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Night riding: local bikers do it after dark
By Justin Raines Staff Writer
Imagine riding a bike down mountainsides on a trail less than a foot wide. Imagine taking turns at high speeds with the threat of falling from cliffs with only a small mistake away. Imagine dodging tree roots, branches and boulders that appear without warning. Now imagine doing it in the dark.
"It's like those speeders in 'Star Wars' where they're going through the forest," Stan White of Clayton said. "That's what it feels like except this is at night."
As cold weather sinks in and days get shorter, some riders head indoors to stay in shape during the winter months. Others, such as local biker, Lester Ramey of Clayton, just flip a switch and light up the night.
"If you want exercise, (training bikes) just aren't the same," Ramey said about the benefits of riding outdoors. "The thrill isn't there, and you won't get the intensity of the ride with trainers or exercise bikes."
Even though the sun is usually gone when they leave work, Ramey and other local riders use high-powered lights and warm, layered clothing to make biking a year-round sport.
"The only time I have to ride in winter is after work," Dennis Sullivan of Lakemont said. "If I'm going to ride, it's going to be after dark. With the lights we have, we can go almost as fast as during the daytime."
Lighting setups begin at about $75. Halogen lamps are generally less expensive, but they are dimmer and don't last as long as the brighter, more efficient high intensity discharge lights, which can cost in excess of $500.
Ramey recommends using two lights for mountain biking. One is mounted on the rider's helmet, and the other fastens to the handlebars. Using dual lights aids depth perception, which can be affected at night.
For road riding, a taillight is also needed in addition to highly reflective clothing.
Riders should always use a helmet, especially at night, and bikers should never ride alone, Ramey said. Some trails have night-riding restrictions, and bikers should be familiar with the rules of the trail.
"Night riding is a great activity, it's a lot of fun," Joe Elam, owner of Habersham Bicycles in Alto, said. "It can be quite relaxing to be out in the woods at night."
"It's like those speeders in 'Star Wars' where they're going through the forest," Stan White of Clayton said. "That's what it feels like except this is at night."
As cold weather sinks in and days get shorter, some riders head indoors to stay in shape during the winter months. Others, such as local biker, Lester Ramey of Clayton, just flip a switch and light up the night.
"If you want exercise, (training bikes) just aren't the same," Ramey said about the benefits of riding outdoors. "The thrill isn't there, and you won't get the intensity of the ride with trainers or exercise bikes."
Even though the sun is usually gone when they leave work, Ramey and other local riders use high-powered lights and warm, layered clothing to make biking a year-round sport.
"The only time I have to ride in winter is after work," Dennis Sullivan of Lakemont said. "If I'm going to ride, it's going to be after dark. With the lights we have, we can go almost as fast as during the daytime."
Lighting setups begin at about $75. Halogen lamps are generally less expensive, but they are dimmer and don't last as long as the brighter, more efficient high intensity discharge lights, which can cost in excess of $500.
Ramey recommends using two lights for mountain biking. One is mounted on the rider's helmet, and the other fastens to the handlebars. Using dual lights aids depth perception, which can be affected at night.
For road riding, a taillight is also needed in addition to highly reflective clothing.
Riders should always use a helmet, especially at night, and bikers should never ride alone, Ramey said. Some trails have night-riding restrictions, and bikers should be familiar with the rules of the trail.
"Night riding is a great activity, it's a lot of fun," Joe Elam, owner of Habersham Bicycles in Alto, said. "It can be quite relaxing to be out in the woods at night."
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