Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association - Forums

So I did my first ever night ride last night and it was FOOKING AMAZING!!!  ;D I hadn't been on my mt. bike since the clinics and finally snapped. I've been working for 2 weeks straight (clocked in 106 hours last week) and couldn't take it anymore. Strapped the lights on, took off for the trail about 8:30pm and rode for 3 hours. Now I was solo, which isn't safe, but I figured it was worth the risk for a satisfying ride. Ride almost came to an end before it began. I took a head dive off the dry trail before the Henry Street Bridge because my front wheel washed out. Once I calmed down and found my groove I just hammered. Discovered that the limited light and view of the trail forced me to focus more on my technique and finesse. Made me think of that line from “The Last Samurai” when the kid tells Tom Cruise’s character “Too many mind”.  Whole new dimension of riding that still has me grinning from ear to ear right now!!!!!!!!

I picked up a set of the Princeton Tec Switchback 3 (on ebay for a decent price) and was only using it for road rides at night. Not anymore!!!! I was worried that it wasn’t going to be enough illumination for the trail. Again, wrong!!!!

I passed 3 other riders heading in the opposite direction last night so I assume it’s legal to ride after sundown?

Thanks for listening to my Rave!!!!!!!

MT.  you are now a local.  welcome.

seriously.  sorry ive not been unabvle to do the 6am's with you in the past few weeks.  been super busy.  night riding is like a revers racoon.  you shine your lights out and the leaves reflect the rays back and you zero in on the trail.  makes it more challenging for sure.

awesome to hear how exciting it was for you.  next stop...24 hr racing so you can ride at 6am and in the middle of the night in the same day.

jh

Technically the park closes 30 minutes after sun down... NOT for us night riders!

It is HIGHLY recommended to ride in packs of 3 or more. We will most likely have an organized night ride at least once a week this winter. Try it out while it's snowing! Don't forget the goggles... pretty incredible experience I must say.

Check the post archives as there's plenty on light talk and night ride chatter...

My FPC wiss. trail users guide states "No person may ride a bicycle or horse in the park between 10pm and 6am".

My guide is from 1999, so I'm not sure if this has changed since.

10pm or whenever they shoot at you!

I'm itching to do a night ride there..never done it yet!

So my summer 5:30am rides (along with the dozens of dog walkers) is illegal? Ha!

Uh, I learned this the hard way tonight!!! It may not be a good idea wearing lycra when stopping by VGI at night. Not unless you're lookng to be "cruised"  :o

Be aware of the tall, big, single white male sitting by himself, who likes to start up a chatty conversation. Be even more aware when he's "eye balling" you in a very uncomfortable sketchy way!!!!

Last thing I was expecting on an otherwise outstanding night ride...................

sorry about that Mark; but you're pretty cute in lycra  ;D

See, Jess - I TOLD you that disguise wouldn't work!