Dark country lanes, eeeeeek.

[Pikey]

How many of you on here regularly ride unlit country lanes at night?

Cos I am getting proper p1ssed off with the few well lit training routes around, had some nice loops I was doing in the summer, but mostly they have no lighting.

I have two 1000 lumen lights on the front now, should I just MTFU and do the other routes in the pitch black?

How long does it take for you to stop sh1tting ur self at every animal noise in the darkness?

 

[StuAff]

I've done a lot of night riding over the last few years, mostly FNRttCs and other socials, but plenty on my own as well (eg I rode up to Basingstoke to meet up with the Reading-Lymington ride back in September). It's no different really. With those lights, you should be fine...

 

[Ganymede]

Ride only at full moon and supply your own animaal noises...

AroooooooOOOOOoooooo...

The best is a moonlit, slightly breezy night. When it's still you hear .... The noises...

Yeah. MTFU.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

3-4 times a week Closest I've came to an uncontrolled bowel movement is ropey group riding.

 

[MontyVeda]

the only real issue I've had with riding unlit roads at night is being dazzled by oncoming cars.

 

[Paul.G.]

Been doing it for years on the cross bike as there are some great back lanes and farm tracks not far from home with very few cars. I absolutly love this kind of riding and would highly recomend it but a sensible word of caution, try not to go stupid fast just in case a spooked deer runs out into your path. Please don't let this put you off but just take care.

 

[numbnuts]

I love riding at night through the New Forest on a couple of roads I go on during a moonless night you can't even see your hand in front of you

 

[Globalti]

Been night mountain biking for years and I really want to get into night road riding. Trouble is, the Li-Ion battery for my HID light has gone pop and I don't want to spend £92 on a replacement.

 

[surfdude]

my ride home from work is 15/18 miles of unlit lanes . you get used to it in the end . two lights back and front and lots of reflective gear . also spare batteries just in case a light goes out on you

 

[fossyant]

Love riding in pitch black. MTB is great fun. Add a high power Trustfire 501b torch on your lid and its ace, you can see where you are looking, so can see to the sides just in case that were wolf gets in the way.

 

[mcshroom]

Every commute. As long as your lights are decent IME you get better treatment from drivers at night than during the day. Almost collected a deer that roan out of a hedge on Tuesday (though that's happened in daylight as well).

 

[coffeejo]

I love it, especially when the sky is clear and you can almost reach out and touch the moon and stars, all with the soundtrack of the nocturnal animals going about their business.

 

[Glow worm]

I love it, especially when the sky is clear and you can almost reach out and touch the moon and stars, all with the soundtrack of the nocturnal animals going about their business.

Same here. You can't beat it. I ride a lot of farm tracks and bridleways hereabouts and I often switch off my lights and navigate by moon/ starlight alone. It's a brilliant feeling.

 

[inkd]

My commute is dark every time (nightshift) and i love it. Just let your mind wonder and if you start to get a little spooked then the sprint will be good for the legs

 

[Pikey]

Every commute. As long as your lights are decent IME you get better treatment from drivers at night than during the day. Almost collected a deer that roan out of a hedge on Tuesday (though that's happened in daylight as well).

I think you are right about the other drivers when you have decent lights, yesterday night on a roundabout I have previously been knocked off on, using those bright lights I just put on, traffic actually stopped rather than just doing that slow creep out, giving you just enough room.

Think I might give it a go Monday night. Them deer better watch out.