Cycling Calgary to CrossIron

[ZZT23]

I am doing a summer job in CrossIron and is thinking of taking the bicycle from north Calgary (Panorama/Coventry Hills) through Center Street to the mall. Going there should be no problem due to the late sunlight we get nowadays. However, I work late and will be on my way home around midnight. With the complete dark wilderness in between would you feel safe cycling through it in the middle of the night?

[sheik_yerbouti]

Get really powerful lights. There are mountain bike races which take place in the middle of the night, and they have to ride on trails.

I would feel safer riding in the dark with bright lights, than during dusk and dawn. I'm pretty sure it's safer.

[zipdoa]

Originally posted by sheik_yerbouti
Get really powerful lights. There are mountain bike races which take place in the middle of the night, and they have to ride on trails.

I would feel safer riding in the dark with bright lights, than during dusk and dawn. I'm pretty sure it's safer.

Get lights. I recommend the Blackburn FLEA lights to remain visible, and NiteRider NEWT lights as headlights.

http://www.blackburndesign.com/lights.html

http://www.niterider.com/minewt-mini-350-usb-plus-2013/

[D. Dub]

Even with lights I'd probably be a pussy at night. Those backroads have almost no shoulder.

[BigDL]

Originally posted by D. Dub
Even with lights I'd probably be a pussy at night. Those backroads have almost no shoulder.

+1, there is also a lot of stupid drivers on that road.

[remixsecret]

I wouldn't suggest it! A lot of people just rip it down that road.

[ZZT23]

Getting skimmed by crazy drivers are definitely not fun, but some of my biggest worries include animals and a break down halfway. I worked in rural Hong Kong for a brief time commuting by bicycle and the last ride with an angry stray dog a foot behind can be described as a ride of my life. Can't imagine running with any bigger animals here.

As for lights, what do you guys think of these lights?

http://dx.com/p/cree-xm-l-t6-4800lm-...ke-accessories

From what I heard they are nowhere close to emitting 3200 lumens but I am sure they will do 1000 if not putting out half of their claimed values. For twice the price of a decent front mount flash light this seems to make good output.

[megavolt]

I use a dx cree headlight in the winter. They are bright but you have to do some modifications to try to cut the light they throw up into the faces of people riding/driving towards you, or you might get someone trying to run you over on purpose.

[ZZT23]

You got one of those? You mind posting some pics of the light beam? I heard some of them heat up to the point it could burn you if you touch the light housing. They also don't last much longer than 2 hours but I took a ride to CrossIron a couple days ago and luckily it took me about 30 minutes one way so I assume I will have enough brightness to last me the entire around trip. Also how waterproof are those lights?

[OU812]

Take Stoney?

[megavolt]

Not one exactly like the one you posted... only has 1 led, but plenty bright.

I've got one of these.

http://dx.com/p/yp-3009a-cree-xm-l-t...8650-961172863

And it's been through winters and rain, no problems. Some of them come with a less than waterproof battery case and some are fine. Mine came with a neoprene case and a sealed battery, my wifes came with a canvas like case and a less than sealed battery. YMMV.

[ZZT23]

Just bought one of these last night:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/200869687850?...84.m1497.l2649

3 LED 4000 lumens and also comes with a tail light. Hopefully these will be enough to quell any fears of the dark without pissing off oncoming traffic. I do think that it is the more lights the better with I am on a bicycle though.

I hope nobody is out there stealing these batteries as well. I have never seen any 18650 cells available here.

[DEATH2000]

Originally posted by ZZT23

I hope nobody is out there stealing these batteries as well. I have never seen any 18650 cells available here.

Tactical Innovations Canada sells 18650 rechargeable cells and chargers and they are Calgary local.

http://shop.tacticalinnovations.ca/k...gable-battery/