The leaves are falling now and the wind chill has risen. It’s that time of year when the sun sets a lot earlier, and it won’t be long before we’re heading home in the dark around 5pm here in California. And we all know what that means! Night riding!

If you aren not accustomed to riding your bike in the dark..you have got to try it! There is something different about those night rides. Always seems a little more adventurous to ride when the moon and stars are out.

Last night a certain somebody forgot the lights and we had no choice but to finish the ride in the dark. But even so, with the few lights that we typically bring with us, the riding has been a little darker than I like. This is what my lights at night seem to do for me, actually I think this is brighter than what I get:

A little tough to ride at the speed you’d like to ride with if you can’t see! Here’s a video of how I would like to be able to see at night:

Huge difference! So with that I’d like to ask for some suggestions and recommendations. The problem is: Who wants to pay an arm and a leg for lights??!?! Not me. But my lights just ain’t cutting it. I am thinking about heading to home depot to see what I can throw together. haha!

And for those of us that get stuck in the dark, a few suggestions that have helped me these last few rides:

1. I sandwich myself between riders who have excellent lights. I am lit up from all angles!!
2. Beg…ask friends to bring their extra lights to borrow ..becuase sharing is caring.
3. Roll through it all. I have found myself in sticky situations out there in the dark and this one never fails me. I have had no clue what I am riding over or through until I am there but low and behold the bike keeps going. Ha!
4. A little prayer never hurts! God please don’t let me crash!

And lastly we have used the flash from our camera to get us through some dark spots. Hehehehe. Of course we must try to be safe in all situations, but sometimes stuff happens and your batteries run out or a light may break. Just got to improvise! Feel free to leave your suggestions.

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Priscilla and I headed out for our weekly ride at the Loop. Man ever since she started riding the Motobecane Fly Pro she’s way faster. She was already fast, but on that machine, being 23lbs…she’s like a rocket on wheels!

This was my view most of the ride, she’s got incredible speed and that’s why she’s in front of me the majority of the time. Well, its not such a bad place to be if you ask me.

Though she’s a fast girl on two wheels, she does have an arch nemesis….this railroad tie that lays on the ground to prevent corrosion on the trail. For as long as I can remember, this little thing has always gotten her. It’s as if this thing reaches out and grabs her rear wheel or pedal every time she crosses it. But no thanks to El Crapo camera, I couldn’t get the picture to come out.

Our ride was cut short due to the lack of lights, my bad. So to make up for the shorter distance, we had to really hustle to make sure we had some light when riding back to the car. Well, as fast as I could go on a 33lb bike…that plan didn’t quite happen. We managed to get back to the car safely, but I had to use my camera’s flash to help see certain parts of the trail…ya I know…ghetto.

It’s been really encouraging seeing Priscilla progress as a rider. Well except for that log thing she tries to cross…But seriously, when she first started riding with me, I was the one that had to wait for her and take it slow. Now, it’s the other way around. I’m having to ask her to slow down. I’ve even said “Go ahead, just wait up for me at the top.” Sure it can be humbling at times, but its really cool to see her carve out some single track.

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Cmon it’s ladies night and the feelings right .. (c’mon sing it with me!! haha)
I love night riding. It’s such an exhilirating feeling. The cool night air, the dark sky, the rush you get while passing quickly through the brush. I love it all. There’s just a different feeling about a night ride.

Wednesday night I was able to head out with a couple of gals from a local womens biking group, the Trail Angels. I love riding with the guys too, but it really is a different vibe when it’s just us ladies. Can’t put my finger on it, but it’s just a lot of fun. We giggle a lot more..and we have more courage when we’re out with each other. We spur each other on, and cheer for each other when we’ve conquered a new feat.

Patricia, Christine and Me.

I definitely encourage you ladies to search for other women who enjoy the sport as much as you do. I have often heard that it’s hard to find other women who ride - tis true. But we are out there, I promise! I was able to find this group of ladies through yahoo groups. Of course we need to be wise about it too. I had heard of this group also through mutual friends so I felt great about meeting up with them. We always have such a good time when we head out.

In fact, if it weren’t for them taking the time to teach me a few things and to give me the courage when I needed it, I may not be able to do half the things I do. We all need riding buddies like that. So check out your local bike shop, ask the guys if their wives will head out with you some time, check your local gym. Just get out there and ride!!!!

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