Night Ride manly


donkerr's picture

By donkerr - Posted on 30 April 2012

How difficult is Manly at night with just handlebar mounted spots? Thinking about a quick spin on Wednesday night about 9pm. (Well quick being a figuratively rather than literally). Is a lone lap a bit dumb?

hawkeye's picture

If it's Ay-ups on the bars, no way I'd contemplate it unless I'd ridden a couple of laps earlier the same day in daylight.

daveh's picture

How familiar are you with the Dam? Just remember that there aren't a lot of people, if any, going around the Dam at night and there are plenty of places to catch anyone out, especially someone who hasn't ridden there at night lately or at all. Why don't you post a ride and see if someone will join you?

LadyToast's picture

I've ridden there a few times at night and most of those times come away with crashes. If you know if well you can ride it but some of the drops and steep descents can be tricky without really good lights as already mentioned. Your handlebar lights will be pointing somewhere you aren't actually going.

The downhill section sure feels fast though Eye-wink

barney's picture

Worth keeping in mind the lines have altered a lot over the last few months due to all this rain and it's certainly more technical than it has been for a while. Great in the daylight but I would be cautious at night. Certainly ridable but not advised to go alone or with inadequate lighting.

StanTheMan's picture

I'd never attempt a hotlap with just 1 light or witout knowing how the track is exactly at night.
On the other hand. whats wrong with riding according to conditions at night. So what if it takes you an hr.

My son was doing nightlaps at 11 years of age. sure it took 90 min but he did it. with 1 light. With me behind him.

Yes I'm very familiar with Manly Dam. I've done countless laps on my own. I must admit I have the advantage though If something should happen to me, 1 phone call & my son will know exactly where I am so will a few of my good riding buddies. But sensible advice would be to have someone along if you are totally unfamilliar with Manly Dam.

But reality is, It all depends on your own skills. But the real important thing is that you know exactly what your skills are.
Many people have faltered thinking thier skill is more than what it really is.

I could be perswaded for a social ride?

hawkeye's picture
Many people have faltered thinking their skill is more than what it really is.

... and I'd be one of those. The Dam has a nasty bite if you make this mistake.

I concur with barney's assessment - more tech than it's been for quite some time.

I love the challenge the track provides, it's very satisfying to ride. But I'd want a lot more light than I have at the moment (Ay-Up V4) before I ventured out there at night.

philberesford's picture

Just ride within your limit. If you run out of light ahead of you then slow down to sub light speed. You'll be absolutely fine

EDIT: I have no qualms riding The Dam at night alone, done it countless times.

donkerr's picture

I found some old 661 pads in the garage so it's a go - I'm not going to post a ride but will be at the lab about 8.30 and probably aim for a couple of laps. Welcome to come along Stan - give me a call tomorrow if you are going to be out - my number is 0405 801 578.

StanTheMan's picture

I'll be there.
8:30 it is. I'll be in an patchy old MX5 riding an Anthem. I'll have 2 lights with me. Obviously we'll go at a sensible pace that is compfortable for you. I'm good for a few laps.....might even do the pipeline if you like.

dutch 1's picture

hey there boys, im actually going for a night lap tomorrow but a bit earlier about 7 ish.
If i decide to do a second lap i might see you out there.
I have riden the dam at night dozens of times and providing you take it easy, no problems.
Enjoy your ride boys....
Trent.

SpokeyDokey's picture

Rode it last night. It was damp and slow. Actually, that was the rider

StanTheMan's picture

Turns our donkerr is a very capable & fit rder. He didn't require my guidance. I take my hat off to you Sir.
it statrted sprinkling at the 19th hole it was decided a 2nd lap would be quite wet.

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