Originally Posted by kmcrawford111
Much respect especially considering you ride that at night.
The first time I cycled to work, I took a 4-lane 45 MPH highway with absolutely no shoulder. Of course, the drivers average about 60 MPH. Never again. I took that route admittedly because it was the route I was familiar with (driving), and didn't take the time to find a safer route. I'm kicking myself now for not sooner taking the time to find my current, much safer route, and it's shorter (if a bit slower)!
As others have suggested I would definitely go all out with the visibility and lighting.
Actually, my night shift ends at 6:30 am. So, I'm on hell road between 7:15 and 7:45 am. That's when much of the working population of California City heads past me to Edwards Air Force Base. The truth is that it's dangerous for drivers too at that time. I am 52 years old--and would like to get older--and have lived in Southern California my whole life. But I've never seen daily, reckless passing like this before.
As far as lighting is concerned, it can't hurt. But, last week, I nearly lost control of my truck swerving out of the way of a guy who pulled in front of me to pass a guy in front of him. And I had my lights on!
I'm going to get some knobby tires for my comfort bike--a Walmart beater--and really see how that alternate, dirt road is for a commute. If its at all practical, then I'll have an exuse to buy a cross country bike, and get away from all the nuts on California City Blvd.