[kimber45]

I'm a new rider, all of 1 week. The weather here (Florida) is still suitable for biking. I can ride during daylight hours on the weekend but my training schedule has me biking during the week. My work schedule is not compatible with daylight biking. I leave early and get home late. I've been thinking about riding around 5-5:30am. DH is not too excited about it. He already worries about me running at that time but he is even more worried about me biking.<br>
I have ordered a trainer and it should arrive this week. But I'd kind of like to ride outside if I can.<br>
What do you all do?

 

[Tithers]

People in GA don't know how to drive. I'm a skeered to ride in the dark.<br><br>
Mikey stays inside at night!

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

Not me. Daylight only.

 

[jroden]

I ride at night when I need to, I use a good light system and a reflective vest, stick to very quiet rural roads and generally will ride onto the shoulder when a car approaches (I often train on a mountain bike at night). Cars often don't see you.<br><br>
If I were a woman riding at night, I'd ride with a handgun and practice using it from time to time at the range.<br><br>
You can get a lot done on the trainer this time of year and take an occasional personal day from work and use holidays to get those longer weekday rides in. The days are getting longer too...

 

[Tithers]

I guess this means that Kimber45 is safe to ride at night.

 

[Cashmason]

Note to self: Do not call Tithers if I am ever on a game show and need to call someone for an answer.

 

[runninirish]

only on my trainer! Actually, I do ride early in the morning when the weather is good, early spring and late fall will have me riding in the dark...but I do those ride on my mt. bike with a good lighting system and a head lamp...

 

[RunningForT3]

Never gonna do it again. Happened once, I was with some crazy roadies, it was dark by the time they got me back to the parking lot and they were riding like mad people on twisting hill-side roads.

 

[MBannon]

I commute in the dark, but I have multiple lights, 90% of my route is lit (suburbs & inner city), and I've had lots and lots of practice during the "light" months. I wouldn't even consider riding at night on my tri bike out in the country. Too dangerous. Not just cars, but you never know what you're going to hit - sticks, pieces of cars (bumpers, etc), dead animals, potholes. Don't do it. Wait for the trainer and Springtime daylight.

 

[3chilipeppers]

I don't ride in the dark, but I just rode my bike for the first time Monday since Sept. I really don't have to ride in the dark because I stay home and get time when my son is in preschool and on the weekends. If you have to ride at night, get a good light and a reflective jacket. They make some REALLY reflective ones that don't look reflective in the light (Performance Bike has some). Then, ride on roads where you can easily be seen, preferably with a wide shoulder. I actually think more traffic is better in some cases.<br><br>
Kelli

 

[Tithers]

Tithers has lots of useless trivia facts inside her brain.<br><br>
Tithers is smarter than she appears.

 

[jkaiser20]

Like Bannon, I commute in the dark often. Most of my route is not lit. I use a little headlight and have a red blinker on my back. Pretty quiet roads.<br>
I also would not go for a random ride on my road bike at night. Don't see much reason to. I have thought a few times about doing some hill repeats in the early am on my road bike on a hill that is 1) pretty much deserted all time, 2) The entire hill is visible from about any point on it (farmland) and 3) I could get to it with minimal exposure to traffic. But so far, I have never has such a schedule problem that I needed to do it.

 

[Kate60]

I haven't and wouldn't because there are too many careless drivers to be found in the daylight without chancing night rides. Also I don't see very well in the dark. But if I am really honest riding in the dark is just plain scary to me. <img alt="roll_eyes.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/roll_eyes.gif">

 

[bikergirl]

No riding in the dark for me....these folks down here in south ga are NUTS!!! Until the time changes, I spin 3 mornings per week at the Y, and ride outside only on weekends.

 

[Boyerdavea]

I would have to agree with everyone else. You are taking a big chance out there in the dark. I have done it and the folks just either don't see you or don't care. The only way I ride in the dark now is if I can get on a closed road or path and I don't have worry about cars.<br><br>
I advise against it.

 

[Woodrunner]

I like riding outside better when I can, even in the dark. I stick to quiet rural roads and use my mountain bike so I can get off on a shoulder if I have to. Sometimes I ride woods trails; then cars are a non issue but getting lost sometimes is! I've invested in a high quality light system.<br><br>
If it's below 20F or pouring rain or snow or I'm alone with my kids I ride my tri bike on the trainer. Good time to focus on circular pedalling, cadence, etc.

 

[VictorN]

I won't ride in the dark for safety reasons.<br><br>
If you do, I think you need to buy a good lighting system, wear plenty of reflective gear, and be very alert. Being seen seems to be more important than seeing, especially from behind where you won't know until it is too late if a driver sees you.<br><br>
Victor

 

[wyrillco]

Nope. Way too chicken for that.

 

[TriAndStopMe]

Since I've been hit biking in the daylight, I figure biking in the dark would only be pressing my luck.

 

[hobey]

Not me. Too nervous. I avoid running in the dark whenever possible too.