Originally Posted by Juniper
... I really shouldn't have done alone. A broken bone would have meant crawling out for miles; not too wise, I know.
I agree, it is safer and wiser to ride with someone else. Too many things can happen even when riding in a flat and easy area. Unexpected obstacles or a mechanical issue can cause you to go down. I ride in mountain lion country, so that's one more variable to consider.
Do as I say, not as I do. I highly enjoy night riding and do it solo most of the time. I love the empty trails, distant lights, solitude... In my mind, I know I can get pretty messed up, so I have a few rules, like don't descend single track with alone at night. I also have to remind myself about mountain lions (although I have yet to see one in over 5 years of riding). For me, it's hard to sit home when the trails call.
I half jokingly tell my co-workers if I'm not at work, see if my truck is at the trail head.