A true night ride experience

[Puncture Kid]

So there I was, rocked up at the Bloemendal night ride last night. Apart from 2 or 3 riders finishing their ride, I was the only person there. So what the heck, let's do this, despite the light rain. Get my kit on and set off. Decided to do B-spot for warm-up. After B-spot I thought, ok ,let's make this a true night ride. So I switched off my lights. It was not completely dark as there was some reflection of the city's lights off the clouds. After my eyes adjusted I could see the general trail, but not any detail. Couldn't see the different lines. What struck me was, knowing the trail fairly well, how well I could ride from memory. Each turn on the single track at the top of Majik. I dialed the speed right back on the descent into Majik but again, I was amazed at how well one could ride from memory.

 

Lombard's Terra was a different kettle of fish. Only having done that twice since the overhaul, I don't know that section very well yet. I had to go really slow. Most of the little doubles caught me out as I could not see them. Couple of times I ended upside down, but at least they were very slow offs.

 

Wifey not too happy I rode alone especially without lights, but it was an amazing experience to ride in the dark from memory.

[Sparki 1]

glad u enjoyed it bud, but listen to wifey, i'm with her on this one

[leeubok]

Riding at night, in the rain, on your own, and then switching your lights off? No thanks!

[Puncture Kid]

Riding at night, in the rain, on your own, and then switching your lights off? No thanks!

 

I love adventure and riding in the rain. I used to go riding on my motorbike in the worst storms. Obviously taking it easy. But doing that, like last night, is a somewhat surreal experience. You are one with nature and realise how small you are...

[leeubok]

I love adventure and riding in the rain. I used to go riding on my motorbike in the worst storms. Obviously taking it easy. But doing that, like last night, is a somewhat surreal experience. You are one with nature and realise how small you are...

Your idea of fun differs greatly to mine! I don't mind a bit of drizzle during a ride, but starting a ride in the rain is just kuk. Especially if it's cold, then it's just miserable. I don't need to be cold and wet to be one with nature 

[Eugene Brown]

Braver than me, but agree, it must of been an experience to remember! Don't do it again though, for your wife's sake. They really don't handle that stress well. Mine is still in a state after a crash 2 weeks ago.

[Tumbleweed]

Last night ride I did at the Country Club started before the sun set...I pushed for as long as I could before flicking the lights on. Was awesome...if a tad hairy...!

[Paul Ruinaard]

My eyes, especially at night, are rather shite. So I have 2 x monster 3000 Lumen lights for night rides and generally am not much use anymore. But I do l,ike night riding - especially seen as though the beams often dont actually show the landscape - and as a result you are using instinct, knowledge and generally have to be very fluid on the tails. A whole different experience...

 

One night coming down the spruit at about 8 pm in October many years ago I was the only guy with a working light as everyone had little ones with no batteria. Everyone was holding my wheel. Anyway I got  a little lost around the DHL line area and rode straight through the middle of the Ganja smoking squatters in their camp with everyone on my wheel.

 

Squatters, being stoned, were a little paranoid, and as cyclists so were we. Everyone was running around screaming blue murder. No one had a clue as to what was going on. They thought we were the police, we thought they were trying to mug us.

 

Made for a hell of a quick getaway - me with no-one willing to follow anymore and all of them riding in front of me in my beam.

 

Like i said - not the best night eyes.

[Puncture Kid]

My eyes, especially at night, are rather shite. So I have 2 x monster 3000 Lumen lights for night rides and generally am not much use anymore. But I do l,ike night riding - especially seen as though the beams often dont actually show the landscape - and as a result you are using instinct, knowledge and generally have to be very fluid on the tails. A whole different experience...

 

One night coming down the spruit at about 8 pm in October many years ago I was the only guy with a working light as everyone had little ones with no batteria. Everyone was holding my wheel. Anyway I got  a little lost around the DHL line area and rode straight through the middle of the Ganja smoking squatters in their camp with everyone on my wheel.

 

Squatters, being stoned, were a little paranoid, and as cyclists so were we. Everyone was running around screaming blue murder. No one had a clue as to what was going on. They thought we were the police, we thought they were trying to mug us.

 

Made for a hell of a quick getaway - me with no-one willing to follow anymore and all of them riding in front of me in my beam.

 

Like i said - not the best night eyes.

 

Hilarious!  but holy **** 2x3000lm

[Eddy Gordo]

i dont quite agree riding without lights, but riding in the rain is some of the best riding you will ever experience. I have had plenty of starts in heavy downpours. 

[DJR]

I wouldn't try single track without proper lights. As it is, I already have too many aches and pains from previously broken bones whenever the weather turns nasty. 

 

But on a full moon night, "stoksiel alleen" (sorry David Kramer) in the Karoo, with not a single man made light in sight, and endless dirt roads, that is magic.

 

So is the blazing fire and a glass of red wine to heat up those achy bones when I get home.

[Paul Ruinaard]

I wouldn't try single track without proper lights. As it is, I already have too many aches and pains from previously broken bones whenever the weather turns nasty. 

 

But on a full moon night, "stoksiel alleen" (sorry David Kramer) in the Karoo, with not a single man made light in sight, and endless dirt roads, that is magic.

 

So is the blazing fire and a glass of red wine to heat up those achy bones when I get home.

That sir, is a bucket list experience...

 

Count yourself very lucky

[DJR]

That sir, is a bucket list experience...

 

Count yourself very lucky

.....and two days later that pesky "Houdini" lion escaped from the Karoo National Park......but luckily he stayed clear of our place on his wanderings.......or it might have turned out a real bucket kicking ride!

[Tumbleweed]

.....and two days later that pesky "Houdini" lion escaped from the Karoo National Park......but luckily he stayed clear of our place on his wanderings.......or it might have turned out a real bucket kicking ride!

That's when things go from bucket list to "**** it!" list...