by Tim Curry, MS ACSM-RCEP
As daylight dims and the nights get longer many riders shift towards night riding as a way to extend their season. Most riders in spring NICA leagues have little choice but to employ night rides for at least part of their season. Night riding can be a great way to change up your riding experience, further refine your skills, and have a bit of fun over the winter. However, night riding can require a little bit more planning and gear than a daylight ride. Let’s explore some tips to set up a great night ride experience for you and your riders:
Get The Right Lights - No surprises here! If you ride at night you need lights to guide the way, however, standard lights you might find at a big box store may not be up to the task. Take the time to research and invest in reliable lights that are designed for night riding on a mountain bike. Many general bike lights often put out a few hundred lumens of light compared to the thousands of lumens provided by night riding lights. Night-riding lights have specifically designed reflectors and light qualities (color range) to aid in your adventures. Since proper lighting sets the foundation of a safe and enjoyable experience take the time to find a high-quality light that meets your riding requirements.
Don’t Forget A Tail Light - While the headlight gets a lot of attention, the tail light can be just as important! Its importance may not be as apparent, but tail lights serve a vital purpose in making the trail safer for everyone. Having a tail light with a nighttime mode (dim red constant, or dim red constant with pulses) allows the rider behind you to more easily gauge how far away you are on the trail. This can help prevent accidental crashes between riders in high-speed areas.
Let Others Know Your Ride Plan - Night rides can be a fun and safe way to extend your outdoor riding options. Whether alone or in a group, be sure others know your ride plan before you head off into the dark night. You can even share your ride route through a GPS activity tracker so others know your approximate location even if cell service is limited on your ride.
Emergency Supplies - Being well equipped with emergency supplies for daylight rides is vital, but is doubly important for night rides. Having reliable communication and appropriate supplies is crucial for safety if you have to wait for help out on the trail. Remember that you will lose far more heat at night than during the day and it may take longer to get aid if something goes wrong. A few easy-to-grab items to add to your pack include multiple mylar emergency blankets, Israeli bandages, and a small emergency flashlight or headlamp.
Layers Are Your Friend - At night we lose heat much faster than during the day. Even just getting home on a cold evening you’ll likely experience rapid heat loss moving from your car to your home without proper clothing. Make sure you’re prepared to stay safe and warm out on the trail by dressing in layers. Aside from helping to keep you safer if you have to wait for help, layers allow you to adjust based on your personal needs during the ride quickly and easily. Be sure to dress for the weather, and check the forecast before you head out. Some helpful options can include a baselayer (this can even be another jersey), a short/long sleeve jersey, fleece (if needed), and a wind layer.
Hydration And Nutrition - It can feel weird to have to think about hydration and nutrition when you are out riding in the dark, especially later on in the evening. Remember that nighttime rides are still physically demanding and require you to fuel and hydrate your body properly. Did you know proper nutrition and hydration can even help you maintain focus and avoid injuries? Nobody likes bonking, so remember to hydrate and eat regularly. You can even use insulated bottles to help keep warm beverages toasty for longer during chilly rides. Check out our free resources on nutrition here.
Start Slow And Have Fun - Even if you know a trail well, slow it down for the first few night rides. Even the best bike light only supplies a fraction of the illumination of the sun. The trail is going to look different and can be challenging due to the new perspective during night riding. Changes in depth perception and reaction time can lead to issues on the bike, so slow down and focus on technique and adapting safely to night riding.
Regardless of where you live, night riding can offer a new challenge on well-traveled local trails. With proper planning, these rides can be as safe, fun, and productive as daytime rides!
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