Night riding

[dablade]

Are there any night riders out there? Personally, I prefer to ride at night. I wait until 10 PM to ride most nights, when the stores are closed, and less cars on the road.

[jstark47]

Your eyes must have aged better than mine. I'm 55 and I find bright oncoming headlights leave a "haze" of light in my eyes several seconds after the car has passed. The new HID lights are making it even worse. It bothers me driving a car too, but at least a car won't fall over on its side if I lose my visual bearings. I no longer motorcycle unfamiliar roads at night, and don't even like riding familiar ones.

[High_Side]

I used to love it, but then I realized the relationship between my mortality and suicidal deer.....as in the city, drunk drivers. So not so much anymore...

[dablade]

Deer and other animals are definitely a real hazard. I have seen all kinds of stuff wandering around at night. My wife and I frequently go "deer spotting" in a development a few miles away (Tarpon Woods/Ridgemoor). Usually around midnight, we ride the Wing back there and have seen as many as 17 deer in this area. Posted speed is 25, as it is residential (surrounded by woods and golf courses) so no chance of a high speed collision. I have seen (and avoided) an alligator here on Tampa Road (6 lanes with restaurants, businesses, subdivisions) at around 3 AM. It was so big, it took up most of the right lane. Probably came out of one of the lakes at East Lake Woodlands golf course.

[mogster]

I got contact lenses last year specifically for riding as I find my eyesight in the dark & twilight is not what it used to be. I would also wear them if driving at night, but don't always bother for local daytime driving.

[ceemes]

Night riding is the best...just watch out for wildlife...both the two legged and four legged kind.

[totalmotorcycle]

I enjoy riding at night myself, but like many I find car lights can be blinding and my night vision is just not as good as my day vision. I also seem to find it's harder to naviagate at night and end up taking the wrong route more often than in the day. But like the OP, I do enjoy riding at night with lack of cars and the peace and tranquility of it all...

Mike

[dr_bar]

I love night riding, right up until the rain sets in, although my lower windshield will be a boon to those few times I'm out in that crud. I've ridden desert, mountains and prairie at night and have been extremely lucky to have only seen wildlife out of the way or as road kill.