1. Learn to read the trail in new ways
Night riding can help you hone your trail reading abilities. With less light and a narrower field of vision, you must learn to react more quickly due to shortened sight lines and a rapidly changing environment.
2. Your “usual” ride becomes new again
Ever wish you could go back in time and ride your favorite trail again for the first time? Or are your local trails feeling kind of bland? Riding at night can breathe new life into your regular old ride. Riding through a dark tunnel of trees can get your adrenaline pumping, while things like tight trees will fade away, making difficult trails seem more comfortable and vice versa.
3. Dark trails are empty trails
Riding at night isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking for a little solitude, night riding is one way to ensure less traffic on the trails. Even if you do encounter other riders, you’ll be able to see their lights well before you meet up.
4. More riding options in your schedules
If you work a 9-5 and/or have a family, getting out for a ride can be a challenge. Night riding can open up your schedule to a few more riding opportunities like going post-dinner or after the kiddos have gone to bed.
5. Extend your season
Not only could you ride at different times in the day, but night riding is made popular by the fact that we have a shoulder season that leaves us in the dark before the snow drops. You can extend your riding season by layering-up and grabbing a light.
To get started, you’ll need some warm clothes and a bright light. We’ve got plenty of layers in store, and we’d love to share our knowledge on our favorite layering techniques, so you don’t freeze or overheat. For lights, we’re loving the new Bontrager Ion Pro RT. It’s got up to 1300 lumens for 1.5 hours of riding or use a lower powered setting for longer ride time. It’s rechargeable, compact, and attaches to the handlebars of any bike.
Enjoy the fun of night rides. Grab a light and some layers and get riding today.