Lights for Baker's Dozen?

[fhmiv]

I'm pretty new to mountain biking and if I manage to put together a team for Baker's Dozen it will be my first endurance MTB event. I note in the rules and in the almanac that about 3.5 hours of the event will take place in twilight or darkness, and that a bike light with a minimum 10 watts of output is required for riding the course in the dark.

I have a CygoLite Rover, www.cygolite.com/2-Products/9-RoverWB.htm, that is rated at 12 watts. I haven't done any night-time mountain biking, though I have done a lot of evening and dusk commuting with this light. Is it likely to be adequate for this type of riding or do I need to consider something brighter or more durable?

Thanks!

Frank

[Robf]

If you've never done any NIGHT riding, you might consider getting another light: one for your handlebar and one for your helmet. Riding at night is a whole different ballgame than riding during the day, especially during a race.

Before the race, make sure you have your lights adjusted to where you want them and make sure they are charged. Nothing worse than getting half way through the loop and your lights go out.

Good Luck!

[seenvic]

Frank,
Go for a trail ride with your light. I'm not familiar with that light. But if you take it out for a ride, you can decide if it is enough light.

Lights can get pricey, so be warned.

[azdrawdy]

I've also got a Cygolite Rover. It's now my backup to my backup. That said, it is a light, and it will enable you to ride in the dark. I have no problem lending it to friends, and that is why I kept it.

Like the previous posters said, you need to get out and get some miles under your belt with the light ON A TRAIL. Get it adjusted properly. Perhaps even burn it out completely in your house so you have an idea of the real run-time. If it gets too hot, put a fan on it. Know how the cords should be wrapped, and how to keep them out of the way since you will be on a pretty rooty trail and things may get knocked around. Etc, etc.

Only after you ride with other people will you realize that you just may want a light with higher power, or leave the Cygolite on your handlebars and get a good hemet-mounted one.

Main thing is to ride off-road with it.

Michael