It’s difficult to enjoy the scenery from your bike when there’s a double-decker bus in the way. More seriously, it’s probably inadvisable to divert any part of your attention away from the road when riding in this country’s notoriously busy daytime traffic.
Not willing to give up on the joy of riding, UK cycling enthusiasts have created a number of organised night-time road trips.
The London Nightrider and London 2 Brighton Moonrider are two of the most popular.
These social and charitable challenges see cyclists tackle 100 km (62 mile) routes at the time of day when other road users are relatively few and far between.
Though each cover long distances, entrants with only an average level of fitness (and a decent level of cycling proficiency) should be capable of completing them.
Mobile bike mechanics, medics, and event doctors provide support en route. Food and drink stops are stationed along the way too.
Here are the essential details of each event.
London Nightrider
• When: June (June 8-9 2013)
• Distance: 100 km
• Estimated time: six to eight hours
• Route: Circuit to and from Crystal Palace that cuts through the centre of London
• Start time: Choices between 22.30 to 01.30
• Entry fee: £99 (£39 if you raise a minimum of £175 for a partner charity)
• USP: Seeing some of London’s most famous landmarks in their night guise – including Tower Bridge, St Paul’s, Canary Wharf, London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Battersea Power Station
London 2 Brighton Moonrider
• When: mid-July (July 12-13 2013)
• Distance: 100 km
• Estimated time: four to ten hours depending on ability
• Route: Hackney Marshes in London to Brighton via the Sussex countryside
• Start time: Various (booked once registered)
• Entry fee: £139 (£49 if you raise £300 for a charity of your choice)
• USP: Pedalling over one of the highest points on the South Downs as the sun begins to rise
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Featured image: ItzaFineDay)
