Lol!
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Not to make things more complicated than they need to be but I am wondering if you would consider putting some type of parameter on the "Light must be mounted and functional when machine is presented for technical inspection." ruling. For example - Light must be mounted and functional when machine is presented for technical inspection when the current weather conditions or forecast would indicate that the probability of use will be required for any portion of a practice or race day. For the purposes of this section the probability of use will be determined as the current weather forecast indicating a greater than 40% chance of precipitation for the given period on the Wed prior to a race weekend.
I know that opens up a can a worms but seems like a pre grid check would be sufficient when there is not much threat if any chance of rain.
Just an idea
I disagree just for the fact that hopefully it won't rain the first weekend (which historically speaking, is about a 50/50 chance) so maybe all the bugs will be worked out BEFORE you need them versus everyone waiting until they think it might rain. Plus the fact that just like lever guards, some people will get to the track and not know about the new rule. Again, hopefully the first weekend is dry, but it might help those people that don't know to get one working before they need it.
Also, just from personal experience, every time I put a camera on my tail section I almost always kick it at some point. I know a lot of people do it, but I'd recommend mounting it under the tail section as opposed to on top.
And holy **** - just get a damn light and use some common sense. It's not that complicated.
-Cody
Walter - in the event the light is damaged in a wreck (either sprint or endurance), will they need to be repaired before being re-teched? I'm assuming there will be more leniency if it's a dry event?
What happens if it is a rain race and it stops working?
Umm yeah I already have my lights ordered so that's not the issue but lets say that I am brand new racer and buy a new bike sight unseen and I plan to pick up race weekend from someone else. No light is installed but otherwise good to go and there is no forecast for rain and the skies are clear so unless I think ahead (which most new racers won't know the rules well enough) I can't do the school or get my first race in even though I have a fist full of dollars to throw to the CMRA. Or for some reason the light broke or won't work when you get to the track after driving 10 hours and now I can't pass tech even if it is not likely to be used anyway. Sure you drive around whatever town to try to find something suitable I get that. Or what about the guys that just won't race if its raining (yes they exist not sure why cause it fun but).
I can just think of several scenario's that could play out to keep someone from racing on a nice clear sunny day because a the rain light. I'm not worrying as all my bikes will have installed and safety wired but can see a potential argument.
However, if its a stupid suggestion it's a stupid suggestion whatever but worth thinking about.
Totally understand where you're coming from. I would hope the CMRA is going to allow everyone to race, regardless if their light works or they have one at all, if it's going to be a clear day. I think that comes down to just good judgement which all the tech guys I have ever dealt with have. Having said that, I still stand by not having that spelled out in the rule book. And like I mentioned, as did you, some racers are not going to know about this rule. If it is not enforced until it's a rain day, then those same people will not know until they need it. I think the rule, as it is spelled out, will help eliminate those issues - as well as eliminate any issues of 'is my setup legal?' before they are real issues.
-Cody
If someone shows up and doesn't have or can't purchase a working light then the CMRA family of racers will do what we do best: help each other out and either fix or lend them a working light and make sure that they make it to the grid.
All valid points Bryan and Cody, I withdraw my request for further clarification.
And BTW I ordered 5 lights just have spares in case someone needs to duct tape or zip tie one on :lol:
MAybe I misread but I thought walter said somewhere in here that the light only has to be mounted for inspection and can be removed after for dry events.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lig.../MCL13R2B.html
possibly another option?
Approved.
No one will be turned away at the first round if their light doesn't work or they didn't get the memo that they are required. However those that fail tech for a non functioning light will be required to wear a pink jersey over their leathers that says "You light up my life" until the problem is corrected. Penalty points may also be issued.
I will be working with a vendor to try and have a few kits available for sale at the T-shirt booth.
LOL
Totally on board with this. And no I didn't get the memo, lost in the mail?
Prob count on Sean Brown not having a light just so he can wear the "pink shirt"
I've ordered a couple of these - http://www.amazon.com/Brightest-Rech...ike+tail+light
Anyone have any images of one of these mounted? Do we just mount them with velcro? I really like the LED light strip as it actually looks really good on the bike, so may switch to them.
Can Groms just use their stock tail light? Half of them are still on and visible under the tape most of the time anyway.
That bicycle light appears to light up white, though?
ugh.
If OEM tail light assemblies aren't legal.... Is it ok to mount the after market light of choice like an OE tail light would mount? By that I mean flush mounted in the tail section at the very end of the under tail.
No, I'm betting he goes with this set-up:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BICYCLE-BEAC...-/150576586072
Probably go over and have Byus install it for him at his house. They'll cook up some scheme to pull off the excess current and feed it back into the ignition system to "give it more power".
It'll catch on fire in Houston.
Ok after giving it some thought I'm going to back off of the "no OEM taillights allowed". OEM tail lights that are integrated (flush with the surface of the tailsection) into the tailsection will be allowed. However the lens must be covered with a clear film. I'll put together a Technical Bulletin today to outline what will be allowed and guidelines for rain lights.
I'm planning on dangling a real live burning road flare from some twine (don't want to waste good safety wire).
I'm kidding of course.
Thank you, Walter! :burnout:
Sorry to beat the horse on the red light topic. Does the light have to be removed/ turned off if the race is deemed dry?
do aftermarket lights have to be covered in clear film?
Clearly there are several issues with this new rule. Maybe this year should be a trial year and the real rule go into effect next year. I know it's not a complicated thing to do, but with so much confusion it seems reasonable to give it some thought.
Just IMHO but one of the best ways to conduct a most productive "trial" in this specific situation is to
- Invoke the rule
- See what innovative ideas racers come up with
- Let the officials exercise lattitude and good judgment (e.g. not 'DQ' anyone for an honest first effort if they take steps to correct 'fails' next time out)
- Everyone apply lessons learned to refine both their implementation and the rule
By invoking the rule you get broadest participation in the "trial".
With everyone participating it increases the chances that one or several bright racers will come-up with the "Eureka! That's it! An easy KISS solution!" to the benefit of all.
After all, this isn't anything that involves budget-busting cost, irreversible machine modification, nor does it have any impact at all on competitive advantage. But getting on-board with the idea just might save any of y'all from an ***-packing or worse.
Just IMHO.
... and if you believe in an ironic sort of Karma, by invoking the rule we'll not have a single wet event all season ...
The more trouble this is, the less likely it is to ever rain on a race weekend next year. :wink:
Brightness, mounting, OEM tail not ok, oh wait, OEM tail is ok as long as you clear film it, leave light on or remove for dry races, etc... You're right, it's not hard. All you have to do is go through the options a few people were nice enough to post and pick one. My point is if there's already going to be leaniency given, why not make a trial period?
Lol I wasn't even complaining. Just making a suggestion.
My current suggestion/product for the rain light.. it will double as gopro mount as long as you have the handle bar attachment when its not being used by the rain light. im still in design phase but it will be similar and fairly small.
http://www.cmraracing.com/showthread...-for-a-product
thoughts? im looking for feedback :)
Seriously? Tail lights? Is this an Insurance company mandate or something? How is Tech going to inspect that the proper technique for mounting has been complied with and that the fasteners (that will be blind) are either safety wired or have used proper nylon lock nuts, or lock nuts that are not all clapped out etc. if there are not tail lights tumbling down the straights at 100+MPH this season I will be amazed. Stuff vibrates, cracks, and occasionally falls off peoples bikes now. I would put one of those face palmy emoticon thingys but i'm old and only know how to properly mount stuff to race bikes.
Once again, that that's why I went with an LED strip....
your points are valid..but this is a good rule.The rule also says you can take the lights off on a dry day. the last houston round it was raining so hard during endurance you couldn't see half a turn ahead of you. lights would have made a tremendous difference. safety wire is already required for camera's so its just another part of a race bike IMO. My suggestion to my design linked above is to rivet it to the body work and the light will be safety wired to the base plate. It may dangle..but i dont see many having this issue.
The rain was really bad at Houston. I didn't even ride but I know people were having issues seeing the bike and let alone the corners. When it is that bad we shouldn't race but unless the CMRA gets a pass then it is game on. They spent the money and to cancel an event and have them eat the profit is hard to do.
Point is if the light just allows you to see the bike in front of you, you are putting faith in that rider to lead you through the corner.
If you can't see the corners cause of the rain then lights won't make a difference.