night riding

Did a super late night ride a few years ago at Allamuchy before I knew the park pretty well. It was a clear night with hard packed snow on the ground so it was fairly easy riding and fun. Except when I got the part where there was just blood dragged down the trail. And it kept going...and going. Lots of blood. No guts though. Of course I assumed it was some axe murderer but probably a deer was gutted earlier and dragged out. Either way it didn't cut my ride short but made me think a bit as to who could be out in the woods.
 
tonights ride with the moon pretty bright was cool. I noticed that on many trails someone put up button size reflectors on trees. helps following the trail. you would never notice these unless riding at night with a light. 7.4 miles and my stress from work is all gone.
 
I've ridden at a few different places at night, and I agree with the creep factor, to a certain extent. If you're getting creeped out, you're probably too familiar with the place--I've noticed that when I was trying to figure out where I was, I was less likely to feel that way.

The road creeps more on me, especially the more rural parts. I don't live too far from Laird's/Eastmont, and that place gives me the heebie jeebies. The soft gurgling sounds from the drainage ponds are a nice touch on a foggy night. Hockhockson road, too. The deer are more active this time of year (or maybe it's night?) And are 1000% more creepy when they stop and stare at you when you're not in a 2 ton deer compactor.
 
Not too many deer at my secret night riding spot because the bear scare them away. Plus why stay in the woods when there is tons of nice landscaping to eat?
 
had a sweet ride last night with Reggie and Jdgang, as we were getting it together another group of 4 were heading out. Gonna keep this trend moving weekly.
 
where I ride is closed after dusk but I've never had a problem riding there. I don't park my car there and just ride in.
 
has anyone tried Chimney Rock at night? thinking of parking in a strip mall on Washington Valley (Dunkin Donuts). also for night riding are you using bar mount lights, helmet mounts or both?
 
It is against CR park rules. But I imagine it would be fun if you don't follow rules. 🙂

Helmet lights first so the light goes where you look. Bar light as a secondary but it's not really necessary if you have a decent helmet light.
 
I hate to be that guy, but I am that guy. With all the advocacy wars that have been faught in the parks over the last twenty years.......why would anyone want to advertise night riding on here so blatantly?

At no point am I supporting night riding, but I really don't think anything else needs to be said. This is not a national forum, it is local.......and a great source of ammo for someone who is not a friend of the bike.
 
A tip of the hat to Johnny for putting his head on the chopping block like that. 🙂

There is a reason many of us refer to this activity as "Fight Club" as we don't want to make it too well known. Some of us have been involved in this activity for many years ( not saying I am 😱 ) and would rather not alert the authorities. You wouldn't do donuts in from of a Police Station would ya? 😉 So get your ride in, be stealthy about it, and don't wave it in the mans face.

carry on
 
point taken, I was ask'n for a friend....
should I assume all state and county parks are closed after dark? not meant to be a dumb question, I really don't know
 
qclabrat said:
point taken, should I assume all state and county parks are closed after dark? not meant to be a dumb question, I really don't know...
Click to expand...

Not a dumb question at all. Most Parks have their hours posted at Kiosks or on their websites, but most are just open from dawn to dusk.
 
Wawyanda is open until 8:00 I think 8:00 is a good standard. In the summer it gives ample sunlight for the tourist who knows the park is closed at 8:00 to get to leave. In the other seasons when tourism is low and the locals are the majority most have the same schedule as the summer. I get to the park at 6:00 everyday and when it is dark I cannot use it. The park Wawayanda I can though, using it two hours and leaving legally. My plan is fairly advocating time standard and no longer using day light standard. I seemingly find it not fair that my taxes pay the forest department for the time I cannot use the park, and when I can those dollars have shut me out.
 
Guess I'm lucky our township park stays open until 10, because of soccer and football. We've rode CCC up to 11pm and never had an issue the cops just drive by and wave when we're in the lot late.
 
Reading through this thread reinforces my appreciation for my area. I've ridden Wiss as late as midnight on occasion and have even run into cops in the parking area and all they usually do is just say hello. I think there are a few areas with curfews, but to my understanding those are more about leaving your car in a lot that will be locked (like at Blue Marsh.) If you park somewhere outside the park and ride in, no one gives you any trouble. I guess one of the benefits with riding primarily in a city park is that the law is far more concerned with other types of activities that may be going on than with a few folks riding bikes.
 
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