Enjoying that Extra Darkness Quotient!

It's that time of year when many of us catch ourselves saying, "dusk already??" or "not light yet??" at times on the clock that a month ago bode sunny miles for our early, late, or longish rides. All lit up and 300 km to go on the Peak-to-Peak 300k:

Our riders are pretty good about their lighting systems; still, a reminder can't hurt. Have a look at this recent post from Mary Gersema on The Daily Randonneur blog written in her inimitable style: "You’ll Never Get Anywhere With That Little Light".

Warming up for last weekend's DC Randonneurs Flatbread 200k (Bill Beck, DC RBA, photo):

Fortunately for us, there is a panoply of bright, lightweight, not-too-expensive lighting systems out there, both battery and dynamo. Among the most seasoned and successful local randonneurs, some use battery systems (I do, for instance), others use dynamos, so it's really your choice.

Team Deer with Headlights on the Flèche. - Catherine Shenk photo

If you are new to riding 200k's on these shorter days or are just thinking about an upgrade, look at what others are using, ask around, and be open to trying out new lighting. One recent Permanent rider (JK) was actually counting on coming in after dark so he could give his new, deluxe unit a good workout.

Oh, and remember the reflective gear, too!

-jle