58 | Cycling World
TIPS FOR CYCLING AND TRAINING IN THE DARK
When the nights draw in , far too many of us retreat indoors and believe that long rides are for weekends only . The team at Formby Cycles share top tips to help you open up a new world of dusk , dawn and night-time riding
Riding long miles at night is a wonderfully liberating experience for riders who are well prepared , and winter sunsets are often incredible and not to be missed . First and foremost , do bear in mind that there are less than eight hours of daylight every day between December and the end of January , so you don ' t want to be stuck inside , losing your fitness for two months .
Prepare , Prepare , Prepare
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Safe cycles lights are essential , especially if you are riding out in the countryside . Make sure your front light has at least 500 lumens . Ideally , go up to 1,200 . LED lights are bright and now more affordable - find a brand that gives you a long reach without dazzling oncoming drivers . Also , have a back-up light too in case your main one fails . Always make sure your lights have been charged up and have plenty of battery life .
Remember that the temperature will plummet once the sun drops , so layer up to keep warm . The countryside also tends to be colder compared to towns , so have warm contingency clothing and don ' t allow yourself to get a chill . Have a hat to cover your ears and gloves to protect your fingers , as well as wearing reflective strips so that you are visible . A lightweight , waterproof jacket is a great addition in case it starts to rain .
Learn to Love the Night
Whether you head out at dawn , make the most of your commute home or add night rides into your training , it ' s time to get outdoors and really experience the sensations of dark riding : the moon in the sky , the silence around you , the whiz of tyres on tarmac and the nods from fellow riders . Forget training in heated gyms - when the weather is dry and ice-free , you ' ll feel wonderful , energised and more in love with cycling than ever .
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Light Up Your Bike
Safe cycles lights are essential , especially if you are riding out in the countryside . Make sure your front light has at least 500 lumens . Ideally , go up to 1,200 . LED lights are bright and now more affordable - find a brand that gives you a long reach without dazzling oncoming drivers . Also , have a back-up light too in case your main one fails . Always make sure your lights have been charged up and have plenty of battery life .
Know Your Route
Make sure you stick to roads that you know well when riding at night . You will find that they look very different and take on exciting new twists . However , alongside the excitement there can be risks from the potholes and wildlife - be prepared for foxes and rabbits running out in front of you . Night riding is not a good time to start taking on fresh routes and adventures . Know a good loop , and take your ride steadily . Go easy on descents , take it steady and really enjoy the experience . You will find that you can approach spring with fantastic energy with your own batteries recharged and ready to go .
STAY SAFE AND HAVE FUN , MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NIGHTS CYCLING !