I am planning to do the Princeton 200K on 4/8, and the 300K on 4/22. I'd like to do a practice ride for the 300K on 4/15, with the goal being practicing my nightriding skills. I'll be doing part or all of the NYC Populaire route (191K), leaving from the GWB around 8PM, and returning hopefully by sunrise. Are there any other insane people out there who would care to join me? I am somewhat flexible with start time for the ride. Anyone that joins me would need to have the appropriate lighting/reflective materials as specified by the RUSA.
You can reply here, or email me at: kaygunn at gmail-dot-com
300K practice ride
Tue, 04/04/2006 - 7:50am
Tue, 04/04/2006 - 9:49am
#1
Well...
I'm always up for some new insanity. I might be interested in this kind of ride if I had dynamo lights. But all I have are two Cateye EL300 LED headlamps, along with a helmet-mounted light. This system works, but not well enough that I would try a night century.
On the 300 km brevet, you'll only be riding in the dark for 1.5 to 2 hours before it gets light. Of course, you may be also be in the dark later, if you don't finish the brevet by 8:00 p.m.
The Populaire goes through some relatively high-traffic suburban roads, like Rte 502. In Princeton, you'll be out in the countryside after a few miles, with very few cars around at that time of morning. You'll also probably be in a group of riders larger than two, and there's safety in numbers.
Also, there are a lot more cars on the road at the time you're thinking of starting, especially on Saturday night. Better to start your ride at 4:00 a.m. than 8:00 p.m.
Tue, 04/04/2006 - 10:37am
#2
4am sounds much better to me
Thanks for the advice. Leaving at 4am was actually my original plan, but the RBA suggested doing a full night century. I suppose leaving at 4am would be good practice for the 300K. Perhaps doing a night century would be a good idea later as preparation for the 400K & 600K when there is more night riding.
The only problem with 4am is that the GWB bike path will be closed. We could start from the Hoboken PATH station instead.
