[GRRiders] GRR tech-inspection

Wed Jul 6 21:29:24 PDT 2005

I also have a question about that.  I have no spare bulbs for my battery lights.  I've tried to get
them, but I get a blank "deer in headlights" look by the sales people when I ask.

So I am planning to use my Cateye EL500, and a halogen cateye, and I will probably have a couple
Planet bike lights tucked into my bag drops.  Will that be sufficient?

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dave Read" <daveread at comcast.net>
To: "'Bill Bryant'" <bill_bryant at prodigy.net>; "'Gold Rush'" <goldrushriders at dbclist.org>
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 8:17 PM
Subject: RE: [GRRiders] GRR tech-inspection

>
> Hi Bill, thank you for the information about the tech-inspection.  I agree
> that it would be a real bummer to have to scramble around at the last minute
> before the ride.
>
> I have a couple of question in regard to lights and my particular setup. I
> was wondering about this after reviewing the rider packet but you gave me an
> excuse to ask the questions.  You state:
>
> "For front lights, redundancy is paramount. For the GRR you are required to
> have at least two headlamps that are powered independently of the other. You
> should have three replacement bulbs for each type of lamp. If you are
> running LED front lamps, we'll assume the second lamp is your "spare bulbs";
> same goes for rear LED lamps."
>
> For my setup, I use a generator/bulb system for my primary headlights and an
> LED light (1000 candlepower) as my backup headlight.  Because I cannot
> change the bulb in the backup light, do I need a backup light for my backup
> light?  If so does the backup light need to be 1000 candlepower or can it be
> a little less powerful and therefore lighter?
>
> Also, will we be required to have both of our taillights on while riding do
> we only need to have one on?
>
> Thank you, Dave Read
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: goldrushriders-bounces at dbclist.org
> [mailto:goldrushriders-bounces at dbclist.org] On Behalf Of Bill Bryant
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 11:14 AM
> To: Gold Rush
> Subject: [GRRiders] GRR tech-inspection
>
> Hello GRR riders--
> In a couple of weeks we'll all be gathering in Davis for the Gold Rush
> Randonnee-- it should be a terrific adventure for all. Moreover, we want
> everyone to be as safe as can be, especially when cycling at night. So, here
> are some tips to remember before you arrive at the GRR.
>
> I hope no one is flustered before the start at tech inspection. Four years
> ago a few unprepared riders were, and then had to scurry around at the last
> minute when they should have been relaxing before the start. (BTW, all these
> points are in your rider packet.) Riders will need a special sticker from
> tech inspection in order to proceed to registration to pick up their route
> card, so please come prepared.
>
> As main tech inspector I will be failing bikes whose rear taillights are not
> perpendicular to the ground. That is, for best rider safety rear lights need
> to be aimed directly back at the motorists' vision, not up at low-flying
> airplanes, okay? This alignment will be taken seriously; the sooner the
> motorists can see rider far ahead, the safer riders will be. Lamps that
> shine into the sky--even a little--are not as visible as those that are
> properly mounted. (Attaching a little LED rear light to a Camelbak or helmet
> is a good thing to do, but one still needs two rear lamps attached to the
> bicycle, per regulations.)
>
> Also, it is very foolish to start the GRR without new batteries in all your
> lights. Did you replace your rear lamp batteries after your 600k brevet?
>
> (During the ride, keep your rear lights running on "steady" mode; if you
> change to flashing, that indicates to the course officials you need help of
> some sort. During the day raising an arm skyward will get their attention.)
>
> Randonneuring rules require that each rider have two ankle bands and a
> vest/sash/Sam Browne belt that puts reflective material on the front, back
> and sides of the rider's torso. (This assumes a regular bicycle is used;
> Recumbent riders can adapt their reflective materials in a different fashion
> to achieve this goal-- but the expectation is the same either way.)
>
> Many rider will use a Camelbak-- a good thing considering the summer
> temperatures. HOWEVER, please be sure your vest/sash/Sam Browne is clearly
> visible from behind when wearing the Camelbak, and not hiked up making you
> less visible from behind. Some experienced randonneurs attach a safety
> triangle from the bottom of their Camelbak and these show up well from
> behind.
>
> Smart riders will consider the reflective gear items just a minimum
> expectation; they will put additional reflective stickers on rims, cranks,
> the bike frame, helmet, etc. Please note that Illuminite reflective
> clothing, while recommended, does not take the place of the required 2 ankle
> bands and vest/sash/Sam Browne belt.
>
> For front lights, redundancy is paramount. For the GRR you are required to
> have at least two headlamps that are powered independently of the other. You
> should have three replacement bulbs for each type of lamp. If you are
> running LED front lamps, we'll assume the second lamp is your "spare bulbs";
> same goes for rear LED lamps.
>
> Be sure your lamp brackets are sound; lighting failures don't always come
> from the lamp itself. I will be grabbing lamps and giving them a good shake,
> so be sure they are mounted securely. (Bumpy Cranmore Rd about two hours
> into the ride will be the real test.)
>
> If you are running headlamps powered only by batteries, you will be asked to
> show spare batteries at tech inspection too. Also remember that GRR course
> monitors will be stopping any rider late in the event who should have
> replaced lamp batteries along the way. For headlamps, growing dim is usually
> not a surprise since the rider cannot see well at night, but remember that
> some rear lamps won't go the entire distance on the same set of batteries
> too. Please come prepared with on-board spares or use your drop bags
> intelligently. In any event, failure to comply with lighting regulations
> throughout the entire event--not just at tech inspection, or during the long
> first night--can result in a DQ. Law enforcement will be out on the route
> and we don't want the event imperiled by foolish riders who should have
> replaced their batteries sooner.
>
> I hope that helps; if you have questions, please consult the ride rules but
> feel free to write back if I can provide more information too.
>
> I'm looking forward to seeing everyone between 9 AM and 3 PM on Tuesday,
> July 19th. Please come to tech inspection wearing your helmet, reflective
> vest and ankle bands, and be ready to run all your lights.
>
> Bonne Route!
>
> Bill Bryant
> The GRR-ouchy Tech Inspector
>
>
>
>
>
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