Night riding/driving

**justsomeguy** · 30th April 2006, 21:22

I don't mind either. I'm equally "bad" at either time.

**Storm** · 30th April 2006, 21:49

Either or, I ride cautiously at either time, nutters are out there 24/7

**Shadows** · 30th April 2006, 23:42

I do sometimes like a night fang on the bike but I'll stay away from the the twisties, you can't see enough of the road surface. Especially important at this time of year.
Preference is definately for day time on the bike.

The cage is a different story, I love driving at night. Possums, squashed hedgehogs and other shit on your line aren't so much of a problem, and you can see the reflection of oncoming headlights on corners before you would normally know about an oncoming vehicle during the day. And usually there is less traffic.
The only real downside is that it is harder to read the upcoming road direction on blind bends from telegraph poles and poplar trees on the more unfamiliar country roads at night, you have to start gauging the intensity of bends on how close together they've put the roadside markers, which isn't always reliable.

I find that Mr. Plod parked up is easier to spot at night, whereas Mr. Plod on the road is easier to spot during the day.

**onearmedbandit** · 1st May 2006, 00:21

Love doing Christchurch-Akaroa-Christchurch at night, fucking rocks. No traffic (had the whole Akaroa Hill to myself last time I went), you know when you can amp it up (no car lights) and the feeling of pushing it at night is unreal.

Of course this is all done on closed roads with a recee run to check the surface is clear of any obstacles.......yadda yadda yadda. Yeah right.

**T.W.R** · 1st May 2006, 00:31

Yep far more enjoyable at night

bikes go better in the cooler night air, less traffic.
And on long haul rides theres nothing better than seeing the sun come up (The Kaikora coast is magic on a clear morning) and up on the summit rd at night is great especially if theres electrical storms up in the alps (awesome lightshow)

**APPLE** · 1st May 2006, 07:39

me's a day rider?had a fright one nite,and that did it for me......

**GR81** · 1st May 2006, 07:42

daylight for me anyday!
no rain either... dark and rain are the devil!

**Dont_die_wondering** · 1st May 2006, 10:28

Originally Posted by T.W.R

Yep far more enjoyable at night

bikes go better in the cooler night air, less traffic.
And on long haul rides theres nothing better than seeing the sun come up (The Kaikora coast is magic on a clear morning) and up on the summit rd at night is great especially if theres electrical storms up in the alps (awesome lightshow)

o0o0o0o that sounds nice!

**Lou Girardin** · 1st May 2006, 15:57

I don't like night riding much. But the stretch from Maruia Springs to Hanmer I did wasn't too bad, my headlight was better than I thought It'd be. The worst bit is dipping for oncoming traffic and losing vision

**Skyryder** · 1st May 2006, 18:39

If wasn't for the bugs I'd ride more at night. When the full moon is out and riding along the coast with the sea is, to use a 60's phase, 'where it's at.' The silver sea, and the sound of the Guzzi puuurrrr, beats rock 'n' roll everytime. Now if I could party like that I'd stop rideing.

Skyryder

**Karma** · 1st May 2006, 19:22

I ride home from work at midnight... tinted visor as well (really should get a clear one)

Nice empty roads, apart from Friday... boy racers!!

**Dafe** · 1st May 2006, 19:31

A fine night on the road is somewhat more than Wicked!

Recently rode from Nelson to Blenheim on a Grand night!
Coasted the entire distance at 150kph.
Was just fantastic. Then again, I think it was the roads that made the experience incredible.

Just can't understand how Uncle B stayed with the newbie riders rather than joining me in seeking the Zen moment!

What a freakin buzz. I just wanna go again! evidently........ Will be going again in just over a months time. Not quite expecting the same in weather though.

**mdb** · 1st May 2006, 20:22

Main problem I have at night is bugs on the visor. However I find it easier to focus at night as all you can see (assuming you out of town), is the road.

**_intense_** · 2nd May 2006, 00:17

One of the most pleasurable rides i have EVER had was a 2am start from Timaru, on a full moon warm february night, in rolleston by 3am, filled up, and cruised to Arthurs Pass, where it promplty turned to poos so i bivvied up with the tentfly. But it was warm, empty road, massive visibility, and absolute bliss. given the right conditions its great riding at night.