Things I learned tonight!

[FlyingScot]

So I went on an evening ride tonight. I usually go during the day but time got away from me. I set out on the local bike path (I'm too chicken to ride on the road and don't much desire to have my butt slapped) for a short 15 miler.

This is what I learned:
There are waaay more people on the path in the evening
It gets darker waaay faster than you think it will
There is a reason my bike glasses came with clear lenses
Don't breathe thru your mouth

So all you other newbies out there...why learn from your mistakes when you can learn from mine

Happy Riding...now I'm going to brush my teeth!

[boy in a kilt]

Riding at night is more fun.

It took me a long time to figure out why, but it hit me last night (when I was riding in the dark). Stripping away a lot of the visual stimuli and just focusing on the little spot of light in front of me is almost meditation. My pedal strokes get rounder and smoother, my arms are more relaxed and I don't bounce as much.

[velogirl]

and hills aren't as hard in the dark. really, they aren't. I find that my average pace on the same course will be much faster when I ride at night because I just hammer up my climbs instead of seeing them first and reacting.

[indigoiis]

Bike lights - do I need standard bike lights for night riding?

[mimitabby]

don't know about standard, but you certainly need bike lights for riding at night.
when i get back to commuting (second week in September) i will need them, so Cavalletta is at the shop getting outfitted with some powerful lights.

I have ridden in the dark before and without good lights you can hurt yourself.
Unlike a car (with headlights) if you go over a pot hole in the road or any small obstacle, it's no big deal, but on a bike, you can go down or wreck your tire.

so you do need good lights for riding.

[GeoCam]

Mimi - what kind of lights are "good" and what kind are not up to the task?

[EmilyM]

Don't breathe thru your mouth

Tell me about it. I repeatedly make that mistake! LOL!