I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.
-Vincent van Gogh
We all know Mr. van Gogh never wheeled. Or spent a night on the trail. Never even sat in a Jeep at the trailhead, waiting his off-pavement turn as the sun dipped below the horizon. Yet even he knew how special and attractive the night could be for adventuring.
You can soon see for yourself, too, as Quadratec – along with Off-Road Consulting, Anthracite Trail Riders, and Rigid Lighting - is sponsoring a nighttime trail experience March 11 at Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area in Coal Township, PA.
"Light bars, LED, round, cubes, circles, you name it, if it will light up our jeep, we buy it," said Off-Road Consulting's Kyle Buchter. "Aftermarket lighting accessories is a huge industry but when it comes down to it, most of us only use our regular headlights for our daily driving. So why do we feel the need to purchase aftermarket lighting such as 50" light bar? Night Riding!"
"Thanks to the AOAA, they are able to open up their trails to the off road community to give us the opportunity to get out, turn on our lights and explore the trails at night."
While not a guided trail ride, all participants will be sent out on a predetermined green-rated loop that has illuminated signage to indicate direction. Riders will be sent out in groups starting at 6 PM, with subsequent waves leaving every 5-10 minutes. The last group will depart around 8:30 PM. Time allowing, riders may have a chance to complete the loop a second or third time.
Attendees must pre-register for this event and ride order is determined by participants’ sign up date – the earlier the sign up, the earlier the departure. The course should take approximately an hour to complete and is open to 4x4 and UTV/ATV vehicles. Also important to note: No alcohol is permitted at the event - either on or off the trail.
The Night Ride at AOAA runs $20 per vehicle, which covers park fees during the event as well as all passengers. Course waivers are required too, for both AOAA and Off Road Consulting, and are available online. Participants are also welcome to purchase a day pass and spend time at AOAA before the event, however, the Night Ride is a separate function and fee.
So what’s the big deal about a night trail ride besides the, um, darkness?
Here are some things to know:
How about excitement. Adrenaline. A sensory type of wheeling that just doesn’t compare to daytime, and certainly more challenging. Night wheeling requires, shockingly, lights. Halogen head and fog lights will get you through, but LEDs certainly enhance safety and may allow you to better enjoy your surroundings. This is also a great time to put any new spotlights or LED light bar through a workout. However, be kind to the vehicle in front of you and don’t overkill on the lights.
Additionally, take a spin around AOAA (if you can) before the event and get familiar with the area and driving conditions, as well as any obstacles you may encounter. Familiarity breeds confidence. Also keep in mind depth and peripheral vision decrease at night so definitely drive slower than normal and communicate with friends (or anyone) who is out spotting. Taking it slow and focusing on everything in front of you will give you the opportunity to try obstacles more than once if you encounter problems – not to mention it could prevent costly vehicle damage.
In the days leading up to the event, keep an eye out on weather conditions. Early March weather can vary quite a bit so prepare accordingly. Things like extra blankets, water, trash bags, flares, flashlights, matches, warm clothing, cell phone and charger, compass, and first aid kit can prove very useful.
For questions, or to register for the event, click here for Off-Road Consulting's Night Ride page.
For more info on AOAA, check them out here.
