MTB night riding: benefits and tips for heading out after dark
The clocks have gone back, Rampage has been and gone for another year and it’s…
- 082 738 8011
- hello@gbnightride.co.za
- Great Brak River, Garden Route, South Africa
Join Us for a One-of-a-Kind Mountain Biking Adventure Under the Stars!
On Friday night, 27 December, experience the thrill of cycling through the stunning landscapes of Great Brak River like never before. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, this inaugural holiday event is perfect for everyone.
Ride alongside friends or family and discover the nighttime beauty of our region in a fun, relaxed, and non-competitive atmosphere. With mountain bikes, gravel bikes, e-bikes, and tandems all welcome, this is an unforgettable journey for adventure seekers of all skill levels.
This 25 km night ride (out and back) offers the perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. The route takes you along scenic gravel roads, winding through the gentle farmlands and peaceful countryside of the Great Brak River region. Surrounded by natural beauty and illuminated by the night sky, it’s an ideal ride for cyclists looking to experience the magic of nighttime exploration at a comfortable pace.
Night riding has become a staple for mountain bikers seeking variety. It’s also a popular training method for endurance racers, offering an extra challenge through reduced visibility. Today, night riding is both a social and adventurous pursuit, where riders navigate roads by headlight, immersing themselves in a calm, often surreal environment. This unique approach allows cyclists to explore familiar routes from an entirely new perspective. Thanks to modern lighting technology, enhanced safety, and the growing appeal of nighttime adventures, night riding is now an accessible and exciting way to experience mountain biking like never before.
Mountain biking at night offers a unique thrill, transforming familiar routes into an entirely new adventure. Great Brak River’s diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty make it an ideal safe location for night riding, providing an opportunity to experience cycling from a fresh perspective. If you’re a biking enthusiast looking to embrace the challenge of night riding, our event offers a unique thrill while meandering on gravel roads around Great Brak River.
OUR ROUTE: Start in front of the NG Church (Long Street) in Great Brak River, head toward the Police Station, turn right onto Sandhoogte Road, continue straight to the tar road junction, cross over the junction, down the dirt road toward Klein Brak River. At the T-junction, turn right towards Botlierskop, go straight past Botlierskop, take the first left onto Brandwag Road, turn-around point is 12.5 km down this road, and then return along the same route.
The GB Night Ride hosted on 27 December 2024 is the initiative of a group of businesses who want to contribute to the well-being of the town of Great Brak River. Laurinda Smit is driving this event with the support of three local businesses in town -The Bicycle Service Company, Hartenbos Vleismark and Vleispaleis Deli. The GB Night Ride forms part of the new Route 12 that was launched by Mossel Bay Tourism this year.
Visitors who are not familiar with the area can participate in an event that will give them the chance to explore the night on local farm roads while participating in safety.
The event will aim to benefit the following local charity organisations – The Youth Café, The Outreach Program and Child Welfare. All three of these organisations work with the youth in the community, aiming to create better opportunities and keep the children off the street while focusing on education. Through the creativity of the GB Night Ride, we aim to start a “Play & Sport Equipment Library” at the Youth Café where children can come in the afternoon and play with the equipment under the supervision and guidance of the Youth Café Interns. The objective is to instill in the children that there is a safe space to go to where someone will attend to them.
This project is a long-term initiative and GB Night Ride cyclists can, through their annual participation, contribute to the safety and development of the children in our community. Hope to see you there!
Experience the best value available. Enter online pre-race and pre-race day at only R160 per person for all ages. Entry fees on race day at the event from 17:00 will be R200. .
DETAILS
Our team has been a leader in developing and introducing new and unique adventure and holiday events to the Midbrak Region near Mossel Bay on the Garden Route.
This is your once-a-year chance to ride along scenic gravel roads, winding through the gentle farmlands and peaceful countryside of Great Brak River, illuminated by the night sky.
Our team hosts a variety of exciting and inspiring events, from outdoor adventures and cultural festivals to family-friendly entertainment
Please follow our safety guidelines and tips to ensure a great time on the trail while minimizing the risk of injury.
Experience the best value available. Enter online pre-race and pre-race day at only R160 per person for all ages. Entry fees on race day at the event from 17:00 will be R200.
DETAILS
Ah, the night—a time when most are tucked in with a good book or a cozy pet. But for us mountain bikers, this is when the real adventure begins. As the sun sets and the world quiets, a unique magic unfolds on the trails. It’s just you, your bike, and a blanket of stars above.
Yet, with every adventure comes responsibility. We’ve gathered tips from our seasoned friends to help you make the most of your night ride safely.
Ten Tips for nigth cycling:
1. Light up your ride: Front and rear lights are a must—use high-lumen LED lights.
2. Wear reflective gear: Visibility is key, so add reflective tape and clothing.
3. Pre-ride checks: Inspect your bike thoroughly before you head out.
4. Know your route: Stick to familiar trails to avoid unexpected obstacles.
5. Buddy system: If possible, never ride alone. Safety in numbers.
6. Emergency gear: Carry a first aid kit, multi-tool, and a charged phone.
7. Dress appropriately: Wear layers suitable for night temps and weather changes
8. Ride slower: Visibility is reduced at night; ride at a manageable pace.
9. Keep your eyes peeled: Scan for wildlife and any trail hazards.
10. Stay hydrated: Bring enough water.
"If you ride with friends, make it a celebration. It will give you something to email/text/call each other about leading up to the fun of the ride."
"First and foremost, you’ll need to have some light to illuminate your adventures. Unfortunately, a camping headlamp won’t suffice."
/ RODNEY DU PREEZ
Today, night riding is a blend of social connection and adventure, as riders navigate routes by headlight, immersing themselves in a calm and often surreal atmosphere. This unique experience lets cyclists explore familiar roads from a fresh perspective. Stay tuned for fascinating articles and the latest news on night riding from around the globe.
The clocks have gone back, Rampage has been and gone for another year and it’s…
On Friday night, 27 December 2024, experience the excitement of cycling through the breathtaking landscapes of Great Brak River like never before. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, this debut holiday event offers something for everyone.
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