| Now that it's officially winter many folks have hung | | | | the temperature on these rides is going to get colder |
| up the bike(s) and are concentrating on activities that | | | | as the night progresses so I usually stuff another |
| can take place inside - and that's really not such a | | | | layer in my pocket. |
| bad thing. I wrote an article not too long ago where I | | | | 2. Use a front and rear blinkie light - you would think |
| encouraged the reader to look at winter as an | | | | this would be a no-brainer, however I'm still amazed |
| opportunity to take a little time away from the bike. | | | | at the number of riders I see after dark with neither. |
| For many, it's been a long cycling season and you are | | | | I use the brightest rear blinkie I can find on my |
| tired both physically and mentally. Spending a few | | | | seatpost and then I use a smaller light that I clip to |
| months in the gym lifting weights, doing some | | | | the back of my helmet on the adjusting strap. For |
| plyometrics or even pilates/yoga is a great way to | | | | the front, bright is good, but bright and flashing is |
| work on those areas that cycling neglects and to | | | | better. I used to ride with my super bright HID light |
| stretch those muscles that cycling shortens. And if | | | | (600 lumens), but I've since converted to a smaller, |
| you just can't live for 4 months without turning the | | | | but still bright (200 lumens) LED because it has a flash |
| pedals, but it's just too cold to get outside there are | | | | capability. The human eye is designed to detect |
| alternatives there as well - an indoor trainer or | | | | movement so I'll sacrifice a little brightness, however |
| spinning classes will satisfy that urge (I prefer the | | | | I strongly recommend you purchase a good, |
| spinning classes as I tend to get bored easily and | | | | rechargeable light that throws a wide pattern. I've |
| need the camaraderie of group exercise). | | | | tried the smaller (and cheaper) 4 AA lights, but these |
| However, for those who are fortunate to live in the | | | | tend to do a better of job of making you seen vs. |
| warmer regions of the country as I do, there is | | | | allowing you to see the road ahead of you - and |
| always Urban Night Riding. So, exactly what is that? | | | | both are important on these rides. |
| My friends and I do a weekly ride of 40-45 miles | | | | 3. Ride in a group - again that safety thing. Many |
| every Tuesday night all done on pavement in both | | | | blinking lights are easier to see than one (or none!). |
| neighborhoods and downtown (we live in a city of 1+ | | | | Also, if someone has a flat or breaks a bike part you |
| million). It's a good mix of hills, short intervals (20+ | | | | have some help (also, another light source as it's |
| mph) and long straight stretches done at tempo | | | | tough to get your bar light to shine on your rear |
| (18-20mph). The thing that makes this a really good | | | | derailleur!) |
| workout is that we do this ride on full suspension | | | | 4. No drop policy - speaking of riding in a group, it's |
| mountain bikes complete with knobby tires run at 35 | | | | important to hook up with other riders of similar skill |
| psi. | | | | as night rides should absolutely, positively be "no |
| There are a few tips that we've learned along the | | | | drop" rides. Heh, it's dark out there! |
| way that may differ a bit from traditional road cycling | | | | 5. Don't challenge the buses!!! - they are much bigger |
| and/or mountain biking: | | | | than you are. Seriously, riding downtown in traffic |
| 1. Wear bright/reflective clothes - of course this is a | | | | should not be taken lightly. You need to be super |
| good tip any time you ride after dark, but it's | | | | vigilant as not only is there apt to be more traffic, |
| especially important when you are riding on city | | | | but there are also many more distractions - for both |
| streets. Also, don't forget that unlike those morning | | | | you and the drivers. |
| rides where you can usually count on it warming up, | | | | |