Riding in the dark
 

Ive been invited out one evening next week and wont be drinking alcohol so i'd like to take the bike but ive not ridden in the dark before and i am a bit concerned about it.
Not sure why, probably just because i am a single mum and maybe it seems like an unnecessary risk, so i was wondering what your thoughts are on it, or what advice you can offer.
The main route is down a lengthy stretch of the A1 and i can't decide whether thats safer than the back roads. It may be that i'm worrying unnecessarily and am talking nonsense (happens quite a lot, you know :-)) but i'd appreciate your thoughts.
I have a reflective hi-vis waistcoat which i'd wear, what else can i do to make myself more visible.
Thanks x

Re: Riding in the dark
 

If you're concerned then stay to the A1. Lane postioning is key on dual carriageways and m-ways imho. DOnt act like a scooter and hog the inside lane kerb. Stick to the speed close to the limit you are happy with and observe good lane manners.

Clean your headlight glass before you set off, suprising what crud collects on it and how much it can affect brightness.

Have a jolly tune to hum to yourself cos long miles in the dark can become dull.

above all enjoy it as a new bit of riding skill you are acquiring :)

Re: Riding in the dark
 

Night riding if nothing to worry about, on back roads (unlit) it can be challenging and great fun, but that's not what you're asking here.

couple of tips,
if doing any distance stop fequently, tiredness creeps in easily.
make sure you visor (glasses as well if you wear them) are as clean as possible, as headlights "flare" otherwise
check your lights are clean & clear
positive road position (don't ride in by the curb)
try to vary your speed and revs as the monotone effect can become somewhat hypnotic

Hope that helps

Cheers Mark.

Re: Riding in the dark
 

I like riding at night, theres a kind of solitude to it that you dont get during the day.

As Spidey says, make sure your headlghts are clean, the other thing is make sure your visor on your helmet is nice and clean to.

Just ride at your own speed and dont be sucked into going faster than you want to. Speed can be quite deceptive in the dark.

Re: Riding in the dark
 

I find riding at night to be pleasurable, and another advantage is advanced warning of traffic from the other direction IE by the glow of the lights well before you would normally see them in daytime or indeed at dawn or dusk.

all above advice is also duplicated by me.

clean visor is essential and don't forget to take some means of cleaning it as well , in case you get caught in a shower where wagons ETC can readily cover your visor in crud very quickly.

Enjoy the experience :D

Re: Riding in the dark
 

I know this isn't 'cool' but a reflective strap/jacket will make you very noticeable and might give you more peace of mind.

Re: Riding in the dark
 

Doh, that'll teach me to skim read posts - I see you already have one! Good luck.

Re: Riding in the dark
 

My eyesight is poo. Its even worse in the dark.
After a day out in the Lakes last week, I rode home, on my own, on the A65 which has large sections of it unlit. I have decided to get some brighter bulbs,,preferably a HID kit :-) ( Not really but now i can see the appeal) Curvy lights are indeeeed CARP. :-(
At first when the dark set in I was terrified, as I don't do much riding on unlit rodes. It was the first time I've ever used my hi beams! I rode to my own capabilites, got accustomed in own way, and if I had someone parked up my bum, because they didn't know what was going on in my head, I just found the nearest village with lights and pulled over in a safe place and let them past, then once they were gone carried on my way. At first moths and bugs in the headlights were a bit odd, but you get used to them. Don't try running over ducks stood in the road and don't be scared. Hi viz vest a great idea
I understand the thinking of 'mum first bike later' I was until last year a single mum.
I don't so cartwheels for anyone, only for myself :-)

Re: Riding in the dark
 

from observing bikes at night, sometimes the head or tail lights can get lost if there's a car close behind or in front. The bike light can look like one of the car lights.

If you're approaching a junction and you think someone may not have seen you, weave a little from left to right. It makes the lights move differently and helps you to be distinguished from whoever is following you.

Re: Riding in the dark
 

oncoming lights can be very distracting especially when they don't dip their lights. I had to slow down on several occasions on Wednesday just to see where I was going, as I'd been blinded.