Meet two local illumination experts

Many cyclists in and around Portland are aware of the survival imperative of being visible while riding at night. But there are two guys I’ve come across recently who take it to a whole new level.

[Tomas and his lights.]
Photo: Tomas

A few days ago I discovered the blog of local cyclist Tomas Quinones. I’ve met Tomas once or twice, but had no idea he was a bike light expert until I stumbled across this post where he tries all eight of his various lights on his helmet at once.

Read more about Tomas’s adventures in illumination and his impressions of various lights in this post.

Taking things even further is someone I met at a Share the Road rally in Beaverton last summer. He goes by the name K’Tesh (I think it has something to do with Star Trek) and he has created what he calls the UFO Bike. Behold,

[What several rolls of 3M Scothlight tape
and 20 hours of free time can do.]
Photo: K’Tesh

K’Tesh estimates he has spent over 20 hours to painstakingly modify his 2004 Giant Ranier with 3M Scotchlight tape (notice how the frame’s graphics still come through).

K’Tesh (pictured below, at right) proudly showed off how he cut each piece to match the existing frame graphics and contours. The result is that during the day you can barely tell he’s done anything at all.

And as if that’s not enough, he has also sprayed his helmet with Rust-o-leum reflective paint and decked out his backpack with all manner of reflectors and lights.

He’s even put up a UFO Bike website with more insights and photos.

Are you as committed as K’Tesh and Tomas about being seen at night? Perhaps you can enlighten us with your tips and wisdom…