I did it! My reflective helmet band (stop that,
@Fnaar!) turned up today, so I had been mulling over the prospect of finally getting out there and doing a night ride. So of course it tipped down with rain 'til 10 ish Thought what the hell, and just got out there and did it. I had 3 rear lights and 2 front ones on tonight, as well as every bit of reflective kit I own, so I felt safe heading off into the unknown for a ride either side of midnight.
At first the full(ish) moon and wet road surface ahead of me made it quite easy to see where I was going, which was down the lanes South of Gloucester, through Elmore and Longney as far as Epney, and then back on the A38. Once I turned away from the moonlight, I could appreciate just how powerful my Lezine re-chargeable front light was. They really are lke headlights. Good job it was, though, because my other (cheapo) front light suddenly packed in, never to return to life. I only came across 3 cars coming the other way and 2 more that overtook me throughout my 12.4 mile loop. All of them gave me such a healthy wide berth that I could tell I was lit up like a Christmas tree, which was re-assuring.
Apart from the occasional screech of an owl or set of beady eyes reflecting back at me from the hedgerows, the only signs of life were a couple of separate incidents of startled badgers making a kerb to kerb dash across the road in front of me.
This was a useful trial run for my London to Brighton overnighter in July, and I did learn a few things, that might be worth sharing with some of you:
(1) However powerful your front light, you can't really make out the difference between a patch of slimy wet road surface and a deep pothole full of water. I decided it was safer to assume that they were all the latter. I also didn't notice any horse manure, although I know for certain there will have been plenty of it around on these roads! (Just have to assume I rode through it all). You really need to keep your eyes on the road.
(2) Without a head torch or an additional torch on your person, you cannot see your speedo/computer, so you have no idea how far or how fast you have been going. I was occasionally able to get some reflected light from the palm of my hand to see that I was actually doing only 10 or 11 mph instead of my usual 14 or 15 - which came as a surprise.
(3) Without said additional torch you also cannot see what gear you are in. I settled for staying in the middle ring on the front, which is probably why I was going slower than usual.
(4) Additionally, without a torch (perish the thought), you would not be able to carry out even the simplest repair or adjustment to your bike - such as putting the chain back on if you got your gear changes wrong in the dark.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was quite exhilarating, and I will definitely not rule out doing it again. I now have no worries about London/Brighton as I know exactly what kit to take with me. It is actually very enjoyable having the roads entirely to yourself. One thing I did notice, however, is that you can't help hearing every last little squeak and rattle from your bike as your hearing starts to compensate for the darkness. I'll oil it a bit better before my next night ride.
No photos this time, for obvious reasons. Cheers!
Donger.
. I have now changed the card for a new one so hopefully it will behave in future.
sure enough, home early and a nice sunny day, RESULT!!!
