Well, it’s happened. I always dread this time of year, from the moment the longest day passes, I feel the inexorable grip of the nights closing in. I don’t mind the winter – the new season brings new scenery, different rides and seasonal challenges. After all, I’m no fairweather cyclist, and love riding in the cold, frosty lanes of a hard season. I just mourn the loss of light, when every ride ends in darkness. For a month or so, it’s challenging, like a video game, pouring oneself liquid down dark, rural bylanes with eyes straining to spot the hazards lurking in the dark – not so much vehicles, whose presence is obvious, but potholes, ice and errant wildlife such as pheasants, rabbits, badgers and foxes. Night riding is challenging and draining. Once the novelty wears off, it’s just a trial.
Thankfully, there are moves to end the silliness of the clock change we undertake with depressing monotony every year, and for me it can’t come soon enough. Yes, there’ll be dusk and sunset photos aplenty, and new vistas on a wintry world, but I’d rather keep the daylight, if it’s all the same with you…
Night-riding in the countryside is a challenging artform. Good lighting, bright clothing and a keen eye are all required. Bardy Lane, Longdon, Staffordshire. 5:34pm, Sunday, 31st October 2010.
The darkness does change my photographic habits, however. I love Rugeley Power Station at night. 5:07pm, Sunday, 31st October 2010.