Tried out my light - 1st ride in the dark.

[jeltz]

I was invited to my sister's house for Spag Bol tonight and since she only lives 5 miles away I thought I'd cycle.

1st time I've actually had to use my light Electron Nano 9 and I was impressed on the way I went along an unlit cycle path as the roads were still pretty busy and was happy that I could see my way well enough but on the way back I went by road, as its generally quicker not having the layer of leaves to contend with.

It was my 1st proper ride at night, I was quite pleased that the dog walkers on the path all stood well aside and there was only one group of yoofs lurking with the unmistakable odour of pot being smoked.

Also happy with the drivers round here giving me plenty of room, at one point I heard a car behind and I was waiting for it to pass, clearance would have been OK about the expected 3' but obviously the driver was not happy to over take until I was fully past some parked cars, when he comes round its a boy racer hatch back with italic number plate and body kit.

 

[g0kmt]

Grats on the first night ride. I have that to do yet, I aint quite confident enough. God that sounds bad for a 51 year old lol

 

[jeltz]

Well I'm 40 next month and only started cycling in Spring so I figured now the hour's changed I'd better get on with it

Go for it its fine

 

[adds21]

Well I'm 40 next month and only started cycling in Spring so I figured now the hour's changed I'd better get on with it

Snap!

Also with the ex-smoking thing, judging from your sig. I stopped smoking about 18 months ago (after over 20 years). Starting smoking to help get ride of some of the extra weight I'd put on... Not to mention that now my lungs are clearer, I actually can cycle without feeling like I'm going to die!

A.

 

[jeltz]

Snap!

Also with the ex-smoking thing, judging from your sig. I stopped smoking about 18 months ago (after over 20 years). Starting smoking to help get ride of some of the extra weight I'd put on... Not to mention that now my lungs are clearer, I actually can cycle without feeling like I'm going to die!

A.

I'm guessing you meant cycling there

Great isn't it, regaining health and control.

 

[adds21]

I'm guessing you meant cycling there

Great isn't it, regaining health and control.

Oops Yes!

 

[HJ]

So long as you have a descent set of lights, cycling at night shouldn't be a problem, enjoy

 

[Banjo]

Im just starting commuting in the dark as the days get shorter.May be my imagination but I feel that cars seem to be more considerate and give me more room in the dark.

I have two lights front and back plus a reflective waistcoat so should be easy to see.

On the back I have one light in the center of the back of the luggage rack the other on the back of the right side pannier.This gives the impression that the bike is further out in the road than it really is which hopefully will result in cars giving me a few more inches clearance.

 

[Globalti]

I'm 53 and have been night riding for many years with my MTB club. Have been using a pair of 2.5w and 10w Smart tungsten lights, which are just about adequate but last year I bought an HID light with Li-Ion battery, which is fantastic; no more vision problems for me. Didn't go out this year much though as I've been doing lots of road riding but went out last Wednesday and had a ball, came home covered in mud and had to hose myself and the bike down on the drive. Night riding is special, you get a unique feel for the country at night.

 

[Beezie]

It's great to know I'm not the only one who started cycling later in life! Still trying loosen the grip on the handlebars so I can signal but hey ho I'll get there!

 

[photography27]

i find it more relaxed at night

 

[BearPear]

It's great to know I'm not the only one who started cycling later in life! Still trying loosen the grip on the handlebars so I can signal but hey ho I'll get there!

Oh yes, I can sympathise with that one! Night riding will be a way off for me I feel.

I did see a couple out last night, in the dark, no lights at all. Must have a death-wish.

 

[Arch]

So long as you have a descent set of lights, cycling at night shouldn't be a problem, enjoy

Oh, blimey, should I have a separate set for going uphill as well?

Think I'll swap my summer hack for my winter one this weekend, as the winter one has the dynamo lights attached.

Oh except my mum will be here, and the winter hack needs a clean really.

"Mum! just take this toothbrush and bucket of soapy water, will you, and..."

 

[Arch]

Oh yes, I can sympathise with that one! Night riding will be a way off for me I feel.

If it helps at all... Remember that at night you have, in some ways, a better warning of approaching traffic - headlights. A quick glance over the shoulder will register a pair of headlamps better than it would a dull coloured car in dull weather. Same with oncoming traffic. If your lights are good (I'd say have plenty to the rear, they are pretty cheap to buy and you have plenty of backup if one set of batteries goes), and you are able to get a good view of the surface ahead, it shouldn't be so much worse than in the light. Especially if it's a road you know, so you have some idea of the surface.