Night Riding
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 727
From: Michigan
We had a local hit an elk earlier this year. This happened well into the evening. We're off the roads well before sunset. In rural areas someone may have to call in about a missing person before anyone realizes you crashed and went off the road 12 hours ago.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
I do prefer night riding, but do not ride after dark these days unless there is no other choice. I live in urban Michigan, in a subdivision and frequently have deer in my yard. Last year, I lost a good friend and 2 others I knew, to motorcycle/deer encounters. I have been riding now for 50+ years and want to continue for another 20 or so.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 4,889
From: Missouri City,TX
I try to stay off the roads at night, you wouldn't believe the number of wrecks, injuries as well as fatalities due to all the drunks out in the Houston and surrounding areas.
It's a big problem here and getting worse.
It's a big problem here and getting worse.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,243
Likes: 3,267
From: west Michigan
I like night riding if the weather is good and there's some moonlight.
Last night I was out on a rural stretch of freeway doing 75 mph when a deer ran across the road about 30' in front of me. I see lots of deer at night when I'm riding, which is why I try to stay on the big roads. I live in a semi-rural area near a river, so there are always deer going to and from the river, and bedding down near the river.
I did some trucking in Chicagoland; you have my sympathy.
Last night I was out on a rural stretch of freeway doing 75 mph when a deer ran across the road about 30' in front of me. I see lots of deer at night when I'm riding, which is why I try to stay on the big roads. I live in a semi-rural area near a river, so there are always deer going to and from the river, and bedding down near the river.
I did some trucking in Chicagoland; you have my sympathy.
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 337
Likes: 56
From: Joshua Tree, CA
if it's not the deer running in front of you, it's the cops coming up behind you.
hoping to bag a DUI motorcyclist. they figure if you're out at night, you must have just left a bar somewhere.
hoping to bag a DUI motorcyclist. they figure if you're out at night, you must have just left a bar somewhere.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
Many years ago I used to ride at night -- oh man no traffic a 7" headlamp --cool , but I saw what happened to a rider after hitting a deer one night , the worst , the population has gotten so bad for deer where I live that I've hit 3 in the last 18mo 1 at 12 noon in my pickup , we call them "Road Rats " now
I dont care care how good your fancy-*** LED headlights are, a deer can still jump in front of you faster than you can react.
I'm not worried about that because I'm not drinking. Back when I played in a band I used to get nabbed on the way home from the gig all the time. Usually by the same state trooper. Fortunately I don't drink when I'm playing guitar-screws up my timing, and I suck enough, sober.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Aug 6, 2017 at 01:17 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,829
Likes: 8,737
From: Edmonton, Alberta
I'm a shift worker who commutes on my bike, and my shifts start (or end) at 0430 so I do a fair amount of night riding.
A lot less traffic on the roads at that time, but on the rural part of the ride I have to be on the lookout for animals. Hit a deer while driving my truck a couple winters ago and couldn't believe the amount of damage it did.
I made sure to upgrade all my lighting to LED as well.
A lot less traffic on the roads at that time, but on the rural part of the ride I have to be on the lookout for animals. Hit a deer while driving my truck a couple winters ago and couldn't believe the amount of damage it did.
I made sure to upgrade all my lighting to LED as well.