Conference movies::euro_randonneur

110.0. "Need help getting through unlit tunnels. Appropriate lighting system." by UCXAXP::ZIELONKO () Sat May 24 1997 15:50

In my two trips to ride in Europe I encountered one difficulty for which I have
yet to find a solution. I have a hell of a time getting through those infernal
unlit tunnels. I find it incredibly difficult

   to balance the bike
   to tell what side of the road I'm on
   to tell if I'm about to collide with oncoming cars on one side or the wall on
     the other.

At the top of the Marmolada pass (aka. Passo di Fedaia) there are two of these
treacherous beasties that are so bad I had to walk. One thing I have noticed.
(Correct me if I'm wrong.) is that the pavement in the tunnels is atrocious. Why
is that?

On my last trip <(to the Dolomites) I took a small light. It was a vista lite
with 4 AAA batteries and a 2 watt bulb. This just didn't cut it. I am now
looking for a better light - one that has more brightness and yet is
self-contained. I really don't want to be riding around in the mountains with a
heavy battery pack that I will only use for a couple tenths of a mile. Since the
light won't be turned on that long I don't care about the burn time.

Also if anyone has any other ideas for solutions for the tunnel problem other
lighting or has had similar problems and solved them please let me know.

What are the rules of ettiqutte when passing through these things? I don;'t feel
comfortable riding off to the right since I can't tell whjere the wall is. I
would prefer to ride down the center of the lane if this was possible/acceptable
practice.

Any suggestions?

Karol