Thanks for the compliments on the last one. It's one of my favorites and it was colder than H**L that day so it made it worth the numb finger tips! (and Hallmark would probably give me like 20$for that images (LOL)). That was south of town last year (Kenai River). I got some killer local images this AM with a fresh layer of Hoar frost on the trees and an amazing Sunrise. I'll probably take some more images later and tomorrow and post them soon!
Klepto - I am just using some Light from REI. Nothing like the one mentioned by Neverlost (which looks like a SICK light BTW never!!). It does fine and you would be surpised how much the eyes adjust to the darkness anyway. A moon also makes a huge difference. I think it just look like it does from the long exposure.
Yeah, it was like 12 degrees or something and to be honest I think I just had ona midweight shirt and midweight breathable shell, some ear muffs (helemt of course), windproof undies and pants, and gloves. I actually switched to the lighter gloves and took the muffs off most of the ride (I was climbing some hills so not a lot of speed but sure built up a lot of heat). I was sweating a decent amount actually. My toes got cold, but that was because I was using my regular bike shoes. I bought a pair last year that are like x-country ski boots and pretty warm and it is time to bust them out. It's weird how some parts are cold and other roasting. I've been up here a while now though and am pretty good at knowing how to dress for my activities. Usually I'd rather be a little cold than hot.
TW - a lot of those images were taken in and around Anchorage. Yeah, Fairbanks can be better especially if the activity is low (and it has been a for a few years now) but Anchorage is fine on even an average night. Fairbanks is in a sweet spot like Yelloknife in Canada and sits right under the Auroral ring so iff the sky is clear and there is even mild activity you will most likely see them up there.
