I have never experienced anything quite as surreal as taking a bike ride with 1500 other people at midnight. That is what I did at the Heuberger Subaru Starlight Spectacular Saturday night. 1500 riders, over 3000 headlights, over 3000 tail lights, and 22 miles of deserted streets. That is when you find out why you ride. Cyclists of all skill levels getting together to have fun and a little bit of fitness.
It is surreal being able to pedal down normally crowded streets and all you see are cyclists. It is surreal to look in front of you and see hundreds of blinking red lights. Or look behind you and see equal numbers of weaving white lights. It is quiet without all of that traffic and even the conversations you have with the friends you are riding with are in hushed tones as you do not want to disturb the peace. No honking, no yelling, no semis idling just the sweet sound of bicycle tires gliding across the road, and the clickety-clack-clack of a chain that needs oiled. And it is all for a good cause.
Even better is the ride in Colorado Springs goes through Garden of the Gods which is one of the only roads closed to traffic on the route. On a nice night with the moon you can turn off your head lights and enjoy the garden by the moonlight. Living in Colorado Springs the Garden of the Gods in daylight becomes ho-hum but at night in the moonlight it is always a new and beautiful experience.
I was having so much fun that I forgot to take out my camera and snap pictures even though I carried my camera in my jersey pocket the entire time.
If you ever have the opportunity I cannot suggest more participating in a midnight bicycle ride in your town. To sweeten the pot most of the midnight bike rides are benefitting good causes. And the three I have participated in have all offered a good breakfast after. You will be hungry. It does not matter how good of a bike rider you are. I saw 10 year olds and 60 year olds out on the bike. If it takes you 2 hours or 4 hors to complete the ride it is worth it. It is an experience you would otherwise never have experienced. Add it to your bucket list and sign up for a night ride.
Ask your local bike shop or Google for night rides in your area. They do not exist everywhere, but if you can find one I can not recommend it enough. Below are a few night rides I am aware of.
Submit your favorite night ride in the comments.