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Run out of gas, stamina, or luck? Here you are after dark, out in the open. Now what?
We’ll assume using your cell phone to call for help is not in the cards. So the first thing you need to consider is your immediate safety—get your bike out of the road or trail, and yourself as well.
CHOOSE YOUR SPOT You’ll stay warmer if you avoid the top of a hill or the bottom of a valley. Also, south-facing hillsides (in the northern hemisphere) hold heat longer after dark. If rain is coming, find shelter quickly—a rocky overhang or bridge overpass is a great choice.
STAY PUT Unless you’re on a familiar paved road, hiking out after dark is usually a poor choice. Light and fire can bring help to you. If you’ve dressed smart, you’ll probably be warm enough. Keep your helmet and gloves on. Riding with a passenger? Maybe it’s time to share body heat.
BE VISIBLE If you plan to stay awake or want to attract attention, a fire may be appropriate. Your bike’s headlight is another way to get spotted, but your battery will run down fast. Using a taillight or turnsignal bulb will give you a lot more time.
TAKE SHELTER The bike itself may offer a windbreak, but some form of natural shelter is probably better. You’ll want to be insulated from the ground; removing your bike’s seat and sitting on it is a good solution.
Clik here to view.
Run out of gas, stamina, or luck? Here you are after dark, out in the open. Now what?
We’ll assume using your cell phone to call for help is not in the cards. So the first thing you need to consider is your immediate safety—get your bike out of the road or trail, and yourself as well.
CHOOSE YOUR SPOT You’ll stay warmer if you avoid the top of a hill or the bottom of a valley. Also, south-facing hillsides (in the northern hemisphere) hold heat longer after dark. If rain is coming, find shelter quickly—a rocky overhang or bridge overpass is a great choice.
STAY PUT Unless you’re on a familiar paved road, hiking out after dark is usually a poor choice. Light and fire can bring help to you. If you’ve dressed smart, you’ll probably be warm enough. Keep your helmet and gloves on. Riding with a passenger? Maybe it’s time to share body heat.
BE VISIBLE If you plan to stay awake or want to attract attention, a fire may be appropriate. Your bike’s headlight is another way to get spotted, but your battery will run down fast. Using a taillight or turnsignal bulb will give you a lot more time.
TAKE SHELTER The bike itself may offer a windbreak, but some form of natural shelter is probably better. You’ll want to be insulated from the ground; removing your bike’s seat and sitting on it is a good solution.
