Bugnatr
Well-known member
Last week CFO Rally Rally master Rick Corwine flew out from Minnesota to join a group of dualsport riders for two days of back road riding in some of the most remote but stunning desert riding in California.
The Stagecoach Motel in Beatty was our headquarters for the three nights were were in town.
Day 1 included a ride through Titus Canyon ( a must do if you are on a dirt bike or 4FWD ) before headed north to Ubehebe Crater where we had some Cannuck tourist's snap a group photo.
L to R- FJR formites FJRob, Uberkul, Bugnatr and in the famous faded red stich rcorwin. Other friends were John, Steve behind Eric, Rich (capt'n Picard we call him) and Wade. Now you know our motley crew so on to the report.
First the rocks..
A bit of a wave from the picture taker.
Now on to the drama and Helicopters. From the crater we headed south on Racetrack Road to Teakettle Junction where we planned to head up over Hunter Mt. (7,000' ) and work our way to Panamint Springs for fuel.
Here's Rick taking a standing nap next to Picard at the Junction were folks leave their own custom kettles, some leave notes inside for all to read.
Having ridden this route multiple times in the past I was on point and headed out for Hunter Mt. As we climbed up Hunter Mt. I stopped for a look back to check on our group-only 3 riders were behind me out of 9 total. After a 10 minute wait it was time to back track the 15 miles to find the rest of the group. We thought perhaps there was trouble at a deep powder section but no bikes were found at that location so we pressed on with concern for our fellow riders. Now we were almost all the way back to the Junction when we came through a pass to see the riders standing only a half mile from Teakettle. Thinking it was only a breakdown I felt relief until riding closer I saw a rider down. At this point my heart sank as I rode up to find out Steve (Rob's childhood friend)had been kicked off his KTM. No one saw him go down as we ride spaced out due to the heavy dust but he was found just lying in the middle of the road where he crashed.
OK this is bad- real bad. We are 25 miles from pavement but to my amazement we had cell signal at this remote location. I would have never believed it as there is no where else in the park where cell phones work. Our guys had already called for help and we were told an ambulance was on the way.
We kept Steve alert while waiting, at this point Rob and Rich left for Beatty to get 4 wheels to haul out Steve's KTM.
Soon we hear this beauty coming over the Mts. from the east. I don't think I've ever heard a better sound. We found out later Steve had 13 broken ribs and a punctured lung. I'm sure a ride out of 25 miles with a major washboard road would have caused more damage to to Steve's broken body.
Here's the mechanical wonder setting down.
A picture I hope never to see again-anywhere!
With Steve on his way to the Hospital in Vegas we loaded the bike into a park service truck - I must say at this time the park Rangers and staff were more than helpful through this difficult time. They hauled his bike out to the north ranger station where Rob and Rich picked it up.
While waiting for these guys we were treated to a beautiful sunset. We rode back to Beatty and consumed much firewater while toasting to our brave friend Steve and his successful rescue from the desert.
I talked to Steve's father on Thanksgiving day and he is back home from the Vegas hospital with his loving family. He has even been on his feet briefly but with 13 broken ribs he may not do any dancing soon. It makes me hurt to even think of 13 broken ribs.
I wasn't sure I even wanted to do this report but sometimes reality bites a bit hard and fortunately this had a relativity happy ending with all considered. Doug
Oh, as a PS.- this is my second group ride in as many months to have a rider go down. If you see me post up a group ride - run away!!!!
The Stagecoach Motel in Beatty was our headquarters for the three nights were were in town.
Day 1 included a ride through Titus Canyon ( a must do if you are on a dirt bike or 4FWD ) before headed north to Ubehebe Crater where we had some Cannuck tourist's snap a group photo.
L to R- FJR formites FJRob, Uberkul, Bugnatr and in the famous faded red stich rcorwin. Other friends were John, Steve behind Eric, Rich (capt'n Picard we call him) and Wade. Now you know our motley crew so on to the report.
First the rocks..
A bit of a wave from the picture taker.
Now on to the drama and Helicopters. From the crater we headed south on Racetrack Road to Teakettle Junction where we planned to head up over Hunter Mt. (7,000' ) and work our way to Panamint Springs for fuel.
Here's Rick taking a standing nap next to Picard at the Junction were folks leave their own custom kettles, some leave notes inside for all to read.
Having ridden this route multiple times in the past I was on point and headed out for Hunter Mt. As we climbed up Hunter Mt. I stopped for a look back to check on our group-only 3 riders were behind me out of 9 total. After a 10 minute wait it was time to back track the 15 miles to find the rest of the group. We thought perhaps there was trouble at a deep powder section but no bikes were found at that location so we pressed on with concern for our fellow riders. Now we were almost all the way back to the Junction when we came through a pass to see the riders standing only a half mile from Teakettle. Thinking it was only a breakdown I felt relief until riding closer I saw a rider down. At this point my heart sank as I rode up to find out Steve (Rob's childhood friend)had been kicked off his KTM. No one saw him go down as we ride spaced out due to the heavy dust but he was found just lying in the middle of the road where he crashed.
OK this is bad- real bad. We are 25 miles from pavement but to my amazement we had cell signal at this remote location. I would have never believed it as there is no where else in the park where cell phones work. Our guys had already called for help and we were told an ambulance was on the way.
We kept Steve alert while waiting, at this point Rob and Rich left for Beatty to get 4 wheels to haul out Steve's KTM.
Soon we hear this beauty coming over the Mts. from the east. I don't think I've ever heard a better sound. We found out later Steve had 13 broken ribs and a punctured lung. I'm sure a ride out of 25 miles with a major washboard road would have caused more damage to to Steve's broken body.
Here's the mechanical wonder setting down.
A picture I hope never to see again-anywhere!
With Steve on his way to the Hospital in Vegas we loaded the bike into a park service truck - I must say at this time the park Rangers and staff were more than helpful through this difficult time. They hauled his bike out to the north ranger station where Rob and Rich picked it up.
While waiting for these guys we were treated to a beautiful sunset. We rode back to Beatty and consumed much firewater while toasting to our brave friend Steve and his successful rescue from the desert.
I talked to Steve's father on Thanksgiving day and he is back home from the Vegas hospital with his loving family. He has even been on his feet briefly but with 13 broken ribs he may not do any dancing soon. It makes me hurt to even think of 13 broken ribs.
I wasn't sure I even wanted to do this report but sometimes reality bites a bit hard and fortunately this had a relativity happy ending with all considered. Doug
Oh, as a PS.- this is my second group ride in as many months to have a rider go down. If you see me post up a group ride - run away!!!!
