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Recovery Challenge

mws

By mws,
in General Forums

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mws NPORA Old-Timer

mws

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We were out dirt biking in my favorite place when we came upon a dirt buggy stranded and abandoned out on a trail. Later at camp, we got to talking about how they could get it out, and couldn't figure anything out short of a helicopter. Got me to thinking... What if I got in a situation like that in the pathy? How could I get out? Of course, how he got there was a WTF moment in itself. The trail is clearly marked with a black diamond, which means bikes with EXPERIENCED riders only. The trail sign even has pictures of quads and jeeps with slashes through them. This was a 2 wd custom buggy with VW power.

 

Here's the scenario: Stuck point is about 15 miles from camp. Stuck point is at bottom of stream cut valley. The trail comes around a corner and then drops down, pretty much straight down the side of the hill. I estimate a 400' vertical drop, averaging well over 100% grade. I've had to ride other guy's bikes out of there who couldn't make it, and the owners had to resort to crawling on all fours and digging foot holds to get out. Took over 1/2 hour. In a couple places, it goes almost to about 150% grade for about 4-5 feet. On a bike, it is all about momentum and traction/throttle control. If you do everything perfect, have enough power, and have a very good tire, you can just make it. I have never seen a bike under 200cc make it, nor one with a worn tire. To add a challenge, there is a 90 degree turn at the base, so you have to come around, nail the berm and then HAMMER it for the 20 feet of flat before it goes up. If you hit the base at less than 30 mph, you will not have enough momentum to clear the near vertical sections. And where there are not ruts, it is coarse granite dirt about 6" deep or exposed rock. Stopping is slmost impossible - except for one little section, the bike (and rider) will just sliiiide down if they stop. That one little section is about 3' long and maybe a 75% grade. You can hold yourself there, but barely. Can not get restarted. Have to go all the way to bottom.

 

The other way out is worse - muddy with rutted single track sharp switchbacks. No way a 4 wheeler could fit or make the turns. Up stream is waterfall, downstream is 3' wide canyon.

 

So how to get it out? A winch with about 700' of cable and some blocks (to get around the corners) would work, but those aren't that common....

 

Adding (lots) of extension to the winch cable will reach, but how to hold stranded vehicle when winch is full and an extension needs to be removed? I guess a few more cables/chains could be used to anchor to one of the trees at the very top... Too steep for trees to grow on the slope itself.

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zonianbrat NPORA Old-Timer

zonianbrat

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Wow those conditions sound horrible. I have ridden some really bad trails on my dirtbike that I will not go back too. My buddies 4-wheeler died on him once when we were on a rough trail (not as bad as martin describes) we were onlya few miles in so we (me and a buddy on dirt bikes) towed him with the bikes. It was a challenge as there was a huge rock-garden some steep up-hills etc. But it does not sound like this is an option. I know in Red-feather lakes here there is a guy who specializes in extraction of vehicles/buggies/4-wheelers that have gotten somewhere nobody should be and burried themselves beyond normal rescue. Problem is he charges outrageous amounts. Wonder if there is anybody like that there and would it even be worth it.

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mws
NPORA Old-Timer

mws

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Yeah, no pictures. Sorry. This was a 60 mile "Black Diamond Fiesta!!!" ride. We were attacking the most difficult trails we knew of, and I was with 5 teenage boys. I figured the odds of a camera or cell phone (or me, for that matter) getting through unscathed were too unfavorable to risk.

 

It was a tough ride, and we all made it through unscathed! There was a bit of fuel sharing to get home. It was an epic day! I am still sore, but look forward to doing it again.

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zonianbrat NPORA Old-Timer

zonianbrat

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It is always good at the end of the day when you realize how good the day turned out. Me and my buddies always sit back and enjoy a beer after a day's ride. It is weird how that one beer tastes better than most. Sounds like you guys had fun I am jealous Martin. After reading this I think I am going to pull out my bike from the garage put some gas in and crank it up and tear around the neighborhood.

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mws
NPORA Old-Timer

mws

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If it were my buggy I'd list it on ebay and make sure to put "AS IS-NO SHIPPING" :D

 

I bet it's a fun slide back down the hill to ride a buddies bike up. Do you rope down or just do a controlled slide?

I would classify it as a "semi controlled slide". Start out standing and sliding with feet sideways and hand braced uphill.

 

But somehow the seat of the riding pants got dirty as well! :D

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NismoSkyZ NPORA Old-Timer

NismoSkyZ

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Based on your description I have to ask, just cause Im warped...

 

Inside??? Outside???? or both????

It would be both if it were me :lol:

 

 

Honestly, the only way I think would to take it out piece by piece.

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mws
NPORA Old-Timer

mws

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Outside only... Although the insides were at serious risk when I rode a buddy's YZ426 up! Holy bejeezus, what an UN-user-friendly powerband. Reminded me of the old '85 CR500's. A brutally abrupt power band, no flywheel, and geared to the moon.

 

Awesome on a track of groomed loam, but on a gnarly trail with incredibly sketchytractions? I screamed all the way to the top.... Not sure if out loud, but definitely screaming in my head.

Did I mention it was BRAND NEW? I was mortified that I would loop it and send it tumbling and ragdolling all the way back down....

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