snojam
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12/11/2005 1:16 AM
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Got this from another site.
Something to think about.
Dec 9, 2005
So today I have a buddy with and we're rippin the fresh groomers at Mt Adams headed back to the rig. Couldn't resist and hit trips on a nice straight. Something ahead was not right so I slowed up ever so slightly. It was just at twilight and I could not make out the shadows from the lights and the snow blended with the light so there was zero depth perception. The trail we were were on was freshly groomed... right up to where it takes a sharp right into the snowpark parking lot. The trail "would" have continued onto WA Rt 24 but instead the WDOT had quit plowing right there and all that was left was a 5-7 foot tall snow bank - right in front of where we were SUPPOSED to turn. I figure I hit the plow out at 80 mph at which point my eyes get as big as saucers and the adrenaline goes off the meter.
I had already shifted my weight forward and was semi-standing - almost as an act of god. I've gotten big air before but this was Sledneck AIR! I am sure that the heavily damped HyGear suspension (I like a LOT of rebound damping) and NO stabilizer saved my hind end! I rode it out after cleaning more than 100 feet. Spun a 180 and tried to wave off my buddy. Too late! He hit it at about 60 with my Summit and did not fare as well. Came down on an angle and ragdolled across Hwy 24!!! It was sick but he escaped with a bruised shoulder and strained thumb. He was very shaken and done for the day.
MORAL OF THE STORY: DO NOT override your visibility - ESPECIALLY at TWILIGHT. I've put on thousands of miles on my various sleds and should know better. That half hour between light and darkness is the MOST DANGEROUS!
Be Safe Peeps!
G MAN
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