It's cold out! What should I wear?

The best dressing technique is to layer. For the warmer rides, just one layer, for the cooler rides, start adding layers. Do not opt for a thick heavy jacket. Chances are you will overheat. Starting in the parking lot, it will often feel rather cold and you will want your parka, but as soon as you start moving, the blood starts moving and the body starts to warm up and that heavy parka becomes too hot. Dressing in layers allows you to slowly shed layers to better and more accurately adjust to your body heat output and the outside temperatures. If you dress too warm, you will sweat and get your layers wet on the climb. When we stop and regroup at the top of the hill, that wet jersey will become rather cold, and even colder on the descent. If you don't dress warm enough, you will just plain be miserable and even risk hypothermia.

This club is not sponsored by any of the following products, but we do use them and recommend them for the sake of their quality and usability (not because we are getting paid to say they are good. However, we would like to be sponsored by them!)

First, a base layer: Lately, I have been trying out the Under Armour  line. For the cold weather I use COLDGEAR long sleeve mock. It's a great base layer for when its about 60 or colder out. Any warmer and its too hot. For the warmer climate, I am trying the HEATGEAR crew. Not totally sold on its merit under a jersey. I will keep you posted when it warms up again.

Second, main layer: This is where style and creativity come into play. I am a fan of the Fox Racing. I have used a few different brands over the years and some are better than others. Some don't breath well and feel like you are wearing a plastic bag. Fox seems to use a pretty good material that breaths well and have more of a baggy/relaxed fit. I was also surprised with Hoss. Good fit, and breaths well.

Last but not least, the outer layer: I do not have a whole lot of experience with jackets. I have used Peal Izumi and Performance. Given how long the cold season is here in Southern California, and how much the higher end jackets cost.. I can not comment on this gear in a positive light. The shells and just that. They are not warm, and pretty much hold in everything but the heat. I would recommend looking closely at the jackets and try to convince yourself to spend the extra bucks for the nicer jacket.

Arm/leg warmers: Arm warmers are great if you do not have a long sleeve base layer. They are also nice because you can slide them up and down the arms to more accurately regulate your body's temperature. If you can get leg warmers to stay in place for the duration of a ride, email me! I have never had good luck with leg warmers cooperating.

Its dark out, is there anything special I should bring?

Keep in mind that most of the night riding takes place during the winter because of the shorter days. Given this fact, it will most likely be cold at the start, and colder at the end of the ride. Make sure and layer accordingly, or at least pack extra layers for the end of the ride.

Lights are a must. Two are required and the third is highly recommended.

The Head Light: There is an on-going debate between helmet lights and handlebar lights. There are pros and cons to both and some riders will ride with both. The helmet light is good for the climb when you are looking around for the right line to climb or to look into the bushes for any un-invited visitors on the trail. The headlight is also helpful for trail-side repairs.The handlebar light Is not as useful for the trail-side repairs but is far superior in trail detail illumination. With the headlight below your line of vision the light will cast shadows from bumps and holds in the trail. If the light is above your eyes, everything looks flat! I have ridden with both and I will never ride with only a helmet light if I can help it! Everything looks as flat as the sidewalk so every bump and dip is a total surprise. Some folks swear by the helmet light. I cant stop swearing at the helmet lights!

One thing that both styles agree on is brightness. The $20 LED headlight from the sporting good store is fine for trailside work, but for riding at any speed beyond a walking pace, you will outride your light. This Brings another debate that You the reader will have to settle on your own. If you are reading this, chances are, you have not gone on a night ride, meaning you do not own a bike light. Sure, I highly recommend the $600+ HID Lith-ion but do you really want to spend that kind of cash for a light to try something that you very well could hate and never want to do again? What about that $150 light? The lower end light will be sufficient and could contribute to a less than enjoyable night ride experience. If you buy the lower end light, and totally fall in love with night riding, but you just spent 25% of your HID light budget. See the dilemma? I have a hard time replacing something that "still works" sure, the lower end light works, but not as well as the HID. The mid range Halogen lights are still common and have fallen into the sub-$300 range. New high-power LED lights are coming to market but my budget will not allow me to try these out since I already have a light that works.

The Tail Light: Often referred to as a "blinky light". These range from $5 to $70+ The most common is the $5-$15 tail light, ether flashing or solid red. These are very important for two reasons. If any part of the ride takes place on the road, cars will not see you. Cars may even have trouble with cheaper lights, but at least it catches their attention and they have a little more warning. Its also important on the trail.. Or should I say off the trail. If you fall or go off trail for some reason, its DARK out there! If you don't have a beacon your group will be looking for you for a while.

The Backup Light: A small LED light, a mini mag.. Something to throw in the pack just in case the main light fails. This is where the helmet light come in handy, not as a primary light, but as a backup or supplemental light.Eye protection:Always always always wear eye protection!!!  I sport the ultra strong, top of the line $10 clearance special from the sporting goods store. Clear or yellow lenses are the best choice in the sub-$15 market and will last about a season. But they are better than nothing. I have had numerous sticks, rocks, bugs, and rain drops hit the lenses while blazing down the dark trail. Light or dark out, wear eye protection.

Other thoughts: Some find the time to put out the incredible and appreciated effort to bring various warm beverages to the top of the hill. They will bring a small thermos with coffee hot chocolate or tea and share with the other riders at the top of the hill. Nothing feels better in the cold dark hills than a sip of something warm. Face and ear covers are also helpful for the colder rides. I have had the entire group laugh at me in the parking lot when I show up with my earmuffs on, but I have the last laugh when my ears are warm and toasty at the top of the hill. Hoods are also  helpful for keeping warm. They usually take some looking around to find one that fits under the helmet but they keep the ears and neck warm.