Who trains in the dark?

maloner

I'm not talking about commuting, but going out in the dark for a training spin.

Winter for me has been spinning classes in the gym or more recently turbo at home. The safety aspect of night time training is what deters me.

If you train in the dark what extra precautions do you take?

Qualitymark

Cycula.

Plastik

Yes.

Lights and a luminous gillet, no other precautions needed.

petethedrummer

Lights for seeing.
Lights for being seen.
Quiet roads.
Well lit roads if available.
A sense of reassurance from the fact that cycling is statistically a very safe activity.

daragh_

I stuck some Tacx Lumos handlebar lights on as well as my main lights.

lennymc

lights, hi viz and bobs your uncle. Cycle on country roads in pitch black. I bring a back up light normally. The roads seem different and the sky is pretty amazing when its clear and that dark, with no one else around. I love it.

colm_gti

I don't train in the dark because I'm a student, but for commuting I have one of these and it does a good job of lighting the road on my commute home, a little bit spot light-y, but of I had a second one on the opposite side of my handlebar I'd have no problem training in the dark.

Add a few decent tail lights, a hi-vis and a helmet light and I'd be surprised if you couldn't be spotted from a space station!

piston

Love cycling on country roads in the dark.

Beasty

The only extra point I would make to what Pete said is a lot of assurance comes from knowing the road - if there are potholes for example and where you need to take it easy because of the road surface or sharp bends (although it easier to anticipate oncoming traffic in the dark). So my suggestion is to stick to roads you know if you can (I do use my commutes for training, and the fact I've ridden those roads hundreds of times in some cases make it much easier to push on when needed)

godtabh

I'm on the road at 5:45 most mornings for an hour.

I've lights and hi vis vest. I cycle on well lit roads. I cycle mainly in bus lanes. There is little or no cars at that time of the morning. But you do get the old prick so always need your wits about you

Hmmzis

Sure thing, training in the dark still beats the turbo and I've actually have come to like it. I personaly prefer quiet unlit roads in the hills. A good set of lights and a spare light or at least spare batteries are a must.

Descending in the dark feels so much faster

CheGuedara

My club trains on Thursday night's year round and the Winter adjustment is the drop of distance to about 37km on a fixed route on main roads and the use of high viz gilets or belts and strong front and rear lights.

The rear ones are typically pretty basic but most have upgraded to 4-500 lumen front lights - it casts a strong enough beam that there's no surprise hazards emerging from the dark as the group travels at speed, oncoming motorists are quicker to dip their lights and passing ones overtake a little wider.

daragh_

maloner wrote: »

I'm not talking about commuting, but going out in the dark for a training spin.

Winter for me has been spinning classes in the gym or more recently turbo at home. The safety aspect of night time training is what deters me.

If you train in the dark what extra precautions do you take?

@maloner. Does this mean you are coming up 3Rock tonight?

Tonyandthewhale

I like riding in the dark, everything feels faster when you can't see anything.

maloner

daragh_ wrote: »

@maloner. Does this mean you are coming up 3Rock tonight?

My illumination is deficient, but might get decent lights so I've the option. The evenings are brightening up so might leave the lights till next winter. Will see whats in the shops

kuro_man

If you have good lights, why would it be any more dangerous? I'd say heavy rain, wind & frost is a bigger problem than lack of daylight.

piston

Tonyandthewhale wrote: »

I like riding in the dark, everything feels faster when you can't see anything.

Lights are a legal requirement you know...

maloner

kuro_man wrote: »

If you have good lights, why would it be any more dangerous? I'd say heavy rain, wind & frost is a bigger problem than lack of daylight.

My current lights are sufficient for my short well lit commute, but not for training where I'd be on unlit country roads. I'd agree with you that decent lights (for seeing rather than being seen) and some high-vis, it should be fine.

As you say ice/frost is a bigger issue I'd say.

Ryath

I often head out at night and must say I generally find it safer cars give you more space and are usually more cautious around you. They over take properly and don't drive straight at you on narrow roads giving you inches to spare. This of course only applies if you have decent lights and high viz is not a substitute. Unlike one I met out last night on an unlit road with no front light and two tiny rear blinkys that put out about as much light a christamas tree fairy light.

I use three rechargeable lezynes two front and one rear supplemented with a smart 1/2 watt on the saddle bag and a small cateye on the helmet. One lezyne front and the smart would be more than adequate but I prefer having the back up extra lights. I certainly would not use less than two on the rear you can never be certain if one has failed or is obstructed.

It does help knowing the road you can get away less light and I use my lights on lower settings. On unknown roads or going flat out I can see just fine with the lights on brighter settings.

route66

Qualitymark wrote: »

Cycula.

buffalo

route66 wrote: »

He sleeps by day, and drinks blood bags by night!

Also known as Tyler Hamilton.

buffalo

Also, I train in the dark. Big bright front light for seeing with/being seen by, and a small rear light to be seen by. And wrap up warm, was bloody cold out this morning!

C3PO

I train at least 2 nights a week in the dark. I have a decent front light (Exposure) but I'm much more concerned about being seen by a car approaching from behind so I have a light on the bike and two lights clipped on my back pockets - also a reflective band on my helmet! Probably overkill but "better safe ....etc"!

kuro_man

http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k997/a87584/saferide-accu-led-80-lux-gen2-black.html

Cheaper than a turbo trainer!

brasshead

I started training at night during the winter with a couple of guys from my club who live locally. I must say that at first I was very nervous about it but after a couple of times I got used to it and actually came to enjoy it.

Decent lights and high viz gear are essential, as are extra warm clothing. Once you have these, and cycle on roads you know, it's very safe. Although I do go out on my own from time to time, I find training with others a great help as it's a good motivator and keeps the interest up.

Zyzz

As of this year I only really head out in the dark, I enjoy it and roads are relatively quieter aswel



(1200 lumen each light so plenty, lights up the whole phoenix park when needed)

Mr. Grieves

I have that light I think. I mount on my helmet with battery pack in jersey pocket. I'm curious where you mount the battery pack? Also amazed you felt the need for 2!

For nights I don't want to bring the big light, Killiney (or Howth) is a good option in Dublin for well-lit quiet hills.

maloner

Zyzz wrote: »

As of this year I only really head out in the dark, I enjoy it and roads are relatively quieter aswel



(1200 lumen each light so plenty, lights up the whole phoenix park when needed)

My brother had an arrangement similar to that for country commuting where he had his battery attached to the frame. One night the battery came loose from the frame and swung into the front wheel at 30kph leading to a full on faceplant. He was fine in due course, so make sure those batterys are well secured if they are stored in a similar way.

Zyzz

Mr. Grieves wrote: »

I have that light I think. I mount on my helmet with battery pack in jersey pocket. I'm curious where you mount the battery pack? Also amazed you felt the need for 2!

For nights I don't want to bring the big light, Killiney (or Howth) is a good option in Dublin for well-lit quiet hills.

I actually got one free so decided to throw them both on the handlebars! Ive been planning to stick one on my helmet but haven't got around to doing that!

maloner wrote: »

My brother had an arrangement similar to that for country commuting where he had his battery attached to the frame. One night the battery came loose from the frame and swung into the front wheel at 30kph leading to a full on faceplant. He was fine in due course, so make sure those batterys are well secured if they are stored in a similar way.

There are a few wires but they don't get in the way so I've no complaints! I make sure the velco is double strapped with duct tape before I head out to make sure it stays on and I don't face plant :pac:

t'bear

We do laps around the village twice a week, which means its a well lit up lap, do it 8 or 9 times with a nice little 1km drag on it. Everyone comes with lights so when we are well seen by other road users. We also get some slagging each time we pass by the Centra where the teenagers hang out, they have to come up with some new material soon :-) Really enjoy it, there is additional fear than in daylight.

A few commutes during the winter have brought me home in the pitch dark, but with the right powerful lights you get used to it pretty quickly.

vinniem

Lads I train twice a week on country roads in the dark as this is the only time i can do it. Go out for 3hr spins and its great fun. Good lights essential always have two front (I have Exsposure MaXXD and Lezeyne superdrive) but only turn both on when power dropping off on one. Hi viz polaris over vest, great investment. And most importanly rear lights, one static and one flashing. Using a fibre flare this year amazing rear light. Always feel safe as so well lit up so would highly recommend training at night...only down side is a few supid dogs on my route :mad:

fat bloke

Dark/light has nothing to do with it for me. I can't wait to see the back of these cold spells. Too many people falling on ice and frost, breaking bones and bikes, for my liking. Turbo and Netflix all the way for me so far this year.

ROK ON

I train on dark roads and while I don't like it I accept that I am easier to see with my light set up than I am in an urban area.
I find that drivers give a bit more room.

Despite being well lit up (three rear lights) I have come close to being rear ended twice this pad week while in Dublin city centre.

@Fatbloke - I am a huge fan of the turbo, but I simply cannot see how I could watch a film on netflix and do a proper structured interval workout.

I use sufferfest and can never actually see the screen - I just hear the music.
Anyone watching a film doing the turbo would be better off walking to the cinema!!!

DaveyDave

I quite like the dark when the traffic is quieter at around 8pm but after 11pm is when you seem to have the arse holes pulling out in front of you at roundabouts to the point you can touch them.

I cycle rain or shine. Or snow. Or floods. Only thing that stops me is an injury or a bike problem. I would like to get some better lights though.

SweetCaliber

Knowing the road helps a lot.

I train at night every night, some of the road is lit but there are some really dark bends.

I wear a luminous jacket and have lights on the front and back of my bike, also a back light in my helmet.

Has kept me safe so far!

fat bloke

ROK ON wrote: »

@Fatbloke - I am a huge fan of the turbo, but I simply cannot see how I could watch a film on netflix and do a proper structured interval workout.

I use sufferfest and can never actually see the screen - I just hear the music.
Anyone watching a film doing the turbo would be better off walking to the cinema!!!

So you're saying you can't cycle. ... and look straight ahead. .... at the same time. ....



Stick to the turbo!

shed head

nearly got creamed by a taxi driver doing at least 80 mph on Monday - fairview, on the way back from approx 70km cycle, wouldn't mind it was the best lit up part of the journey, he beeped so he did see me, bloke had an attitude problem!!
Had a few close shaves, monday's was scary though,i was definitely dead if he connected, popped into my head a few times this week. I don't like cycling in the dark, i do it because i have too, unless of course i just cycle on a sat or sunday.
I have good lights, high viz vest courtesy of lidl

Konkers

shed head wrote: »

nearly got creamed by a taxi driver doing at least 80 mph on Monday - fairview, on the way back from approx 70km cycle, wouldn't mind it was the best lit up part of the journey, he beeped so he did see me, bloke had an attitude problem!!
Had a few close shaves, monday's was scary though,i was definitely dead if he connected, popped into my head a few times this week. I don't like cycling in the dark, i do it because i have too, unless of course i just cycle on a sat or sunday.
I have good lights, high viz vest courtesy of lidl

Had an experience like that heading to the slip way off the bridge over the port tunnel. Van didn't even slow down, missed me by inches, the driver eyed me and kept going. Everytime I pass there it gives me the creeps.

SweetCaliber

Konkers wrote: »

Had an experience like that heading to the slip way off the bridge over the port tunnel. Van didn't even slow down, missed me by inches, the driver eyed me and kept going. Everytime I pass there it gives me the creeps.

I hear ya. A few nights ago was on a country road, just got off the part lit up when a car on the opposite side of the road blinded me out of it with full lights, I swerved a bit and nearly went under a car that was up my ass the whole way.

Drivers these days, but it's not just the night, I've had plenty of close shaves in the day time too.

Pablo Rubio

Love training in the dark. Luckily enough I have loads of fairly quiet roads near me that I know like the back of my hand so to speak. Can be quite surreal in the dark sometimes its so quiet. Good lights and bright clothing are essential. Bought a Cat eye nano Shot plus front light and reckon it was money well spent. Had a few close calls with careless drivers overtaking me, also nearly hit a fox in St. margarets and a hare at the back of the airport. Find intensity and speed has to be lowered sometimes to avoid potholes and coming off on bad bends , but overall its enjoyable.