NIGHT RIDING: 5 ESSENTIAL TIPS
If you want to get the miles in over the winter months, riding at night is an important way to get time on the bike. A lot of people will strap a light to their bars and hope for the best but if you want to enjoy your ride and keep coming back here's what you need to remember.
The right clothing
As the sun sets, temperatures drop fast, and it's easy to get caught out if you're not prepared. Layering is key: start with a base layer and jersey in milder temperatures, but be ready to add insulated or windproof layers as the cold sets in. It's also worth taking a backup layer; you might not get cold enough to ride in but keep on you for road or trailside stops. A down jacket is great for this as they pack down small and don't weigh much at all.
Pick routes you know and ride them safely
Cycling lighting has come a long way in recent years and lighting up a trail or road has never been easier, however it's always a good idea to ride routes you know and are familiar with so there are no surprises late at night. A trail you have learnt in the daytime will be familiar to you under the LED hue of your bike lights and the chance of accidents is way reduced. Not only should you ride routes you know but ride them a little more carefully than you might in the day, night time conditions will always differ from the day, colder temperatures can bring mist and dew which makes roots and or corners more risky at night.
Ride with a buddy
On the topic of safety: ride with a buddy. Having someone with you not only makes the ride more fun as you share in the adventure but it also keeps it safer as you have someone to watch out for you wherever you might end up! Riding in pairs or groups also means you get more lights on the trail or road helping overall visibility for everyone, just be sure to keep those lights out of people's eyes unless you want to ride solo next time.
Use a headtorch
Headtorches may seem better suited for runners, but they significantly enhance visibility on the bike as well. Adding a directional light that moves with your eyes and head, helps you to see over rises or obstacles in the road or trail and look through corners, when your bike's light might still be facing forward. Not only are they great while riding but they are handy when stopped, if you get a mechanical mid ride working on it without a head torch is nye on impossible and it will only take one puncture in the dark for you to be shopping around for a new head torch.
Keep eating and drinking
Cold temperatures cause the body to prioritize maintaining core temperature, which can reduce hunger and thirst signals even when energy and fluid intake are essential for having a productive session on the bike. Eating mid ride will also help you to recover better and feel less drained the next day. Consuming carbohydrates and fluids during your ride, maintains blood glucose levels and prevents dehydration, which not only sustains energy for performance but also reduces muscle glycogen depletion and limits stress hormone release, promoting faster recovery post-exercise. This is especially important when riding at night as you might not have the time when you are back home to eat a full meal and have to prioritise sleep instead.
As the winter nights stretch on, there's something uniquely exhilarating about embracing the dark and conquering the night on two wheels. Beyond the fitness gains, night rides can offer adventure in the form of a fresh perspective on familiar routes. With the right preparation and mindset, you'll find that even the coldest nights have their rewards.
