Mountain biking after the sun’s gone down brings a thrilling sense of adventure and mystery to mountain biking. The low light transforms the trails, presenting new challenges and opportunities even for those familiar with the trails they’re on.
But riding at night demands a different approach, particularly when it comes to choosing the right lines. Whether you’re a seasoned night rider or considering your first nocturnal excursion, mastering the art of selecting mountain bike lines in the dark is essential for a safe and exhilarating experience.
Before we get into the intricacies of line selection, it’s important to note the unique environment of night riding. Darkness changes our perceptions and can making familiar trails appear foreign and unpredictable. However, with the right mindset and preparation, you can turn the night into your ally.
Effective lighting is essential for navigating mountain bike trails after sunset. We highly recommend you invest in a high-quality bike light with sufficient lumens to brighten the path ahead and opt for a combination of handlebar and helmet-mounted lights for the best visibility and depth perception.
Key considerations for bike lights
• Brightness: Gloworm lights with adjustable brightness settings that will allow you to adapt to different trail conditions.
• Beam pattern: look for a light with a wide beam pattern to illuminate everything in front of you; not just the trail but the things in your peripheral vision too.
• Battery life: ensure your lights have sufficient battery life to last the duration of your ride, with extra batteries or a backup light as a precaution.
• Reliability: our lights are durable and weather-resistant, making them the perfect night-time accessory to withstand the rigors of off-road riding.
Know your terrain
Familiarity with the trail is essential for confident night riding. Prioritise trails you’ve ridden during the day as you’ll have a mental map and muscle memory to guide your way.
Here are a few more tips for familiarising yourself with the terrain:
• Pre-ride recces: scout the trail during daylight hours to identify key features, obstacles, and potential hazards.
• Memory recall: visualise the trail in segments, recalling specific landmarks and reference points to guide you as you descend.
• Trail Markers: pay attention to trail markers, signs, or reflective tape to maintain course direction in low-light conditions.