With the winter solstice behind us and the clocks going forward in March, lighter nights and (hopefully!) warmer weather are on their way. That also means those precious after-work hours can be devoted to something other than huddling next to a radiator watching TV! With longer days and brighter nights ahead of us, it’ll soon be possible to enjoy some time in the garden or explore scenic routes on your bike.
In simple terms, this guide helps you get the most out of a bike ride on those brighter evenings.
Plan your ride with purpose
To get the most out of your evening bike ride, it can be a good idea to consider what you want to gain out of it.
Common bike ride goals:
- Relaxation – a way to unwind after a day at work, spending time outdoors or with friends.
- Fitness – increase your strength and cardio levels with a longer endurance ride.
- Skill focus – often with a focus on short bursts of speed or hill work.
If you set a clear intention and goal before getting on your bike, it can prevent it from feeling like a chore.
Join a community group
Get the most out of your bike rides and consider joining a community group. Cycling with others can help you to:
- Make new friends and socialise.
- Track your progress.
- Stay safer than you might as a solo cyclist.
- Maintain motivation and accountability.
Alternatively, bring your family members or children out with you after school, so that they can make the most of the longer, warmer nights too.
At Halfords, we have an excellent range of kids’ bikes that can even be personalised with accessories or name stickers. With their perfect bike to incentivise them, your little one is bound to love cycling just as much as you!
Use apps to help plan your route
Popular cycling apps like Strava, Komoot or Garmin Connect contain simple route planning features that will help you to make the most of your time – and ensure that you’re safely back at home before it gets completely dark.
You can plan a route that’s based on your normal average speed per hour multiplied by how many hours it is until sunset. We’d always recommend taking 10% off whatever result you get to give you some leeway when you’re having a bad day and to allow for an unexpected tyre puncture.
Invest in a cycling GPS
If you want to go a step further, then you could invest in a cycling GPS or cycle computer like the Garmin Edge Explore 2.
These neat pieces of tech will not only help you to plan and discover new cycle routes, but also come with a host of other features like insights into your performance, popularity routing, group messaging and incident detection.
Pick traffic-free routes
Cycling on the roads, particularly if you’re in an urban area, may mean getting caught up in traffic or being forced closer to the kerb by other road users. So why not try a car-free route? As well as generally being safer, riding on a peaceful cycle path is a great way to unwind after a long day.
You’re also more likely to enjoy more scenic routes or wildlife if you travel on cycle paths and away from loud or busy roads.
Don’t forget your lights
Just because the sun has gone down doesn’t necessarily mean you need to wrap your ride up. As long as you’ve got front and rear bike lights and some hi-vis clothing, you can cycle way past home time. Just let partners, friends or family know that you’re going to be out a little bit longer!
When it comes to bike lights, it’s always good to use a set that allows other road users to see you. We’d suggest setting the front and rear to flash mode to maximise your visibility. The Halfords Front 200 Rear 50 Light Set gives you a pair of lights that offer 5 and 4 different light modes, plus USB-C charging.
Always ride with a bike helmet
A comfortable, well-fitted helmet is essential, but for extra security in the fading light, you could opt for a hi-vis helmet or attach a rear light to it.
The Halfords Commuter Helmet has a built-in high-level rear light for extra visibility and peace of mind, whatever the weather.
Fitting bike rides around your routine
Cycle straight from work
Instead of wasting precious light rushing home to grab the bike out of the garage or shed, why not take it with you and pick a route closer to work? You’ll be able to get straight out and enjoy your ride before hopping in the car as the sun sets. Plus the traffic will probably have cleared by the time you’re done!
If you work within a reasonable distance from home, there’s an even more convenient way of getting out on your bike within those glorious extended evenings…
Swap out your commute
If you want to get a cycle ride in without having to travel home first, swap the car or public transport for a cycling commute.
As well as saving money on petrol or bus and rail fares, you’ll also reap the health benefits that come with cycling. For some great ideas on the best bikes for commuters, check out our Commuter Bike Buyer’s Guide.
Why invest in an e-bike?
If the idea of turning up to work hot and sweaty doesn’t sound like your ideal start to the day, then you should definitely check out e-bikes. These cycles are fitted with a battery and motor that assist pedalling, so you can attack steep hills with ease, leaving you fresh and ready for work.
E-bikes offer a host of benefits, maybe even more than the standard bike:
- An eco-friendly and energy-efficient transportation.
- A great option for a wide range of cyclists, whether you’re a senior or recovering from an injury.
- Lower long-term commuting cost – there’s no need to spend on fuel or car parking!
- They require less maintenance than a car.
- A faster way to commute in traffic-heavy cities.
- You’ll arrive at work as fresh as a daisy with powered pedalling to tackle hills with ease.
- Spending more time outdoors may reduce stress and increase pleasure.
Allow for a full post-ride recovery
In order to enjoy as many evening bike rides as possible, you must prioritise rest and recovery, especially after intense sessions. There are simple steps you can take to ensure the longevity of your after-work cycling.
- Always allow for a gentle 5–10-minute cool down before hopping off your bike.
- Perform some stretches to loosen and relax your muscles.
- Rehydrate and eat well to refuel.
Taking the steps to listen to your body will help to ensure you can enjoy cycling all year round.
Maintaining your bike
If you’re planning on getting out on your bike more often, don’t forget that you’ll need to get it in top shape. If you haven’t checked your bike’s vital components for a while, then head to your local Halfords store for a Free Bike Health Check.
We also offer our range of bike services, so you can get expert repairs that will keep your bike going for much longer. Either book online, or ask a colleague in-store.
We hope this advice helps you to make the most of your bike ride during those longer and lighter evening hours. Happy riding!
