quiet country roads, rugged gravel backroads, forest tracks, and remote private farm trails, linking parts of the iconic Mountains to Sea Trail and showcasing the wild beauty and raw backcountry character of the lower North Island.
There’s no support, no prize money, and no shortcuts, just you, your gear, and the determination to finish. Whether you’re pushing for the front or riding your own race against the clock, the Renegades Muster is a true test of endurance, strategy, and self-reliance.
Origins of the Muster
It’s really the fault of COVID. We (I) was stuck here watching all my bikepacking plans go out the window and it was clear it wasn’t going to be short term.
2IC Peter was stepping down from running some of the few North Island events on offer and I offered to pick up the reins, but shifting the course to my hood. In the end a new event was created instead – Renegades Muster – and we ran our first COVID-influenced event in 2021. It was supposed to be a one-off… the rest is history.
Like most of these things it is borne out of personal experience, a desire to give back to our community, and to showcase the area I live in.
As the route creator and designer I have taken mine and others’ knowledge and enthusiasm of the region to create this approx. 850kms climb fest that travels through the varied and fascinating terrain of the backblocks of the Whanganui/Manawatu and Taranaki. It is a rare beast in that we do want to allow those that want to race, to race. A big emphasis is on this being a challenge, not an impossible one, but one that will test the riders and require a strong sense of self-reliance and mental fortitude. It’s become an amazing community of riders, generous landowners, and dot watcher extraordinaires.
I secretly hoped that as a more than middle aged woman with a background in riding/racing locally and away, a good number of women might be attracted to this event. In reality that hasn’t transpired, but they do come and they do it justice each and every year. One of the things that attracted me to the ‘sport’ of bikepacking was the egalitarian nature of it – a level playing field as it were – and I think what we have achieved as a small community is to be celebrated. For some it’s the lure of riding stupidly long hours without sleep, for others it’s the appeal of quiet crunchy gravel and slumping papa cliffs and the unique landscape amongst the volcanic background interspersed with sweeping coastline and mighty rivers, for all it’s the satisfaction that comes from setting a goal and pedalling your way to it while maintaining your humour and being a good ambassador for our sport and the awesome folk who embrace it. For the chief musterers this is our gift to you.
FAQs – The Renegade Way
RULES
The Renegade Muster is a race, and in the interests of fair competition and an equal playing field we have a set of rules as follows:
- Complete the event yourself, no outside help from family or friends, no support vehicles, no help from fellow riders except in an emergency or if entered as a team. Carry your own spares and tools and have the ability to use them, the event will not be providing any form of rescue assistance.
- Follow the designed course as defined by the supplied GPX, if leaving the official course for repairs or supplies the rider must return to the course exactly where they left.
- Riders must only use established commercial enterprises for resupply and accommodation.
- Follow all official NZ road rules including lighting, high viz clothing is highly encouraged.
- No pre- arranged stashing of supplies or equipment except that organised by the official event at Aotuhia Station.
- Carry a gps tracker connected to the official event tracking website. Tracking pings must be set for a minimum rate of 10 minutes, ideally 5 minutes. [Phone tracking is not acceptable]
- No camping or cooking on private property.
- No requesting of water supplies from private property owners, carry what you need between commercial supplies or use ground water on public land.
- No drafting with other individual riders, [Teams ok] other than the first 10km.
- Don’t be a dick! Be a good ambassador to the bikepacking and cycling community, your actions reflect on others!
- No E-BIKES of any sort! [Single speeds highly encouraged]
Is there an entry fee?
There is no cost to enter the event. Tracking is mandatory and payable directly to Maprogress. A small koha is always appreciated.
Can I ride as a team?
Yes, you can enter as a team. Tracking is per team in that scenario. Team members need to ride together.
Do I have to use a tracking device?
Yes, all riders must carry a tracking device that is registered with or rented from Maprogress. If you BYO, a minimum tracking interval of 10 minutes is expected. Dot watching adds to the whole experience for friends and fans, and allows organisers to ensure you are at least moving.
What sort of bike should I ride?
You can bring your Raleigh 20 if you have one. There is no right answer — just ensure your bike is in tip-top mechanical condition at the start.
This route is hard on bikes, and there is no mechanics’ tent. The course is best suited to something like a hardtail MTB. Gears are optional. The hills are relentless, and you may encounter mud. Choose accordingly.
Is the Renegades Muster a race?
Yes, it can be viewed as a race. You race the clock — it does not stop, and there is no mandated rest period. One of the intentions of this event is to allow those seeking to challenge themselves, or those preparing for bikepacking races such as TTW, TDR, SRMR, or the many European races with “international rules.”
Is this a supported event?
No, this is an unsupported event. See the FAQ below for more.
What does "unsupported" mean?
The concept is simple: DO IT YOURSELF!
This means:
- No help from family or friends — either directly or remotely
- Use only commercial services for food, lodging, and bike repair
- No staying with family or friends
- No family or friends following along in vehicles
- No E-BIKES
Is there a time limit to finish?
Yes and no. For 2025, we’ve introduced a checkpoint that you must reach within a specific timeframe to be considered a “racer.”
The checkpoint and cutoff time will require an average of 150 km per day.
What happens if I miss the cutoff?
You will remain in the event but will not be considered a “racer.” You’ll continue to be tracked and marked as a finisher if you complete the full course.
Safety
This is an unsupported event, so ride within your personal limits and comfort zone.
- Be aware of changing weather and rivers
- Keep your tracker on — we’ll be watching from afar
- Help other riders in difficulty
- Expect short stretches on SH3, SH49, and SH47
- Use decent rear lights and wear bright clothing
- Roads are open to normal traffic
- Reroutes may occur in severe weather — updates will be emailed
Are there any areas of private land needing special precautions?
Yes, we pass through land where access has been arranged.
- No camping on private land
- Respect the land, stock, and any machinery
- Leave gates as you found them
- Do not ride these areas outside of the event