Social Night riding

For the winter we are staying open late night Wednesday night to accomodate night riders. Its fun, social and definitely not racing. This isn't to say you can't go fast in the dark. Take the forest at your own pace with a friend and then come back for a drink or hot food. Bookings are essential for both lights and bikes should you need them. We also have a full range of gloves, buffs, lights everything you need to get your bike going and stopping.

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

So you want to try out riding in the dark and don't know where to start? This is a social ride, with social people in a relaxed, go at your own pace night ride. There is not a race. Plain and simple. This does not mean there are not fast riders out there. If you want to go fast in the dark there is plenty of oppourtunity for that. If you feel more comfortable at a slower pace then do that. There is no pressure or expetation of keeping with the group. There is an expetation that you will ride at your own level that you feel comfortable with. What if I am holding people up? This is a social ride, with social people. There is no such thing at "holding people up" How far? McLeans Forest lends itself to many laps all in the same direction and all leading back to Cycling the dream. The shortest practicial route is about 10km. The coringa extention is another 5.5km. River loop adds 1.5km. The quick guys will do all 3 and keep up. Some will do the coringa and make it a 15km lap and some will cut out at the 10km. It is completely up to you. What if I get lost? This is a social ride, with social people. If you haven't ridden at McLeans Forest Park before then make that known. There is always a socialible person to hang out with and show the way. If, in the unlikely event, you do get lost, keep following the track till you see Cycling the dream cafe. There will be a heater on there to warm up. Will people wait for me? Short answer. yes. Next to the heater. This is a social ride, so if you choose to stop mid track and wait for someone to ride with them that is great. We see no benefit in congregating in the cold waiting for riders when you could be standing around a heater waiting for them back at the shelter. But what if there is a mechanical or an accident? This is a social ride, with social people. If there is an incident then someone will be in the vacinity. What about after we ride? This is a social ride, with social people. So after the ride, we do social things like chatting and drinking hot drinks or hot soup. Toasty cheese rolls are popular. The cafe is open with all kinds of hot goodness after the ride. There is a patio heater to warm up and bean bags to relax in, all under cover. What do I need? - A bike. if you do not have one then you can pre-book a bike. https://cyclingthedream.co.nz/services/bikehire/ -Its winter. Yes it is cold. but there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. - Warm head. Buff is strongly recommended for night riding. Of course we have them availiable at the shop. Keep your ears and neck warm. - Good socks. Marino socks. -Good jacket -Gloves. We stock Bellweather Cold Front gloves which are fantastic for keeping warm. Cold fingers are really painful so be sure to kit out with some warm winter gloves. - change of clothes. You can get quite dirty out on the trail in the winter. Changing into warm dry clothes immediately after the ride is a great idea. - good lights. A headlamp is recommended (1500 Lumens) A bar mounted light will get you round the track. - Good Chat. Did I mention this is a social ride with social people. Keep an eye on the facebook page on Wednesdays to see the update. We will endevour to ride every week. Questions? I am here to help!