i love night riding! there's something spiritual about it, for sure. seems quiter, like it's only you and the nocturnal animals out and about. it's strange, you know that groove you get into sometimes while riding and you can just bomb anything with ease? i seem to get into that groove more often at night, and the next day or so when i go back to the same spot in the daylight, i'm thinking "i bombed THIS last night?" i would definately invest in a good light. it's true, they are pretty expensive, but there's nothing worse than being stuck out in the forest in the dark. i usually take a little extra water and food just incase something happens.
i hope you find those guys to ride with at night- have fun!