How about a night ride?

Likely, you’ve all noticed that we are losing daylight.  The first implication is that it’s time to start carrying lights.

As a general rule, from now until about the middle of November, by policy, if starting after 4:00 PM, I’m carrying lights.  Here’s a short story, and the reasoning.

Some years ago, my daughter had grown into her late teens.  She had become a regular training partner.  On one fine early Fall afternoon, we had planned a moderate training ride together.  Our plan was to get started as soon as possible, after she finished school.  That meant about a 4:30 start.  We planned a loop that would take us about two and a half hours.  At the time, sunset was just at 6:30.

Well, I flatted.  Twice!  And that will make for an annoying ride!  It also tends to delay one.  It was getting pretty dusky by the time we got the second flat repaired.  From where we were, I had two choices.  One, ride like demons for home.  At our best possible rate, it would be totally dark about 15 minutes before we got there.  Two, go in the other direction, and ride toward the nearest convenience store.  We were closer to the store.  I chose that one, and called my wife for a ride.  Both our bikes would not fit in her car.  Two trips were required to retrieve us.  This was not a happy occasion.  But it could have been much worse.  My daughter and I made it to the store, just at full dark.

So, what’s the policy?  Rides that start after 4:00 PM, carry lights.  (This applies to the Fall.  In Winter, the time cut is earlier.)  The rule applies to even intended short rides.  The thing is, any number of things can happen, not all of them emergencies, but all of them time consuming.  And at this time of year, it doesn’t take much to put you into darkness.  Riding in the dark, without adequate lights and reflectors is foolish and incredibly dangerous.

Be smart.  Carry a tail light, and at least a “get me home” type headlight in the late afternoon.

Dual Use:  If you need lights anyway, as a good safety precaution, why not go a step farther?  Get some good strong head and tail lights.  Get a bit of reflective gear.  Then you can commute and join some of the upcoming night rides.  This will extend your riding year most wonderfully!