daveno7
Reged: 04/03/2007
Posts: 360
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i was wondering what the forum thinks about night cycling and training on roads they normally frequent?
i have been thinking about the idea, as this sometimes, is all the time i have to play with even if it is for an hour or so..
while sense would prevail(ie no bike on a friday night) has anyone done it on a reqular basis and what has the experience been like ?
thanking you
daveno7
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winegoblin
Reged: 31/03/2007
Posts: 1058
Loc: down yur me anzum
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I try to commute three times a week in winter, but I make a point of using the quiet country back lanes and avoid the main roads at all costs.
What is magical is to pick a clear moonlit night sometime in the winter, a Sunday Morning is ideal, and go out at around 2/3 am, If you only do it once, its absolutely worth it.
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"Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile."
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rcruise63
Reged: 27/03/2007
Posts: 478
Loc: Consett
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I love riding at night - if only it wasn't so dangerous! You have to be lit up like a Christmas tree!! Mind you, having an owl swoop 10 feet in front of you on a clear moonlit night makes it all worthwhile 
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paulypaul0
Reged: 10/12/2006
Posts: 225
Loc: West Sussex
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Such a buzz riding on unlit quiet roads at night (in the Winter especially).... You're all wrapped up, truly in your own world. These are the times my mind is most clear... Everyone should try it.....
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 1626
Loc: Wickerman land,Scotland
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I love it, good lights, wildlife everywhere, watch out for bats. It's like all your normal routes are brand new, roll on frosty winter nights!
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VOTE PENGUIN!!!
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Troy
Reged: 09/11/2006
Posts: 98
Loc: S Lakes
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Mountain Biking at night is simply awesome.
Especially when the moon is full and the sky is clear. Sometimes its so bright that you don't need lights. Its like riding in black and white.
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Let the Wookiee win
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wuverley
Reged: 16/05/2008
Posts: 1502
Loc: Man of Kent
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I used to do it at 5 a.m. There are few cars about, but the drivers that are out there are mostly half asleep, and not expecting to see you, in my experience, unless your are on fairly well used roads.(not necessarily lit)
Riding home at 5/6 p.m. in the dark feels safer because most people seem more awake but they are driving under rush hour mindset so are less considerate, this is the time to use country lanes if possible.
Obviously wear bright reflective stuff if you can, and get the best headlight you can afford, when I did a lot of dark riding, lights were rubbish, they seem to have improved quite a bit since, although the car drivers may well see you with a mediocre light, you will never see the potholes, dead rabbits etc at 20 miles an hour unless your lights are good.
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Invicta
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rcruise63
Reged: 27/03/2007
Posts: 478
Loc: Consett
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Quote:
at 20 miles an hour unless your lights are good.
20 mph!!! I wish 
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 1626
Loc: Wickerman land,Scotland
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Quote:
I used to do it at 5 a.m. There are few cars about, but the drivers that are out there are mostly half asleep, and not expecting to see you
Me too but then I got into a serious relationship and all that ended!  
Quote:
you will never see the potholes, dead rabbits etc at 20 miles an hour unless your lights are good.
No matter how good your lights are it's only live rabbits that do 20 mph, dead ones stay still!
Sorry wuverley sillyness has set in tonight!
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VOTE PENGUIN!!!
Edited by bfergie (28/08/2008 23:09)
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wuverley
Reged: 16/05/2008
Posts: 1502
Loc: Man of Kent
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Bfergie, very,very, naughty
rcruise, 20 mph in the dark is usually downhill.
Forgot that, going fast downhill in the dark can be terrifying, if you don't know the road well.
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Invicta
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elnino99
Reged: 25/05/2008
Posts: 11
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I travel to work at 4.30am and it is very enjoyable!! There are very few cars about!! It is esp good at weekend as you see the detritis i.e. half eaten kebabs, broken bottles and the odd drunken teenager from the night before!! It makes me feel that little bit better about myself!
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hubbub
Reged: 22/10/2007
Posts: 517
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The empty roads up on the moors at night are the best riding there is. I usually leave the flying machine at home and take the tourer with a set of serious headlights and Schwalbe Marathon tyres. It ain't much fun breaking down in the pitch black 15 miles from home at 3 in the morning! (been there..  )
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 1626
Loc: Wickerman land,Scotland
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Night swimming...even more fun, Nice burn(stream), waterfall, plunge pool, warm summer night, gentle breeze(no midges) nice company, camp fire, more company, couple of acoustic guitars, few drinks for those who wish, perfect!
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VOTE PENGUIN!!!
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wuverley
Reged: 16/05/2008
Posts: 1502
Loc: Man of Kent
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Quote:
The empty roads up on the moors at night are the best riding there is. I usually leave the flying machine at home and take the tourer with a set of serious headlights and Schwalbe Marathon tyres. It ain't much fun breaking down in the pitch black 15 miles from home at 3 in the morning! (been there.. )
The beast of Glossop/ Galloway is just a myth then? Wouldn't catch me out on the moors alone at night, oh no...
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Invicta
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 1626
Loc: Wickerman land,Scotland
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The beast of Glossop/ Galloway is just a myth then? Wouldn't catch me out on the moors alone at night, oh no...
I am no myth!!!
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VOTE PENGUIN!!!
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peanut
Reged: 15/06/2006
Posts: 84
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love night riding for all the reasons given . If we had more members we could maybe organise some night time w/e meets and rides .
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mamba80
Reged: 09/08/2007
Posts: 150
Loc: Cornwall
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anyone who rides on roads at night is a fool, car drivers could not give a flyin xxxx for cyclists at the best of times. MTB though, is fantastic for all the above reasons
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daveno7
Reged: 04/03/2007
Posts: 360
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thank you for the time taken to respond to the topic,the whole idea is gathering in my mind and i hope to get out and do some before the winter rears it ugly head but then again maybe winter is the time to do it justice..
some wonderful thoughts and images there...really enjoyed the responses
again thank you
daveno7
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hubbub
Reged: 22/10/2007
Posts: 517
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Quote:
The beast of Glossop/ Galloway is just a myth then? Wouldn't catch me out on the moors alone at night, oh no...
There are a few black cats in the Peak - the nights regular bus drivers used to see one on Stanton Moor occasionally & the hill farmers used to swear there was something killing sheep on Beeley. That said I've never seen one when I've been on the bike. Now visiting a stone circle during a lunar eclipse, THAT's scary!
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winegoblin
Reged: 31/03/2007
Posts: 1058
Loc: down yur me anzum
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Quote:
Now visiting a stone circle during a lunar eclipse, THAT's scary!
Unless you're a virgin maiden or a chicken/goat/sheep etc you're pretty safe. 
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"Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile."
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