I’m just about to start venturing back out after sorting out my lights
I do most of my night riding alone. In the local woods I can generally keep “the fear” at bay. If i go further a field like out to a properly big forest I really do shit myself.
There is just something totally primal about being alone in the dark outside. Humans aren’t nocturnal and your body and mind seem to want to fight against it.
The logical bit of your mind knows the forest is empty because you are the only person within 5 square mile stupid enough to be farting about on a mountain bike in the dark. The rest of your mind thinks there’s an axe mudering wereeolf vampire behind every tree.
It is however an absolute buzz and if you can keep your head on riding your bike, really good fun. There has been a few times where I’ve just thought “**** the second lap I’m going back to the car” though!