As fall and winter bring shorter days, you may find yourself craving time on the trails even as daylight hours fade. But here’s the good news: mountain biking doesn’t have to end with the sunset! Night riding offers an exciting and unique way to experience the trails, adding new challenges and rewards that even daytime rides can’t match.
So don’t hang your mountain bike for the season quite yet — here are the top reasons why you should grab a set of lights and give night riding a try.
1. Experience Familiar Trails in a Whole New Way
At night, trails that you’ve ridden countless times can feel completely different. The low visibility and shadows add a whole new layer to familiar terrain, making every turn feel new and exciting. Obstacles and features that you’re used to might surprise you, challenging your skills and adding a fresh perspective and making well-known trails feel brand new.
2. Narrow Your Focus and Improve Your Skills
When the sun goes down, so does your field of vision, which naturally narrows your focus to what’s directly in front of you. This intense focus can help you hone essential riding skills like line choice, balance, and body positioning. As you adapt to reduced visibility, your reflexes sharpen, and your ability to anticipate obstacles improves, translating to better riding in all conditions, day or night.
3. Extend Your Riding Season & Keep Up Your Fitness
Rather than waiting for a sunny weekend, night riding allows you to fit in a weekday ride after work, maintaining your fitness and keeping your outdoor riding routine alive. With the right lights and gear, you’re free to ride year-round, making the most of every season no matter how short the days get.
4. Enjoy the Outdoors & Take in the Night Sky
For many riders, one of the most appealing aspects of night riding is the peacefulness that comes with it. Fewer people on the trails at night means you can focus on the ride, look up at the stars, and listen to the sounds of nature. This sense of calm is often harder to find on busy daytime rides, making night riding as much a meditative experience as it is an adrenaline rush.
5. Embrace the Adrenaline Rush
There’s an undeniable thrill to riding through the darkness, where the unknown lies just beyond your headlight’s reach. Each twist and turn can surprise you, and every shadow might conceal a new challenge, adding a heightened sense of adventure and excitement. For riders who thrive on the adrenaline of mountain biking, night riding offers an amplified experience that’s both exhilarating and rewarding.
6. Build Your Confidence
Riding at night challenges you to trust your instincts, anticipate terrain changes, and make split-second decisions without the comfort of full visibility. These skills are easily transferable to daytime riding, where you’ll notice improvements in your riding abilities and your confidence on technical terrain.
Essential Tips and Gear for Night Riding
Night riding opens up a new world of adventure, but it requires the right gear and equipment to keep you safe and confident on the trails. Here are some key tips and gear recommendations to help you make the most of your nighttime mountain biking experience.
1. Choose the Right Lights
- Helmet-Mounted Lights: A helmet-mounted light allows you to illuminate the trail in the direction you’re looking, giving you better control over what you see as you navigate turns, obstacles, and technical terrain. Look for a helmet light with various settings, a long battery life, and at least 1,000 lumens to ensure good visibility.
- Bar-Mounted Lights: Mounting a light on your handlebars provides a steady beam directly on the trail, giving you a clear view of what’s immediately ahead. Opt for a wider beam and higher lumens (1,500+ is ideal) to flood the trail with light.
- Combining Both: We recommend using both a helmet and bar-mounted light for maximum visibility, illuminating both where you want to go and the trail directly ahead.
2. Dress for the Weather
Fall and winter nights are inevitably colder, so dressing in layers is key. A breathable, moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating layer, and a windproof, water-resistant outer layer is ideal to keep you comfortable. We recommend a merino wool base layer as a great option for temperature regulation and to avoid moisture buildup and overheating. Don’t forget a warm pair of gloves or pogies and a thermal head covering for extra warmth. For more winter riding tips, check out our guide to fat biking success.
3. Ride with a Friend
Night riding can be unpredictable, so be sure to stick to trails you know well and always carry your phone in case of emergencies. Riding with a buddy or a group means more lights, increased visibility, and a helping hand should anything go awry. If riding with a friend isn’t possible, let someone know where you’re going and when you plan on being back.
4. Bring Essential Gear
Aside from lights, make sure to bring these essentials to ensure a smooth ride:
- Spare Battery or Power Bank: For backup in case your lights run low.
- Eye Protection: Clear glasses to protect from protruding branches.
- Extra layer and Hand Warmers: Don’t let the cold ruin your ride.
- Multi-Tool, Pump, and Tire Levers: Always be prepared for mechanical mishaps.
For our recommended packing list, check out our essential gear items for every ride.
Visit Flow State Bike Co for All Your Night Riding Essentials
Interested in trying night riding? Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or just starting out, Flow State Bike Co has everything you need to get you rolling into the night — from quality lights to winter gear essentials to snacks and nutrition. Swing by the shop at 599 Arkell Rd for expert tips and advice to make the most of every season, no matter how short the days get.
Remember, preparation and the right equipment make all the difference in creating a fun, safe, and unforgettable after-dark adventure. So, grab your lights, layer up, and get ready to see the trails in a whole new light!