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Post by yetichick on Sept 17, 2007 7:38:08 GMT -5
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Post by seenvic on Sept 17, 2007 8:30:43 GMT -5
Should we supply the Edgefield Sheriff's Office w/ some names of riders that live nearby to help w/ these searches. I just called the Sheriff's office and gave my name and number in case they need help w/ a lost person at FATS again.
I read this story. If nothing else, we could have told them that the trail doesn't get near Stevens Creek at all, but does get near the Savannnah River. FS 662 is near the Savannah River, but no where near Stevens Creek.
To get near Stevens Creek, the trails have to be above Woodlawn Road. Not even the new loops will cross Woodlawn Rd. Some of the old school Tower Trail gets really close to the Stevens Creek, but none of FATS gets close to it and never will.
I agree the signs are going to be the key.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Sept 17, 2007 9:56:57 GMT -5
Wonder who the volunteer was?
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Post by oddcouple on Sept 17, 2007 21:06:13 GMT -5
I think we should see if the forest service will allow street lights on the trail.
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Post by Angela on Sept 17, 2007 23:04:39 GMT -5
I guess it wouldn't do much good to advise riders via the kiosk that if they are riding in the evening and are not familiar with the trails to study the map on the kiosk well to understand how to get back to the trailhead.
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Post by seenvic on Sept 18, 2007 7:46:28 GMT -5
I guess it wouldn't do much good to advise riders via the kiosk that if they are riding in the evening and are not familiar with the trails to study the map on the kiosk well to understand how to get back to the trailhead. This seems like telling someone to look both ways before crossing the street to me. Going into an unfamiliar forest 2 hours before dark with little understanding of the area.....well just isn't smart. Many of the routes I know thru the woods were from "boonedocking" as I called it. I've spent hours somewhat lost in these woods. But I never felt I wouldn't get out, I just wasn't sure exactly where I was. I never got off a trail or a USFS road. I always had maps which showed me the main roads/trails. I went out there prepared to find a cool route, knowing along the way I'd have moments of wondering just where the hell I was. And that is fun to me. |
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Post by JIMMYC on Sept 18, 2007 15:37:21 GMT -5
How about a Saint Bernard with brandy a cask?
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Post by oddcouple on Sept 18, 2007 22:42:49 GMT -5
I am with seenvic,
Thats way I said maybe we need street lights,just seems real stupid to go out so close to dark and not have a clue about the trail if I don't Know my way around, it is in and back the way I came in.I think even with the trail marked some will get lost.That said,I will be glad when the signage is up I have meet too many lost people on FATS.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Sept 19, 2007 8:06:41 GMT -5
I am with seenvic, Thats way I said maybe we need street lights,just seems real stupid to go out so close to dark and not have a clue about the trail if I don't Know my way around, it is in and back the way I came in.I think even with the trail marked some will get lost.That said,I will be glad when the signage is up I have meet too many lost people on FATS. Are you serious?? Street lights in the woods??? That kinda takes away from the whole fun of being out in the wilderness doesn't it? If people are dumb enough to go out into a system of trails they don't know without taking a map, especially not long before dark, they deserve to get lost; if nothing else they'll learn to take a map! And once the signs are up, if someone can't follow them they shouldn't be out in the woods. They should stick to the canal tow path. |
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Post by bikerides4u on Sept 19, 2007 11:43:49 GMT -5
I've ridden most of FATS , XTREME style . Awsome trails ! I could hardly walk or think clearly after riding two trails hard . Glad I was following someone who knew the way . What an adrineline ! But if I had gotten seperated from the guy in front of me I probably would have been lost till dark . Maybe we ride to hard ? Signs , easy to read with sweat in your eyes , muscles cramping , heart pumping , with glow in the dark letters would be great ! If you get lost after dark signs or arrows won't help unless they have glow in the dark letters . FATS awesome !
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Post by seenvic on Sept 19, 2007 12:13:29 GMT -5
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Post by b16madman on Sept 19, 2007 22:19:27 GMT -5
I guess some people aren't used to the woods. Have a map, a flashlight and a buddy system  |
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Post by seenvic on Sept 20, 2007 10:32:51 GMT -5
From the IMBA Rules of the Trail
6. Plan Ahead.
Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Sept 20, 2007 10:40:01 GMT -5
Out of curiosity, when are the signs coming in?
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Post by bikerides4u on Sept 20, 2007 13:06:50 GMT -5
About 8 "You are here signs" with map including star or arrow where you were, would add class to FATS .
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Post by driftwood on Sept 20, 2007 13:46:55 GMT -5
When these signs are put up, all you have to do is mark the locations of the signs on the trail map, post it on the SORBA site and at the kiosk, and then people will not only know which trail they're on, which way they're going, but also exactly where they are in relation to the other trails, FS roads, and "steven's creek" hahahaha
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Post by wooglin on Sept 20, 2007 20:08:14 GMT -5
Lol. Should've charged the idiot for the manpower wasted looking for him. |
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Post by Angela on Sept 20, 2007 22:35:48 GMT -5
On the other hand I'd say many mountain bike trails (and not just ours) are not as clearly marked as they could be and are often confusing the first time you ride them.
There is an interesting book co-written with a doctor called Over the Edge - Death in the Grand Canyon and it chronicles the 650+ deaths that have occured in the Grand Canyon since the late 1800's. Kind of humbles you to all the things we mortals do to contribute to our demise. Everything from slight miscalculations to sheer disregard for personal safety!
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Post by bikerides4u on Sept 21, 2007 13:58:16 GMT -5
Where were you a year ago ?
Three bike riders lost on FORKS Bike Trails
web posted September 23, 2006
MERRIWETHER – Just after 8 pm Merriwether Fire Department and Edgefield County Deputies were called to the FORKS Riding Trail off Woodlawn Road due to three riders on the trails being missing for over two hours. After Deputies arrived on the scene the riders’ cars were spotted in the parking lot but no one was found nearby.
The Merriwether Fire Department responded with several four wheelers and also horses to try to locate the missing riders. After unloading the four wheelers and beginning the search voices were heard down the trails.
Firemen were able to help escort the riders out to the parking lot after they got lost on the trials. One rider, a woman from Lexington, told the deputy, “the signage sucks,” as being the reason they were lost.
The US Forestry Service was also contacted and they requested a full report be made on the matter. The riders thanked rescuers for their concern and apologized for the trouble.
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Post by yetichick on Sept 21, 2007 19:53:53 GMT -5
Where were we a year ago? If I understand your question, you are wondering where this discussion was a year ago when the first riders were lost. Correct? Actually, it generated about the same comments as this post, and we have been working on the signs since that time. Several options and plans have been discussed, along with the costs, etc. Part of the $10,000 we are raising for the new trails at FATS are for the signage of all the FATS loops. We are in the process of ordering the signs, and hopefully can let everyone know in the near future when they come in and are ready to be installed on the existing trails.
In a perfect world, everyone would be 100% prepared for every situation in their lives. This isn't a perfect world. We can sit here and postulate on why the person got lost. Ill prepared? Over estimated his skills on the trail? Thought he knew the trail, but got turned around? It got dark sooner than he expected? He had a flat tire? I know quite a few "seasoned" riders who do not carry tools or tubes to fix a flat. We have all, at one time or another, miscalculated, or said, "nothing will happen this time." We gamble on that, whether it is on the trail, or some other aspect of our lives.
I have also been on trails that I was not familiar with, had all my tools, water, food, maps, etc., and still got turned around. I'm thankful that he got the help he needed, and I totally disagree that we should charge him for the rescue. I'm glad he went out and rode the trail, and I hope he comes back and rides again. I doubt he will have to be rescued twice.
The signs will be awesome. They will let people know which loop they are on, and some of the signs will point back to the trail head, listing the distance in miles. There will also be carsonite post at trail access points (gravel road, powerline, dirt road). Seems like FATS gets the most injuries, so pointing out the access points will be quite helpful.
Can't wait for the new trails to be built! FATS is awesome!
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