It’s that time of year again where before you know it, it is dark at 4pm. As ever the first time you notice is when your afternoon ride took a little longer than normal, you think you have time to get home but before you know it it’s pitch black and you have no lights. Well this year I wasn’t making the same mistake. Sunday afternoon I looked out to see a cracking sunset begin to emerge. I thought it would be amazing to take in the beautiful dusk sky from a high point and test my lights on the way back, as they hadn’t been used in nearly 8 months.

I got kitted up, fitted my lights, and grabbed my GoPro. What an evening to get some photos and maybe some video footage. I headed to a spot in the Fellywhich I knew would be perfect to catch the sun setting on the horizon. Unfortunately, I really wasn’t aware what time sunset was even though I’d semi-planned testing my lights. When I reached the spot, it was pitch black and no sign of sun light. All was not lost though as I witnessed the night sky dropping light whilst on the bike, and captured some cool footage, better than being inside.

I had a quick stop about a quarter of the way into the route to get some photos before the light disappeared totally.

Then it was a nice downhill, under the M1 and around the darkening field to hit the climb up to the viewing point. At the bottom of the hill the sun hand already gone down, and I was faced with just the circle of light coming from my handlebars. It is very calming to be out in the pitch black with just one area of light to follow. Whatever speed you are doing it always seems twice as fast as it actually is.

After conquering the steep climb, it was back to the main road across the M1 bridge. With cars wisping by and the street lights flashing my shadow round and round I headed through Sherwood park and back through Portland park.

My lights test was a success. I use ‘Zhishunjia Lights’ that I purchased for next to nothing. They are twin lights powered by a simple power bar I purchased separately ( Zhishunjia Lights Review ). The video above doesn’t do them justice. They are very bright and cheap to purchase. I feel set up for the winter now and ready for more night rides to come. I’ve just got to work out how to get the best out of my GoPro in the dark. Any tips please leave in the comments.