...some serious A+ grade standard cyclists...
Do we have ANY of those in these parts?

Until Thor returns, the answer may be "no".

DW,
In terms of riding in the dark, have you tried doing it the dark with really good lights? I ask only because if your experience is with commuter style blinky lights, or older lights like the Vistalite set, things have improved. Happy to show you my Ay-ups, and there are much brighter lights than those available now.
MC