Going over Bainskloof when cycling at night
We went camping this weekend in the Slanghoek valley and as we drove up Slanghoek valley road I remembered and told the rest about the best times on a bicycle during a summers evening on this very stretch. Sometimes you go over Bainskloof pass under a full moon. Before the road was resurfaced. And it was still that light grey tarmac. With the moon above you. In the wee hours of the morning during a long AUDAX ride. And that eerie blue glow outside. Just like in a James Bond movie. And the perfect time to be cycling at night.
Through the Karoo when cycling at night
Other times you want to swop the road like above for the gravel like right here and experience mother nature on thicker wheels. Father times switches the day into night and it cools down and you ride under the stars and into the vast expanse that is the Tankwa Karoo. Like when cycling up to the double MUNGA. Or just going at it in one direction. Either, whatever your goals and ambitions and intentions, do yourself a favour and experience cycling at night. It’s breathtaking. With, or without mates. Cycling at night can be equally rewarding, with or without other riders.
Isn’t it dangerous?
Is the question I get most often. But on the contrary. I think it is safer than during the day. Especially the way we do it. With the audax rides. When we often go cycling right through the night. Where we leave the city lights behind and go the smaller towns and remote areas. Remember you have proper lights in place. Something strong enough up front that oncoming traffic might mistake you for a motorbike. And with that red rear light you are very visible from far away. So, if anything, you get taken more seriously as a road user at night. Because the very little traffic that is out there, sees you more like a peer (up until when they reach you) than ‘merely a cyclist’ like during the day.
Why do I like cycling at night?
Safety. Silence. Solitude.
I like doing things against the grain. When others are sleeping. Having the whole road or world to myself. You should try it sometime. Sooner rather than later. Go cycling at night. Now where can we send your bicycle TONIGHT?
