Wondered what you guys think of night ridding? Since it's become so hot during the day I switched my ridding time over to around 3AM after going to bed earily. Now I'm getting very hooked on night ridding. So quiet, peacefull and still, and hardly a car anywhere; the wind is gone and temperature is mild. Oh, can't forget the Moon. I cruse main city streets, might see two cars per mile; one's usually a cop. Some other bikers use to tell me night isn't as safe as day time, but I don't agree. It would seem cars are less of a threat because their lights warn you they are comming, and my bike is very visible; well lit front and rear.

Don't think it's a bad idea, as long as you're in a safe place. I ride at night on occasion, although I can't say I have the motivation to get up at 3am for it.....LOL. I like it too. If you enjoy it and you're in an area that's relatively safe, I say go for it!

3:00 is OK. I assume you have lights and reflectors. If not then it is dangerous. As you said almost no cars, but a unlit bike is the last thing the few cars out there are expecting.

Also I would not start any earlier than 3, might enve suggest starting a bit later. The time from about 11 to 3 or so has more than it's share of drunk drivers. Drunk and limited visibility are not a good combo for targets on bikes.

When I ride early or after sunset, I go whole hog with lights. I currently run a headlight (either halogen or LED flashing one) and 3 different red LED flashers to the rear (one on helmet, 2 on bike) plus a reflective vest that has flashing LEDs in the strips. I'm going for the "Santa Claus' sleigh" look.

Be aware that a small percentage of drunks seem to be attracted to flashing red lights and may drift into you. I know of more than one police car that's been rear-ended by such a driver while stationary on the shoulder with all the overheads on. :eek:

Only on a bike path for me. Around here, the roads are so bad, I'd be eating pavement or exploding rims within the first mile if I couldn't really see exactly what was up ahead.

Yeah, the only problem i have with riding in the dark is being a target for drunks or sleepy drivers. Ever wonder why so many police cars get hit during traffic stops? It has been proven that people drive into the lights, kind of like moths to flames. Other than that little hazard, i love riding at night.

I find I'm able to ride faster and longer near dusk or in the night; my muscles are cooled and I can focus more on my anerobics (sp?)

sweet full moon riding....

Huge fan here. It's quiet and cool, with less traffic and (at least where I live) little or no wind. Enjoy!

I like it. I do it alot in the winter when it's dark by the time I get home from work.

lol, first thing that popped into my head when I saw the thread title.

*gasp*

*sigh*

Oh what a hunk! And the guy in the car isn't too bad either! ;) :D

I get up at 4am and give myself an hour to get out the door. It's definitely cooler outside and much more peaceful, with very little traffic to deal with. I'm nearly giddy with happiness... finally, I don't have to deal with all the noise. I can ride in peace.

Koffee

[QUOTE=koffee brown


I get up at 4am and give myself an hour to get out the door. It's definitely cooler outside and much more peaceful, with very little traffic to deal with. I'm nearly giddy with happiness... finally, I don't have to deal with all the noise. I can ride in peace.

Koffee[/QUOTE]


Exactly ! :)

Heck... 3am is when I'm getting off work so I ride almost every night at that time. I absolutely love it and wouldn't have it any other way. :) Not too many cars on the road and it's so peaceful & quiet.

I live in the country, when I get home at midnight, and it is quiet.... I mean, it is REALLY QUIET!!! You can here all the frogs croaking in the woods. Kind of eerie in a way. I love it.

I enjoy riding at night. Most of my miles come with family attached, which is fantastic, but miles at night are mine. My son (13) is looking to start racing crits though, so he's going to be joining me for some of my later rides.

I find it's quiet, I can pick out traffic better, and I don't need sunscreen. All bonuses.

Watch for the night animals :P