"BIKE LIGHTS FOR 24-HOUR RACES"

Tom Robbins, TurboCat Lighting Systems

Published in DIRT RAG Issue #57

With today's sophisticated high power lighting systems, riders can go almost as fast at night as they can in the daytime. But for many endurance racers; particularly those on a mortal's budget; these "high end" systems are neither necessary nor desirable.

Although most 24 hour race rules require only a single beam light, serious night riders know it's best to have two independent lighting systems. A helmet light allows you to look into corners, switchbacks and drop-offs, while the more familiar beam from a bar mounted light provides the shadows that are critical for depth perception. It's also really helpful to have a hands-free light source when making repairs. And if one of the lights or batteries dies or gets damaged in a crash, the other will most likely make it through the race.

Obviously, your first choice would be to race with both a dual beam bar-mounted system and a helmet-mounted light. Second choice would be a single on your bars plus a single on your helmet. Third choice would be a dual beam on your bars.

If you have to choose between a single on your bars and a single on your head, be aware that helmet lights don't create any shadows. (Use a flashlight to confirm this phenomenon for yourself.) This creates a flat perspective that can confuse your depth perception as well as cause you to hit things you never saw. Also, because the light is above your eyes, its beam exaggerates dust, fog and rain. These limitations can get old really fast, particularly when you're dead tired.

"More Watts" is not always the better way to go. Although high power systems are killer bright, they tend to use up the battery quickly; especially with large doses of high beam. 6, 10 and 15 watt lights; or combinations of these; have successfully illuminated many a successful night racer. Yeah, your light may look a little wimpy when a pro blows by with the latest "Godzilla Mega Seven." But you'll get over it, particularly when you remember that you paid for your own lights! Your number one priority is run time. Power is a luxury.

Planning battery run-time requirements is an exercise in research and mathematics. Teams who do the math conservatively are the ones who do well. Teams who don't frequently end up with riders cursing the darkness in the middle of a lap. First, find out the average time for a lap. Then plan for the unexpected; like the Canaan mudfest of 1995, or how long it would take you to walk half the course with a broken bike. A good rule of thumb is to start with enough battery power for a "normal" lap, then double it.

Make sure that your lights are in good condition, even if you're an experienced night rider. Check the wires for loose or corroded plugs and cracks in the insulation. Do a runtime test to be sure your battery is okay. Carry a spare bulb along with a small flashlight so you can see to change a blown one. And remember, even new lights can have problems.

Here are some more tips. No matter what you think or what you've been told, follow the manufacturers battery charging instructions exactly. Try to pre-run the course at night, particularly if you're using a solo helmet light. Be totally self sufficient and don't plan on recharging during the race. (Even if recharging facilities are available, you may not have enough time to recharge.) An extra battery for yourself or your team is good insurance. Go to the race fully charged; on all levels!

Finally and most importantly: Don't buy a light on Tuesday for the race on Saturday. Bad, bad idea! Even with great lights, new night riders can be downright dangerous; to themselves and to others. Teams who do well have usually put in lots of hours of night riding for months before the race and they know what to expect from their lights.

So practice, practice, and then practice some more. And be prepared for extremes; in both pleasure and pain.

Mark Gordon, veteran of five Canaan races and Clydesdale winner at Moab, says these are the three most important things to think about:

1. TEAM COHESION - You can't just show up with 3 or 4 other people and expect to do well and have fun. It takes months of working together to become a winning team.

2. EQUIPMENT - Make sure your equipment is in first class condition. Always be prepared for failures. As part of training, practice making on-trail repairs.

3. EARLY PLANNING - Start planning for the race six months ahead of time. Know your equipment and know your teammates. By the time you get to Canaan, you'll be ready for anything.

24-Hour Race Checklist - These race-winning tips come from teams who take their lighting needs seriously:

a. Get sunrise/sunset information for race day - http://aa.usno.navy.mil/AA.

b. Select one person to be in charge of lighting.

c. Use masking tape to mark batteries; keep track of which are used and for how long.

d. Be sure that each team member carries the right batteries for each lap.