Lamping – are we at risk?

by Matt | March 4, 2009 | Filed under Bike talk, Stuff & nonsense | 3 replies so far

Here’s a new term I’ve just come across which has nothing to do with gulling or dogging much to Lee and Colin’s disappointment I expect.

Lamping – the act of using bright lights to stun local wildlife – has raised it’s ugly face in of all places Shalford near Guildford according to Surrey Police who have just nabbed two men using the technique to go poaching in the woods.

I’m worried for us. Could we be accused of lamping while we’re out on our regular night rides in the Surrey Hills, running an average 600 plus lumens on our handlebars? At times I’ve been known to startle a badger or two and I’m worried that we’ll be the focus of lamping vigilantes or concerned animal lovers or fall the wrong side of the law.

And what if bearding becomes outlawed too, then we’re all in trouble if the act of stroking one’s metaphorical beard while discussing bike builds gets associated with anti social behaviour. It’s actually pretty marginal now.

The world spins and the world moves on. What will it be next?

Thanks for reading,
Matt

There are 3 replies to Matt so far

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  1. March 4, 2009 at 6:15 pm

    Toby says:

    So you’re saying that my light can serve the secondary purpose of getting me a free meal? Fantastic!

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  2. March 5, 2009 at 8:25 am

    Nick says:

    “I’m worried for us. Could we be accused of lamping while we’re out on our regular night rides in the Surrey Hills, running an average 600 plus lumens on our handlebars?”

    No dont worry. Lamping is mostly a static operation with a single powerful very focused spot beam that more often than not is mounted on a tripod or the roof of a vehicle.

    It can look not unlike a lighthouse beam as it sweeps round and more often than not it has a red or orange filter to colour the light.

    So there is almost zero chance that anyone will mistake half a dozen loonies on bikes tearing down a trail.

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  3. March 5, 2009 at 10:56 pm

    Muddymoles says:

    Ride report: Wednesday 4 March – Norbury loop

    Our regular winter night ride route round Norbury Park, taking in the Mickkleham Gallops and Alsation.

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