Night Riding Lights

[pmanderson]

Can someone recommend lights for both handle bars and helmets on a budget?

[Bqwyatt]

I have had this light for 2 years and have had zero problems.  Its super bright.  They also make a helmet mounting system for it.


http://www.amazon.com/MJ-808E-CREE-XM-L-lumens-light/dp/B0051C0RCS/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1382973937&sr=1-5&keywords=MagicShine

[Dave Tozer]

We may need to move this discussion to the tech section. It being on the Town Run page may mistakenly give some people the idea that riding at night at Town Run, outside of sanctioned special events, is OK. As much as I would dearly like it to be OK, it's not.

This thread has a good discussion on the subject.  http://www.hmba.org/smf/index.php?topic=10336.msg85032#msg85032

[LetsRoll]

Tozer is exactly right. Planet Adventure gave us the opportunity to ride at night.  Unfortunately, due to lack of participation, we may never get the chance to "legally " ride at night at Town Run again .

[Dave Tozer]

Indy Parks may be amenable to "special events" after dark at Town Run. I don't think it would have to be anything as formal as a race. More of just a time window to meet up and ride.

Once Daylight Saving Time is gone we could probably get some interest in a sanctioned night ride or two. With some luck it might turn into a regular event.

[RiverBankRider]

Has anyone made the call to Indy Parks yet to find out how much these night rides would cost?  How cool would it be to catch a couple of dark laps once a month at Town Run? 

[Dave Tozer]

Not sure, but my impression is that it simply needs to be cleared with Indy Parks. I don't think there would be a fee. At least I hope not.

Almost a year ago, as you know, a number of us got the following response from Indy Parks after we contacted Mayor Ballard's office:

"Thank you for your email and for your interest in using Indy Parks' terrific trails. Our department is evaluating how our trail system can be further developed to suit our many park goers, and your input is helpful.
We are currently studying the level of use at Town Run Park as well as other factors to determine whether extended hours could be safely implemented. In the short term, we invite groups to continue scheduling night rides and other special events by calling 327-PARK."

I'm thinking that once DST is over (Sunday ) it would be a good idea to start making inquiries with Indy Parks.

Has anyone made the call to Indy Parks yet to find out how much these night rides would cost?  How cool would it be to catch a couple of dark laps once a month at Town Run?

[edf]

Not sure, but my impression is that it simply needs to be cleared with Indy Parks. I don't think there would be a fee. At least I hope not.

Almost a year ago, as you know, a number of us got the following response from Indy Parks after we contacted Mayor Ballard's office:

"Thank you for your email and for your interest in using Indy Parks' terrific trails. Our department is evaluating how our trail system can be further developed to suit our many park goers, and your input is helpful.
We are currently studying the level of use at Town Run Park as well as other factors to determine whether extended hours could be safely implemented. In the short term, we invite groups to continue scheduling night rides and other special events by calling 327-PARK."

I'm thinking that once DST is over (Sunday ) it would be a good idea to start making inquiries with Indy Parks.

Has anyone made the call to Indy Parks yet to find out how much these night rides would cost?  How cool would it be to catch a couple of dark laps once a month at Town Run?

Hmm...perhaps scheduling bi-weekly night rides woudl be possible through the winter. I'm going to give the parks a call this week to see what is needed. Based on the bold language above an organized group (like HMBA) may need to make the arrangements but I would be happy to reach out to the HMBA brass and find out what needed to be done to bring such an event about.
 
How was the short track this year handled? Did RT work through HMBA or did he just call up parks and get permission?

[Dave Tozer]

Ryan spoke with Paul Arlinghaus. Paul said that since it was to be a free event we were good to go. As far as I know Indy Parks was never contacted.

Of course, the races were within the normal park hours. That's the kicker - we are now essentially trying to get permission to be in a park after hours.

How was the short track this year handled? Did RT work through HMBA or did he just call up parks and get permission?

[Jeff Blum]

Based on the bold language above an organized group (like HMBA) may need to make the arrangements...

we invite groups to continue scheduling night rides and other special events by calling 327-PARK

group: a number of people who are connected by some shared activity, interest, or quality

Me + you + Tozer = a group.  Pick a day, tell Indy Parks we want to night ride that day, and ask them what all is required to make it happen.

As has been stated numerous times, HMBA is a great volunteer organization with relatively few members actively volunteering their time throughout the state to keep HMBAs mission moving forward.  Planning group rides, whether during the day or at night, is generally outside the scope of what these volunteers have the time or energy to do.  If YOU want to night ride at Town Run, YOU need to take the bull by the horns and get that ball rolling.  Yes, as Tozer stated, you're trying to get permission to use the park after hours, but Indy Parks has stated that they're amenable to the idea, and so far we haven't heard of anyone having such a request turned down.

And by all means, if you DO get a night ride approved, let us all know, we all want to come with you.

As a disclaimer:

• These are just my personal opinions, I do not speak for HMBA
• When I say YOU, I mean anyone who reads this and decides to take action
• When I say WE, I mean those of us who read this and don't do anything about it, but still want to reap the benefits of YOU're can-do attitude to get in some night riding

[edf]

Made the call this morning to Parks and was referred to the Greenway Division since TRTP is technically a Greenway. Left a message and will update everyone when I hear back.
 
Ed

[Dave Tozer]

Awesome! Thanks JB and Ed!


I'm happy to be "another" caller if it would help.

[harry2110]

Any further word on this now that its DST?  Im interested and so would a friend if this could happen.

[edf]

I spoke to Parks today and am working on some behind the scenes stuff and the event application. I'll post when details are more definite.

[harry2110]

I spoke to Parks today and am working on some behind the scenes stuff and the event application. I'll post when details are more definite.

Sweet hopefully Im not at my parents when this happens.  I have a crazy light setup i would love to test off road as on road its brighter than a car.