Cycling in England in Winter? Then Go and Play Around in the Dark

Night riding is becoming hugely popular and it is well worth trying; far more fun than getting on the turbo or going down to the gym!

• Get a good high-powered light, so you can see where you are going. It needn’t cost the earth, and anything with 700 lumens or more should be more than sufficient for even the darkest lanes and paths.

• Carry a backup light in case your main light fails

• Always use a rear light!

• Remember to wear extra layers. It’s cold at night and brighter colours are better.

• Take a friend and tell someone where you are going. Night riding is more dangerous than riding during the day, and it’s more fun with a friend!

• Turn your light off full beam when you are climbing. You don’t need to see as far, and you will save the battery.

• Protect yourself from punctures. Use puncture resistant tyres and tubes. No one likes fixing punctures, especially in the dark!

• Remember to charge your lights the night before!

• Remember not to dazzle other road users with your lights, and be aware of cars with full beam-on.

• Try it off-road. Dust off the old MTB or CX bike and head down the woods. It can be a bit Blair Witch, but that easy trail during the day becomes a technical hoot at night.

• Throttle back. Take it easy riding at night. You see less, so you need to be more careful.

• No matter how cold it gets, remember; when you are in Mallorca it will all pay off!

Happy Night Riding!