nite riders?
10-24-22, 08:25 PM
#76
Junior Member
+1 to the advantage of low traffic at night.
I used to ride to work frequently when I was on 2nd shift (2p-11p) The midnight ride home was far less stressful than the daytime ride in; even in the heavily developed suburban/commercial areas I traveled. Way easier to deal with the 4- and 6-lane parkways, particularly the massive intersections, when you’re only dealing with 3-4 vehicles, rather than dozens coming from all directions.
Most of my route was lit, to one extent or another, so my on-bike lighting was more to “be seen” than “to see with”
I also liked to go out late for fast-paced tempo rides. There’s a couple nearby neighborhoods that were great for doing intervals, but were only accessible by a 1/2-to-1-mile run down a very high-traffic 6-lane that would be crazy dangerous under normal operating conditions
At 12a-1a; you might get passed by half a dozen cars, but they can see you a 1/4-mile off, and they can pass with a whole lane to spare
I used to ride to work frequently when I was on 2nd shift (2p-11p) The midnight ride home was far less stressful than the daytime ride in; even in the heavily developed suburban/commercial areas I traveled. Way easier to deal with the 4- and 6-lane parkways, particularly the massive intersections, when you’re only dealing with 3-4 vehicles, rather than dozens coming from all directions.
Most of my route was lit, to one extent or another, so my on-bike lighting was more to “be seen” than “to see with”
I also liked to go out late for fast-paced tempo rides. There’s a couple nearby neighborhoods that were great for doing intervals, but were only accessible by a 1/2-to-1-mile run down a very high-traffic 6-lane that would be crazy dangerous under normal operating conditions
At 12a-1a; you might get passed by half a dozen cars, but they can see you a 1/4-mile off, and they can pass with a whole lane to spare
Likes For Attilio:
10-25-22, 09:07 AM
#77
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Redmond, WA & Bangkok, Thailand
Posts: 517
Bikes: 1999 Giant ATX MTB, 2002 Lemond Zurich, 2018 Fuji Transonic 2.3, 2019 Specialized Tarmac Disc Expert
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 159 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
202 Posts
In Providence R.I. we have a monthly night ride on the third Friday. Usually around 200 hundred show. This Friday October 22, Providence Bike Jam has the annual Halloween Ride. Below is a good representation of the monthly ride.
Click the Yourtube link at the bottom of the video for better quality.
https://youtu.be/sjROJDDJPpc
Click the Yourtube link at the bottom of the video for better quality.
https://youtu.be/sjROJDDJPpc
10-25-22, 05:15 PM
#78
Senior Member
It was originally Critical Mass. A few years ago People For Bikes took over the ride and changed the name to Providence Bike Jam. (PBJ) and transformed it to a party ride.
Likes For capejohn:
10-25-22, 06:45 PM
#79
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,397
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5180 Post(s)
Liked 3,481 Times
in
2,286 Posts
can't win hearts, if you're pissing ppl off, eh?
10-27-22, 06:08 AM
#80
Senior Member
I am retired so if I ride at night it is because i want to. The only way I ride in the dark in the evening was when I was commuting or when on tour still do it if for some reason I just ride late. The only other exception might be a full moon MTB ride. Those can be magical. I take a headlamp and ride with it turned off for much of the ride.
Riding early in the morning before daylight is another matter. I am an early riser and like to do that sometimes. On tour I do that often. At home I do it to avoid the heat or just because.
I like to trail ride with minimal light (a small headlamp) and well acclimated eyes. It points where you look and you see lots of wildlife.
I tend to use minimal lights in all cases. I do wear a high visibility vest when/where i feel I need it.
Riding early in the morning before daylight is another matter. I am an early riser and like to do that sometimes. On tour I do that often. At home I do it to avoid the heat or just because.
I like to trail ride with minimal light (a small headlamp) and well acclimated eyes. It points where you look and you see lots of wildlife.
I tend to use minimal lights in all cases. I do wear a high visibility vest when/where i feel I need it.
Likes For staehpj1:
10-27-22, 11:47 PM
#81
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,575
Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1050 Post(s)
Liked 750 Times
in
486 Posts
I am retired so if I ride at night it is because i want to. The only way I ride in the dark in the evening was when I was commuting or when on tour still do it if for some reason I just ride late. The only other exception might be a full moon MTB ride. Those can be magical. I take a headlamp and ride with it turned off for much of the ride.
Riding early in the morning before daylight is another matter. I am an early riser and like to do that sometimes. On tour I do that often. At home I do it to avoid the heat or just because.
I like to trail ride with minimal light (a small headlamp) and well acclimated eyes. It points where you look and you see lots of wildlife.
I tend to use minimal lights in all cases. I do wear a high visibility vest when/where i feel I need it.
Riding early in the morning before daylight is another matter. I am an early riser and like to do that sometimes. On tour I do that often. At home I do it to avoid the heat or just because.
I like to trail ride with minimal light (a small headlamp) and well acclimated eyes. It points where you look and you see lots of wildlife.
I tend to use minimal lights in all cases. I do wear a high visibility vest when/where i feel I need it.
10-28-22, 03:38 AM
#82
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,397
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5180 Post(s)
Liked 3,481 Times
in
2,286 Posts
1 example - pre storm Kenan 1/28/22 into 1/29/22 11:30pm-1am
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-28-22 at 08:10 AM.
10-28-22, 05:26 AM
#83
Senior Member
I have been known to roll out at 4 or 4:30, but 2 or 3 is too early for me. Are you up for the day at that point?
Likes For staehpj1:
10-28-22, 11:20 AM
#84
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,575
Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1050 Post(s)
Liked 750 Times
in
486 Posts
that sounds awesome! did you go back to bed or just stay up for the rest of the day? I had 2 nite rides last winter that required me to go to bed briefly & then get up & out, then went back to bed. it was a timing thing due to snow storms. on another occasion the timing was such that I just stayed up because it was more of an earring morning ride as opposed to a late nite ride
1 example - pre storm Kenan 1/28/22 into 1/29/22 11:30pm-1am
1 example - pre storm Kenan 1/28/22 into 1/29/22 11:30pm-1am
Likes For OldTryGuy:
10-28-22, 12:57 PM
#85
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,397
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5180 Post(s)
Liked 3,481 Times
in
2,286 Posts
Likes For rumrunn6:
Likes For 10 Wheels:
10-28-22, 01:37 PM
#87
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,147
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1329 Post(s)
Liked 1,198 Times
in
596 Posts
Reflective Tape Does Work on Sunny Days.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
10-30-22, 01:25 PM
#88
Junior Member
In Providence R.I. we have a monthly night ride on the third Friday. Usually around 200 hundred show. This Friday October 22, Providence Bike Jam has the annual Halloween Ride. Below is a good representation of the monthly ride.
Click the Yourtube link at the bottom of the video for better quality.
https://youtu.be/sjROJDDJPpc
Click the Yourtube link at the bottom of the video for better quality.
https://youtu.be/sjROJDDJPpc
10-31-22, 01:36 PM
#89
Lopsided biped
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 734
Bikes: 2017 Day 6 Cyclone (the Buick); 2015 Simcoe Deluxe (the Xebec); Street Strider 3i (the not-a-bike); GreenSpeed Anura (the Black Swan)
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 315 Post(s)
Liked 159 Times
in
96 Posts
I was doing night rides a couple years ago in the summer when it was too hot and humid to be riding comfortably in the day time. I'm in a semi-rural area and everything shuts down after about 9:00 p.m., so I'd go out about 10:00 or so.
No street lights to speak of out here. I have two headlights; one casts a fairly weak but very broad beam to light the periphery, the other is a 'thrower' that has as much range as my truck's headlights. That one's actually a flashlight attached with a Two Fish Lock-Block; it has a decidedly yellowish color of light that I like a lot.
Nice having the road pretty much to myself, but I miss the scenery.
I use lights with removable batteries (AA for headlights; AAA for tail lights) and carry spares.
No street lights to speak of out here. I have two headlights; one casts a fairly weak but very broad beam to light the periphery, the other is a 'thrower' that has as much range as my truck's headlights. That one's actually a flashlight attached with a Two Fish Lock-Block; it has a decidedly yellowish color of light that I like a lot.
Nice having the road pretty much to myself, but I miss the scenery.
I use lights with removable batteries (AA for headlights; AAA for tail lights) and carry spares.
Last edited by rollagain; 10-31-22 at 01:41 PM.
11-11-22, 12:13 PM
#90
Senior Member
Providence Bike Jam has a monthly night ride through the streets of the city. Two city park dance parties, where everyone stops, indulge in what makes them feel good, and dance to the three synchronized boom boxes, are always included. This Halloween saw over 300 ghouls, goblins and other costumed riders came out for this fun ride.
Likes For capejohn:
11-11-22, 12:28 PM
#91
Senior Member
I commute few days a week and after time went back, by 5 PM is getting dark here. Most of the 10 mile route I take is trail and have some kind of light around, and big chunk of the trail is along a freeway.
One head and tail light does the job for me
One head and tail light does the job for me
Likes For phtomita:
11-11-22, 02:29 PM
#92
Full Member
Likes For Rogerogeroge:
11-11-22, 02:57 PM
#93
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 1,602
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 576 Post(s)
Liked 915 Times
in
516 Posts
Last night the moon was so bright that I was able to ride for long stretches with my light off.
I am lucky to have a 20km loop with no vehicular traffic near my house, so riding without a light is only a danger to my own stupid self.
For when I need a light, I ordered a pair of AAA battery powered flashlights that I connect to my handlebars and helmet using rubber bands made from old inner tubes, and tape.
I am lucky to have a 20km loop with no vehicular traffic near my house, so riding without a light is only a danger to my own stupid self.
For when I need a light, I ordered a pair of AAA battery powered flashlights that I connect to my handlebars and helmet using rubber bands made from old inner tubes, and tape.
11-11-22, 03:01 PM
#94
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 1,602
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 576 Post(s)
Liked 915 Times
in
516 Posts
A couple years ago I was riding near dusk with only the most feeble little light strapped on my handlebar. I decided to run a stop sign at the bottom of a hill because I could see there was only one car about 50m back from the intersection. Of course, that one car was a police cruiser, so I got a stern talking-to. No ticket though, the cop said because I stopped when he asked and was polite, and admitted what I did was stupid and said I wouldn't do it again.
11-11-22, 08:27 PM
#95
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Redmond, WA & Bangkok, Thailand
Posts: 517
Bikes: 1999 Giant ATX MTB, 2002 Lemond Zurich, 2018 Fuji Transonic 2.3, 2019 Specialized Tarmac Disc Expert
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 159 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
202 Posts
Yes, it is dark much to early here in Redmond. Two more weeks and I'm off to ride in a warmer climate for the winter.
Likes For SpeedyBlueBiker:
11-11-22, 08:53 PM
#96
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,139
Bikes: 2 many
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1266 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
169 Posts
I believe I stored my external light batteries fully charged. so I don't think I should top them off before using them. they've been dormant since my last night ride in April
anyone ever discharge batteries, by running the lights for a cpl hrs, then re-charging them, before trusting them out on the road?
anyone ever discharge batteries, by running the lights for a cpl hrs, then re-charging them, before trusting them out on the road?
Don't run any type of battery all the way down.
Last edited by 2manybikes; 11-11-22 at 08:55 PM. Reason: forgot something
Likes For 2manybikes:
11-13-22, 05:47 PM
#97
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,397
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5180 Post(s)
Liked 3,481 Times
in
2,286 Posts
I do run them until the lite quits, while riding, then I switch to the next battery. there's no "gauge". the light heads have a lite that starts green but goes to red. but it can continue shining while on red, for a really long time & the green doesn't last as long as the light is usable. meaning it seems wasteful to change batteries as soon as the light turns red. it would be nice if it had an in between yellow lite
11-13-22, 06:16 PM
#98
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,139
Bikes: 2 many
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1266 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
169 Posts
I do run them until the lite quits, while riding, then I switch to the next battery. there's no "gauge". the light heads have a lite that starts green but goes to red. but it can continue shining while on red, for a really long time & the green doesn't last as long as the light is usable. meaning it seems wasteful to change batteries as soon as the light turns red. it would be nice if it had an in between yellow lite
Do you carry a small tripod for pics of the wheels etc?
11-13-22, 08:40 PM
#99
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,397
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5180 Post(s)
Liked 3,481 Times
in
2,286 Posts
I know what you mean, but, you could kill the light. Maybe not. Hard to know without a good gauge. I had a Li-ion battery pop and send out fumes while in my hand. I thought the switch was failing so I just kept turning on the light. I drained it too far. Could happen to any Li-ion. For example search for Tesla that explodes when just sitting around. There are a few videos. There was some small drain on the battery and they got too low. even a little condensation on contacts or wires can do it. It happens in all kinds of things (e-bikes) etc.
Do you carry a small tripod for pics of the wheels etc?
Do you carry a small tripod for pics of the wheels etc?
oh my wheel pics? yesterday just put the camera on the ground & road by it. but yes on regular rides, especially off road, I have a small plastic travel pod w/ a velcro strap to attach it to trees. also I have a camera stick w/ a DIY quick release. good for low action while moving. in the beginning, I just held my camera w my hand & leaned way down. I don't always use them but when I get a whacky idea, it's fun to try different things
I put the same quick release on the stick, the mini pod, the bars & the helmet
they use this one to sell their toe clip covers
they ride on the trunk under a cpl bungies
Last edited by rumrunn6; 11-13-22 at 08:49 PM.
11-13-22, 09:31 PM
#100
Just Pedaling
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: West Coast
Posts: 813
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 263 Post(s)
Liked 397 Times
in
269 Posts
I do run them until the lite quits, while riding, then I switch to the next battery. there's no "gauge". the light heads have a lite that starts green but goes to red. but it can continue shining while on red, for a really long time & the green doesn't last as long as the light is usable. meaning it seems wasteful to change batteries as soon as the light turns red. it would be nice if it had an in between yellow lite
Likes For SpedFast:
