I'm doing RAMROD for the first time on Thursday, and am wondering about whether take some fairly minimalist headlights.

Two reasons for this:

1. I'd like to get an early start -- 5 a.m. or so, which is the 'official' start time. It's just twilight then, and seems like the first 30 minutes or so could be a little dicey without any lights.

2. I understand that headlights are required in the tunnel in Stephens Canyon (?). Not sure whether this is enforced or not -- I've been through without a headlight before, but I've also heard of the rangers turning back cyclists without at least a minimalist headlight.

Does anyone know whether the headlight rule is enforced during RAMROD? I guess that would put me over the edge of having *something* on my bike, at least a "be seen" light if not a blazing "to see better" light.

{note: i will have a couple of blinkies on the back, regardless of what I do up front }


I should mention that a third reason to have a headlight is in case I finish after dark