|   night riding | ash
Nov 26, 2003 8:38 AM | | I may be doing my first night ride sometime this week. I have a 10 watt road rat light for my handle bar, and will probally borrow a helmet light from my lbs. I was wondering if any of you experianced nite riders had any tips on how to make my time more enjoybale. What should I carry in my cameback for example would be something that could help me. Well I hope some of you can help thank u all.
KEEP RIDING! |
| re: night riding | Porter
Nov 26, 2003 8:55 AM | | http://www.grannygear.com/Races/race_tips.html |
| Night riding is lots of fun... | Metroid
Nov 26, 2003 9:01 AM | | Some things to keep in mind are the burn time of your light, know where you are going and keep a flashlight or cheap commuter light for backup. You don't want to be stuck out in the dark miles from the car. You should know how long your light will last so you can plan to be back before you run out. Be sure to shut it off when you stop for a break. The backup light is good for when something goes wrong (mechanical, flat, injury, etc). The trails look complete different at night so it's best to know exactly where you are going. Again, you have a limited amount of light so you don't want to get lost.
Other than that, get out there, be careful and have fun. |
| re: night riding | iceaxe
Nov 26, 2003 9:22 AM | | Same things you'd bring on any ride and a backup light. Don't waste your burn time on repairs etc. Night riding's a blast! |
| Trails look completely different at night.. | Mac in the UK
Nov 26, 2003 9:33 AM | | so try to ride somewhere where you won't have too much trouble if you get disoriented. Also two lights are a must in my opinion. I have a helmet light too which i use on technical terain or when making repairs. Also try to follow the battery recharging instructions carefully to get the most out of your unit. It's a lot of fun but take it easy at first ride or two until you get used to the difference. Have fun! |
| Nothing to technical | ozlongboarder
Nov 26, 2003 9:51 AM | | Ride slower, take a backup light, I also bring two emergency space blankets ( http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=46323&parent_category_rn=4500522 ) but they come with me on every ride once the weather turns cold. Most important of all is to have some fun. |
| be prepared | jimbo2k
Nov 26, 2003 9:55 AM | | Depth perception is not as good at night. That one inch dip in the trail will probsbly turn out to be three inches. I am not as smooth at night, and I seldom choose the best line, but it is a blast. Jim |
| A few more things | race frehley
Nov 26, 2003 10:00 AM | | - If you have a cel phone, bring it just in case.
- It is much safer to go with a buddy, than solo.
- I wear clear safety glasses for eye protection from unseen branches. One trail I ride has several large branches that you have to duck to get under (piece of cake by day - not so much by night)
- It's best to stick to the trails you're familiar with - do your exploring during the daylight.
Have fun. |
| A clear sky helps... | Graw
Nov 26, 2003 1:12 PM | | If the sky is clear and there is any kind of moonlight, you can even ride without a light. I used to do it all the time in college when I couldn't afford a light. I would suggest glasses, but only clear or maybe yellow, definately no tint. I know that might seem obvious, but I've seen people do it. |
| These are the glasses | race frehley
Nov 26, 2003 1:45 PM | | Uvex Genesis. Clear polycarbonate lens, anti-fog, anti-UV, meets ANSI impact requirements for safety glasses, and cheap too. Approx. $10 at the hardware store.
|
| bingo | JimC.
Nov 26, 2003 1:49 PM | | I am not alone, been wearing similar for years. Cheap eye protection, a lot better thana poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
Mine are clear, no pic available.
Jim |
| I have the same glasses. | man w/ one hand
Nov 26, 2003 6:41 PM | | Anti-fog works pretty good, at least until you have cleaned them a
bunch'o times & then it seems like the anti-fog properties get worn
down/off. Still works better than most $50 & $75 glasses.
Got mine free as a sample out of a trade magazine of adverisements @
work. They even sent a rep. by & he tossed me another pr. on th' house.
Gotta luv'em. Free AND they work. I did notice in the paper that came
w/them, that it recommends not using them for sport related activities.
They need to get on board & rack up some cash in th' bike market.
We all know if they just make'em LOOK cool, people will pay 4-5 times
more than they will for "safety glass" type glasses. |
| Have 3 pair. Like the ambers and mirrored clear | Not Duckman
Nov 26, 2003 7:10 PM | | Anti fog. 100%uv. Meets same mil specs at the Gargoles. The mirrored clears DO at about 5% tint, but thats perfect for most times one is tempted to wear a darker tint otherwise. Std clears are also avail of course. Best deal in town. WW Grainger stocks them as well. |
| re: night riding | Polk
Nov 26, 2003 10:10 AM | | I do quite a bit of night riding, and almost always with at least one other person. That way if you get hurt or a light goes out there is help. Also, you will be riding slower, so take that in to account when figuring your ride time. Figure 25% longer, maybe more. So if the trail normally takes one hour, add 15 minutes or so. Your time may vary, and we also usually ride the trails backwards which adds time. Other than that, there are no secrets. If you can walk down to the outhouse at night with a flashlight, you can ride your bike with a headlight! |
| re: Leaves | Walt Dizzy
Nov 26, 2003 10:14 AM | | The leaf cover currently on the trails makes staying on the trail somewhat challenging at night. I'd stick to well-ridden trails if possible, and if you get off, stop right away and backtrack until you are sure that you are back on track. As others have stated, having a second light or an emergency backup is very important.
Walt |
| check your speed | Kl
Nov 26, 2003 10:43 AM | | I went out lastnight and had a blast. I find I go faster than I should at night for some reason. Maybe the sensation of traveling fast is warped in the dark, but you should be extra careful riding at night. Wet roots, ledges, trail irregularities all seem to vanish at night.
good luck.
kl |
| More power! | cbcbcbcb
Nov 26, 2003 11:08 AM | | 10W does not throw very much light, especially if you are on technical ground. Try to get at least 20W on the bar for the more technical situations, and 10W on your head.
Keep the light on your head dimmer than the one on the bar. A bright helmet light will wash out the shadows from the light on the bar, and you will lose a lot of depth perception.
Lots of good suggestions above.
Have fun! |
| Be aware of sand.... | BBOC
Nov 26, 2003 11:29 AM | | I find it very difficult to tell when the trail gets sandy at night. It has led to some falls where one second the bike is below me, and the next it is gone (luckily I landed in the sand) |
| Ash, nobody has asked you where you are riding...(weather) | Damion
Nov 26, 2003 1:27 PM | | Be sure to bring enough clothing and water to survive overnight if needed. If you are riding in snow, it is important to remember to drink water. The mentioned space blankets are a great idea. If you are going trail riding, or are a long way from help, I have a few suggestions. Think of the worst weather your area can throw at you, and carry what you need to survive in that weather. Personally, I live in Alaska, so my winter night riding needs will differ from someone in Florida, for example. If you are staying in town, or commuting, you can carry a lighter load. Good luck. |
| Two minutes into first night ride on familiar trail BAD CRASH! | Terry
Nov 26, 2003 4:13 PM | | Be careful at first. |
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