Pre-dawn riding - a little nervous

[Catrin]

It is supposed to be another hot and muggy day tomorrow, so am considering starting my morning ride tomorrow before dawn. This may not seem like much, but I haven't ridden in the dark before - and I ride in the country :D

I also figure I had better start doing this from time to time, as the cut-off time for the brevet in October is 2 hours after sunset. This seems to be a good way to start.

So I have my Stella 150 headlight charged and on my bike, and one seat-stay mounted very bright flashy thing waiting for tomorrow morning. My plan is to start about 30 minutes before "official" sunrise, so it shouldn't be totally dark, just an introduction to semi-dark country roads. Tomorrow's route is only 23-25 miles, and one that I am quite familiar with - the bit with the rough roads will come long after sunrise!

I am a little nervous about this for some reason, but also looking forward to seeing what it is like to be out riding at dawn. At least I get to finally use this expensive headlight, though it won't be dark enough to see if it is REALLY bright enough for night-use without a companion light.

I do want another flashy thing for my other seat-stay, and one for either the back of my Camelbak or/and helmet but for a holiday morning this should be fine..

[nscrbug]

I think you'll be just fine starting out before the sun officially rises. I have often done that, without any problems...and I'm only using a Planet Bike Superflash tail light on my bike...no headlight at all (but I only do this on weekend mornings when traffic is extremely light). Plus, with it being a holiday weekend...lots of folks are off work tomorrow, so traffic will be lighter than normal for a Monday.

[Blueberry]

You'll likely be pleasantly surprised:) I enjoy riding after dark or before sunrise, and often find that on dark roads cars seem to see me better! Just stay within you light) as you do when driving (don't go so fast you can't see to stop), and enjoy!

[marni]

butt crack of dawn riding is magical- Just make sure you have a flashing red light on the rear of your bike as well as a snog or bug light - also flashing, on your helmet. You can buy strips of reflective tape to put across the back of your jacket or buy a reflective vest or wear one that is brightly colored and reflective. Ride a bit slower and let you eyes adjust to the less light, take your dark glasses for when the sun comes up, and enjoy the mystery and the miracle of seeing the day born and the country come alive.

marni

[Owlie]

Okay, Marni. After reading that post, I now have to see if I can get out during the early morning over the next few days.:)

[Catrin]

butt crack of dawn riding is magical- Just make sure you have a flashing red light on the rear of your bike as well as a snog or bug light - also flashing, on your helmet. You can buy strips of reflective tape to put across the back of your jacket or buy a reflective vest or wear one that is brightly colored and reflective. Ride a bit slower and let you eyes adjust to the less light, take your dark glasses for when the sun comes up, and enjoy the mystery and the miracle of seeing the day born and the country come alive.

marni

Ok, you have inspired me to leave 15 minutes earlier as I've a 30 minute drive to my starting point... It is a great place to ride though. I won't be facing the sunrise as I am less familiar with those roads that go east from my starting point. For my first pre-dawn ride I want to be familiar with the road surface. NEXT time will head east :)

[lph]

Have a ball :) You can in fact be more visible with a blinking red light in the dark/dusk than in broad daylight with lots of visual competition.

Since I ride year-round I get to ride pre-dawn a lot, but not in summer, I'd have to be up all night.

Watching the sunrise from a bicycle is beautiful!

[Catrin]

Had an awesome 25 mile ride! Didn't really need the headlight, though I used it and after sunrise put it on flashing. It was fun to watch the country wake up! I am not sure my headlight is actually bright enough for use in full country darkness so am going to have to experiment with my lighting options prior to October, but it was fun.

Thanks for the encouragement!

[Owlie]

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but...
I'm planning on doing a crack-of-dawn ride tomorrow or Wednesday. BF still has my tail light. I'm planning on doing a trail ride. My head light is with me. Think a red glow stick zip-tied or creatively duct taped to the seat bag is a reasonable sub for a tail light? I'd be using it for "hey, I'm here!" purposes, for any other cyclists on the trail.

Of course, if I go on Wednesday and can get to the bike shop tomorrow, no biggie.

[MyRubyE]

Thanks for sharing Catrin - sounds like you had a great experience. You've also inspired us to give it a try :)

[Catrin]

It was a lot of fun - and now I am inspired to try and head out earlier, try true night riding. In baby stages :)

Owlie, I've no idea how bright that glow-stick would be - but would you be out on the trail in full darkness, or more like the pre-dawn somewhere-in-between like I was?

[sundial]

So I have my Stella 150 headlight charged and on my bike, and one seat-stay mounted very bright flashy thing waiting for tomorrow morning.

So are you hooked on early a.m. riding? :) There's nothing like waking up with nature. If you think you're going to continue to ride early morning/late evening, here's something that you might want to put on your wish list...a helmet mounted light (http://www.niterider.com/prod_minmini150usb.shtml). It really makes a difference in your night rides and you will be able to look around and see where you're going rather than just the road in front of you.

[Catrin]

So are you hooked on early a.m. riding? :) There's nothing like waking up with nature. If you think you're going to continue to ride early morning/late evening, here's something that you might want to put on your wish list...a helmet mounted light (http://www.niterider.com/prod_minmini150usb.shtml). It really makes a difference in your night rides and you will be able to look around and see where you're going rather than just the road in front of you.

Thanks for the link - and I am also looking at the Ay-Up lighting system for my bike - I've been looking at that for quite some time as I will need a lighting solution for true night riding in the country.

Would you say that this helmet mounted light is bright enough for night in the country?

[Bike Chick]

Our foursome rides at the crack of dawn three times a week. We leave early enough to get a 20-30 mile ride in before work and I love it. It is magical watching the sun rise and the countryside wake up---it's also much cooler and there is a lot less traffic. We don't use headlights, just flashing taillights and even if you leave before dawn, it is daylight before you know it.

[Catrin]

Our foursome rides at the crack of dawn three times a week. We leave early enough to get a 20-30 mile ride in before work and I love it. It is magical watching the sun rise and the countryside wake up---it's also much cooler and there is a lot less traffic. We don't use headlights, just flashing taillights and even if you leave before dawn, it is daylight before you know it.

It sounds delightful :)

I figure on my October brevet that I am going to be out in the country for at least an hour or two after sunset (cut-off time is 2 hours after sunset) - unless I can do 200k in 11 hours or less by then - and while that could happen I need to be prepared for otherwise ;) It just adds to the adventure :D

[indysteel]

Every time I read a thread about night (or early morning) riding, I tell myself that I need to get out there and do it, too! I have a MacDaddy light that I have, embarrassingly, never used. I have no excuses.

Catrin, let's plan on a night ride sometime!

[Catrin]

Every time I read a thread about night (or early morning) riding, I tell myself that I need to get out there and do it, too! I have a MacDaddy light that I have, embarrassingly, never used. I have no excuses.

Catrin, let's plan on a night ride sometime!

I must admit that doing a "real" night ride has me a little nervous, but only as much as the idea of going down my first real "downhill". That is why I am starting off with really early morning rides - and will likely just try to start earlier, and earlier....

I like the idea of us doing a night ride together - we could start out shortly before sunset or twilight and ride through the fading light into night. I LIKE that idea :)

[Crankin]

Early AM riding is the best. Except now, you have to get out pretty early (before 5) to have to use a headlight!
I was nervous the first time I rode home in the dark, from the train station, all of 5 miles. I quickly realized the light I had on my Jamis Coda, was really for "being seen." Once I get out of the center of town, there are very few, or no streetlights. So I got another light, and use both of them. Problem solved.
I also got a good light for my road bike and often in the fall or early spring, we got out for short (10-13 mile) rides before work/school. I love seeing the town wake up.

[indysteel]

I must admit that doing a "real" night ride has me a little nervous, but only as much as the idea of going down my first real "downhill". That is why I am starting off with really early morning rides - and will likely just try to start earlier, and earlier....

I like the idea of us doing a night ride together - we could start out shortly before sunset or twilight and ride through the fading light into night. I LIKE that idea :)

I think that's a good place to start. I'd also love to do any early morning ride. It's just a question of getting my butt out of bed! :p

[Catrin]

I think that's a good place to start. I'd also love to do any early morning ride. It's just a question of getting my butt out of bed! :p

This sounds good - and I don't know about you but as an early morning person anyway I've more energy at crazy-early morning hours than I do at night. Assuming I can sleep (insomnia issues).

[indysteel]

This sounds good - and I don't know about you but as an early morning person anyway I've more energy at crazy-early morning hours than I do at night. Assuming I can sleep (insomnia issues).

I'm also an early morning person. Unfortunately, I'm now married to someone who is more of a mid-morning person. It's not that I can't get up without him, but it sure is a lot harder to jump out of bed when Mr. Sleepyhead wants to sleep until 8. Given how much we've had going on, the extra sleep has probably been good for us, so I haven't felt a huge urge to push us out of bed any earlier.

My guess is that we'll reach a different accommodation over time. For one thing, I think we're both discovering that this crazy summer heat simply requires us to get moving a bit earlier. What I'd like to do, to be honest, is ask that he give it a try for just a couple of weeks. Admittedly, it does take some practice and discipline at first. Once you get used to the idea, however, you wonder how or why you ever slept in. I hate the way weekends otherwise fly by if I don't get up early. Right now, by the time we get up, eat and get motivated, it's after 10. Ugh!

Ah, married life. For this "Girl" of 40, it's a bit of an adjustment. :)

[shootingstar]

It's lovely cycling before sunrises particularily during warm weather season. Just make yourself as visible as possible and not surprise any equally early drivers either.

I used to daily cycle about 40 min. before sunrise through a tall-tree forest park before starting work. Initially it was abit creepy and strange but still nevertheless exhilerating. It was on paved roads so no need to stop. It felt quite safe.

We've had to cycle off for 40 kms. starting at 4:00 am to get to airport, ferry dock..in order to catch our next ride. So peaceful.
Or to avoid high heat/humidity..but for this latter reason where we live now, less of a need.

And yes, I have done this sort of stuff in..rain. Now, that is the hardest.

[Selkie]

Out of necessity, I've been riding before dawn for several years. It's good to see that people are discovering the appeal of it. Just hope it doesn't get too popular though because I love the solitude.

Riding in full daylight feels freaky to me now! ;-)

[trista]

I love riding at dawn. Lately it works out so the sun comes up at about halfway through my rides. It's very motivating! I'm ISO a good, affordable headlamp system b/c when the days get shorter I'll be doing more riding in the dark.

I'm afraid of the dark. Not of cars or traffic or hazards but of what I can't see (aka the boogieman). Running in the dark scares the heck out of me, but cycling isn't so scary b/c i figure I'm faster than the boogieman on my bike ;)

[Catrin]

I love riding at dawn. Lately it works out so the sun comes up at about halfway through my rides. It's very motivating! I'm ISO a good, affordable headlamp system b/c when the days get shorter I'll be doing more riding in the dark.

I'm afraid of the dark. Not of cars or traffic or hazards but of what I can't see (aka the boogieman). Running in the dark scares the heck out of me, but cycling isn't so scary b/c i figure I'm faster than the boogieman on my bike ;)

I understand this - and glad to hear that I am not the only one ;)

My trainer about had a heart attack when he heard that I want to do this - but from his perspective it is a safety issue dealing with cars in the dark. This is from someone who loves night riding himself - but he doesn't do it on the road - he does mountain biking in the dark. He knows I tend to want to take 3 steps where I should take 1, so to speak, so he really comes down on the safety factor.

[pinkbikes]

Thanks for the link - and I am also looking at the Ay-Up lighting system for my bike - I've been looking at that for quite some time as I will need a lighting solution for true night riding in the country.

Would you say that this helmet mounted light is bright enough for night in the country?

Catrin, I think the Ay-Up system is bright enough for anything! And it sure is pretty!

I am of course, both biased and lucky, because I have had a set since shortly after they started manufacturing them, and I live close enough to go to the shop where they make them to pick which colour I like. And the bonus is there is a really good bakery next door!:o

All that aside, I have used both the older Luxeon and the newer Cree Ay-Ups for night riding and have been very satisfied with both service and performance. It is great to see a local product do so well worldwide. They have developed a fair bit since they started, with different LEDs, different battery options and flashers etc. I have handed down my old Luxeons to DD and I use the Crees - lucky kid!:)

For mountain biking I use the medium beam on my handlebars and the narrow beam on my helmet. I find it really useful to be able to see both where I am pointing and where I am looking. This is also really good if you are riding on the road at night and you wish to be sure a driver has seen you - pinning them with your very bright helmet light is perhaps a little cruel but less cruel than them running you over!:D

I have also ridden at night with just one or the other. I have a night-riding helmet with the bracket on all the time and sometimes I ride the roadie at night with just a helmet light because I am too lazy to throw a bracket on the roadie's bars (that is really lazy since it is just 2 zipties) and I have found that it is still plenty of light.

In short, I figure if I can ride in a pitch black forest on single-track and feel comfortable clearing obstacles with these lights, and race 24hour MTB races with them (and I am a bit shortsighted so like a LOT of light) they will be easily bright enough for the country roads riding you are thinking of.:)

As a side thought, I have also bought some excellent red flashies that you may think of considering if you really want to be seen. They are a fibre tube about 8 inches long in red and they can either be constant or flash. They have a nifty rubber band system for attaching (I am fond of really easy and quick attach and remove options) and are mind-bogglingly bright. I use one on the traffic-side rear stay and I have a friend who wears two on his backpack. Here is a link.

http://fibreflare.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1&category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=4

Happy riding in the dark!:)

[sundial]

Would you say that this helmet mounted light is bright enough for night in the country?

Personally I would pair it with both a handlebar mounted light and the helmet light. I ride in the country as well and I've ridden with one or the other and I prefer both. I have a MiNewt on the handlebar and helmet.

[Catrin]

Personally I would pair it with both a handlebar mounted light and the helmet light. I ride in the country as well and I've ridden with one or the other and I prefer both. I have a MiNewt on the handlebar and helmet.

Cool - I already have a Stella 150 for the handlebar. I have just been unsure how much extra light I would need. Thanks!

[sundial]

The more the better. :) Night riding is a unique experience as the road will feel different to you than in the day time. Also, you want to be able to see the critters that may scurry across the road right in front of you. One night during a full moon I heard the hooves of deer cross the road in front of me. Then I saw the silhouette. It was a magical moment.