Let there be light

Prior to 2011, the IBR was run in late August and early September. The July 1st start this year results in about 2 and half more hours of day light (more if we spend the time up North that I think we might). Even still, participants need to plan on doing some bonus hunting in the black of night.

The days of having to pack around a big and heavy D cell Maglight are over. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), better batteries and micro-chip regulation of that power has produced a new breed of flashlights that are much smaller and brighter than almost anything you could purchase just a few years ago. Before you are three of the four flashlights that will be on my bike for this year's ride.

On the left is a Fenix LD01. It has high/low/medium settings and is powered by a single AAA battery. High gets you about 70 lumens of light and low is about perfect for reading a map or performing roadside repairs. What I love about this light is it's size. It's home is the left front pocket of the Aerostich, always on me and ready to go. It's so small in size and light in weight never notice it.

In the middle is a Fenix LD10. I haven't use this light much but was seduced by it's list of features. The beacon and S.O.S. settings make for a great backwoods light and it's powered by a single AA battery, perhaps the most available battery around. This light lives in my backpack normally, but will be on the rally as a back up.

Finally, we have the 4Sevens Quark AA2. This light was purchased primarily as a house light, always sitting at the ready at the back door. When investigating things that go bump in the night, the Quark continues to impress by lighting up the back yard like no Maglight ever could. It's light, bright and with the tactical end-cap, just right. Again, I opted for AA battery power. The 123 battery models are even brighter. The Quark is my primary bonus hunting light.