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

Plunk a rando lamp on your helmet and you should be fine. I'm up and about at 5am, and it's light enough to see, but the headlamp will make you more visible and should pass muster for the tunnel. Even if you're looking at a just above minimum rando speed of 20kph (12.5mph overall average) that's only 12h of saddle time, leaving you 4.5h before you need a light again.

Thanks -- I got a little "be seen" LED headlamp to do that, or put it on my handlebars.

My normal retina-burning commuting set-up is more than I want to carry around all day just for the first half hour of twilight. But I feel more comfortable with a little something, which is what I got.

Good luck Benge!

Looks like the weather will be perfect for the ride. Get some good pictures.