Back on the MTB – Night Rides, Gear Tweaks & Maintenance
It’s been a while since I’ve properly taken the mountain bike out, but over the past couple of weeks I’ve been sneaking back onto the trails. I even joined a local group for a very chilled night ride. It’s getting to that time of year were the dark nights are longer than the days so having something to do during the evenings isn’t a bad thing, and there’s something quite special about riding in the dark – the beam of your lights narrowing the world down to a tunnel of rocks and roots, the shadows of hedges and trees flickering as you pass, and the chatter of other riders carried on the cool evening air. It’s a very different feel to a solo spin in daylight, and a good excuse to get outside in the dark winter. That said, I’m sure the various medications I’m on slow me down after about 2pm, especially when it comes to exercise – or is that just an excuse? Maybe it’s just ‘getting older’, but whatever it is a nice easy night ride is bound to help!
Of course, getting back on the bike also meant getting back into the shed. My bikes had been sitting longer than I’d like, and the trails are rarely kind to neglected bikes. A bit of TLC was in order – cleaning the drivetrain, oiling the chain, tweaking the brakes, checking suspension pressures and tyres, replacing headset bearings. None of it complicated, but enough to give me the peace of mind that things wouldn’t rattle loose halfway down a rocky descent. It’s surprising how a couple of hours with a rag and some tools can transform a bike from “tired” to “trail-ready.” Time to get out on my own for a little ride with autumnal views.
Night riding adds another layer: the lights. My old Lumicycle is still going strong – not as bright or lightweight as modern alternatives – but it will do. It too needed a once-over and a test run before trusting it on unfamiliar trails. I needed a new way to fix it to my helmet too. I’m still not 100% convinced on its reliability after all these years, so I’ve paired it with a new, cheap, bar-mounted light. This will give better depth perception if needed, better spread and provide backup should the battery on my old light not be up to the task.
There have been other little tweaks too. Remembering to pack spares and tools, and even fiddling with a bike rack to make sure transport to and from the trails is stress-free. It’s funny how these peripheral details – the gear, the logistics, the pre-ride fettling – are part of the whole experience. I’ve also had to dig out suitable clothing for cooler evenings. I don’t think however that I’ve quite succeeded in not turning up looking like a grey, middle-aged man with dubious fashion sense. Some things even I can’t achieve!
I won’t be setting any records on the climbs like I used to, and I won’t even be going down some of the descents I used to do, but getting back out making the most of the local trails and meeting some new people has to be a good thing. I am wondering if I should have started a little earlier in the year though when the weather was nicer as it’s only going to get colder and wetter for a while. Oh, and how long will it be before I’m bike shopping?!
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I’m yet to see any cyclist looking fashionable whilst cycling so I’m sure you’ll git in just fine !
I think a month at the absolute longest before you go bike shoping ,infsct I reckon you’ve already looked ! Have fun ,xx