Favorite night ride trails?

[robc]

Just did my first night ride last night at Leb and it was awesome. Just wondering what trails people like best in the TC for after dark rides. Thanks for the input!

-Rob

[funky-funky-chicken]

So Rob... I think that I met you last night. I was with a couple of guys from our regular night rides. I think Lebanon is a blast after dark. Certainly my favorite.

[SickBoy]

I rode Cedar the other night with my weak camping headlamp. It was scary/fun.

[gopherhockey]

So Rob... I think that I met you last night. I was with a couple of guys from our regular night rides. I think Lebanon is a blast after dark. Certainly my favorite.
No no.. not Lebanon... its a horrible night riding trail! ;)

[Rocky Mountain]

The Hillside Trail in Elk River is really good due to all the wildlife jumping out onto the trail along with the many owls heard along the trail.

[goatgirl]

I rode Cedar the other night with my weak camping headlamp. It was scary/fun.I would imagine riding the Cedar trail at night would be scary for many reasons, the "wild life" being the most scary and not very fun!

my vote for night ride would be the river bottoms in the winter!

[SickBoy]

I would imagine riding the Cedar trail at night would be scary for many reasons, the "wild life" being the most scary and not very fun!

my vote for night ride would be the river bottoms in the winter!
Yeah I rode another (to remain unnamed) trail in the immediate area on the same ride and believe me... the thought entered my mind. I started to get a little paranoid and freaked out by the squirrels running around making noise.

[Ish]

my vote for night ride would be the river bottoms in the winter!
Lisa hit the nail on the head. River Bottoms in the fall to early winter can't be beat.

Lebanon from now through fall is top shelf as well!

Although, Battle Creek at night is a good ride as well.......
And then there is Harmon, Elk River............. basically any trail you like during the day is going to be incredible on a night ride!

[Tetreves]

I like falling down sketchy downhill singletrack in the dark at Afton! :banana:

No seriously... I like river bottoms in the dark. Those bridges seem less scary when you can't see them!

Havn't been able to get down to Leb for a night ride (...for 2 years...)

[ryno lite]

The River bottoms are great for wildlife in fall and early winter. I think Harmon will make a great night riding place, especially with the open prairie on moon lit nights! Of course I agree with John that Lebanon is the worst night riding trail in the whole upper midwest! Avoid night riding at Leb at all cost!

[nigel]

I have to go River Bottoms! I think its more fun to do a longger out and back trail than a loop at night, plus it seems easier to get a larger group to get out there than anywhere else which makes it more fun as well. But the Leb night rides are great too!

D

[ryno lite]

I repeat, Leb sucks at night! Don't believe people who say that Leb is an awesome night ride! They are insane!

[jjrsds]

River Bottoms at night with a full moon is about as good as it gets. I rode it last saturday with about 5 others. Just a blast out there. I agree with the others Lebanon blows after dark not a drop of fun after dark. If anyone was on the fence about HID light (I don't see the point other than the 4 hour run time which is awesome) Beyond bikes has them at super prices right now and if you order before Monday it includes free shipping.


http://www.beyondbikes.com/bb/Itemdesc.asp?IC=AC%2DLIG%2Dstrmhid&Tp=&link=9/5/2004_ProductList


http://www.beyondbikes.com/bb/Itemdesc.asp?IC=AC%2DLIG%2Dblowhid&Tp=&link=9/5/2004_ProductList

check them out

[Ish]

I repeat, Leb sucks at night! Don't believe people who say that Leb is an awesome night ride! They are insane!
Yes........my mistake....not topshelf....... I meant bottom shelf. yea, thats it. ;)

[ryno lite]

Yes........my mistake....not topshelf....... I meant bottom shelf. yea, thats it. ;)
I figured it was a typo or something. Glad you corrected it!

[robc]

Yeah Ken, I was the guy in the tennis court lot. Nice to meet you guys. What an awesome ride it was. I wish I could have stayed for a loop with you guys. Maybe next time.

So who around here has commercial light systems and who has homebuilt versions? If anyone has built battery packs I'd be interested in hearing about it. I am going to try making a couple water bottle packs and get that 6lb Lead Acid house brick off my back.

Thanks for the replies folks.

RobC

[Thewavebb]

I ride Holzinger at night more then i do during the day. It's an great trail when it's light out and however, it's incredible trail at night. Kinda creeps me out seeing all the eyes in the darkness of the woods though.
-Ben-

[stoneage]

You want some fun? Do the Farm at night!!!
You've got to be kidding about Leb!!! It's a lot more fun at night. When the new Leb first opened, I used to do Topsy Turvy Tuesday (my bad). I would like to see an authorized backward ride there.

On lights. It is so simple to make lights. Just go to any battery wholesaler (NOT Batteries+) Buy the best they carry. It will cost you less than 1/2 the price of a battery from NightRider, etal, AND be twice as strong. The companies cheap out the innards, knowing you probably won't look. They can even have them stacked for you. A simple solder gun, some flux and silver solder is all you need. Decide if you want 6 or 12 volt (just buy a different bulb) Stick the batteries (soldered in series) into an old water bottle. Use some A/B foam or pulverized furniture foam to pack them tight, and add the connector of your choice from Radio Shack. I made two lights 6 years ago, and they are still going strong. I can get over 7 hours out of the headlamp (10W).

[Ish]

I would like to see an authorized backward ride there.

Me Too :D :D

[redheat86]

How are you charging the batterys?


You want some fun? Do the Farm at night!!!
You've got to be kidding about Leb!!! It's a lot more fun at night. When the new Leb first opened, I used to do Topsy Turvy Tuesday (my bad). I would like to see an authorized backward ride there.

On lights. It is so simple to make lights. Just go to any battery wholesaler (NOT Batteries+) Buy the best they carry. It will cost you less than 1/2 the price of a battery from NightRider, etal, AND be twice as strong. The companies cheap out the innards, knowing you probably won't look. They can even have them stacked for you. A simple solder gun, some flux and silver solder is all you need. Decide if you want 6 or 12 volt (just buy a different bulb) Stick the batteries (soldered in series) into an old water bottle. Use some A/B foam or pulverized furniture foam to pack them tight, and add the connector of your choice from Radio Shack. I made two lights 6 years ago, and they are still going strong. I can get over 7 hours out of the headlamp (10W).

[stoneage]

Use the one that came with your original set, or the battery supplier has a selection. I don't know why, but you need a different type of charger for li-ion or ni-cad. They are cheap.