The cooler temps bring out a change in my outlook on life. Fall in Austin brings out the adventure loving boy in me. I stop dreaming of getting out and, well, get out. Life moves on from past disappointments and I knew that the only thing to do to finally rid myself of the CTR dnf was to pack up the bike and ride for a few days.

The plan was very simple. Get to Arkansas as fast as possible on Friday and ride until Sunday night. I was lucky enough to have great friends on the trip who had procured the equipment that needs to be had for something like this.

Sunny, clear days were followed by clear and cold nights. Hammocks were strung, the peppermint schnapps was tasted, and the conversation between friends after a long day’s ride ensued. What do you get from a full days ride with guys? Mainly farting, but at times a true moment of silent reflection that this is exactly why I am who I am. Huddling up against a tree on a foam mat with a cup of hot tea in my hand and a bag full of food steaming in my jacket “cooking,” while listening to friends discuss why they haven’t done this before and how soon we can come back made me realize that all my past experiments with equipment was so worth it.

My body is tired but my soul is so satisfied. I don’t need a car full of stuff to bring to the outdoors to be comfortable. Give me a hammock, a bag, some food, and a bike and I’ll make the most of it. The time is right to get outside. Sleep under the stars. It’s ok to be a little cold, a little uncomfortable, not get your 8 hours. You can go solo and not be lonely.

Leave the things of this world at home and be entertained by nature. Let the sounds of the forest and the shimmer of the stars be your entertainment. Well, that and trapping the bodacious gas that seems to seep out no matter what you do! Why is a fart always so funny when camping with guys? What are we, 10?

Anyway, the season is right. Get out that old map, find some dirt, lonely back roads, or a state park and go ride.

It’s that time of year again - daylight is fleeting and night riding is darn fun. Come check out our new light demo program. We’ve got the Niterider MiNewt, Mini-USB Plus, MiNewt X2, MiNewt X2 Dual, TriNewt and the Flight 2.0, available for you to try out. Swing by or hit us up on the contact page for more details.

You know, at Hammerhead, we believe there’s nothing better than getting dirty in the dark.