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"Ignorance is no excuse to do something stupid."

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MOAB MOUNTAIN BIKING
SAFETY, SURVIVAL & ECOLOGY

     "I want to thank you for your website which includes safety points for survival in the desert. My son was one of the Iowa boys who became lost and died in August of 1995. I know that the death of our boys had a very deep impact on a lot of people. I am heartened that they have not been forgotten. As with everything which happens to us here on earth, I believe there is a higher purpose. If even one young person can be saved from death by knowing about Chris and Mark, then they have not died in vain.
                     "Sincerely,
                      Di Holt"

*See navigation and hydration section.

Information saves lives. If you have any additions, stories, or suggestions as to how to make this portion of our web site better, please CONTACT DREAMRIDE.

Mountain biking is a dangerous sport.
Moab is a good place to find out.

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Top priority warning: If you lead a sedentary lifestyle and have a history of heart disease in your immediate family, forget mountain biking in Moab. If you have diabetes, allergies, asthma, or health problems that could complicate emergency medical attention be sure those who ride with you are aware of your needs should a medical emergency arise. DO NOT TAKE MEDICATIONS THAT EFFECT JUDGMENT OR MOTOR SKILLS BEFORE OR DURING A MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE. Duh.

Most trails surrounding Moab, Utah are remote, physically demanding, technically difficult, and even extreme. Trails that are considered difficult in other areas may be rated "easy" in Moab. Every visitor is surprised at effort necessary for simple survival in the desert, especially when weather happens. The cycling community in Moab can be irresponsible when it comes to recommending trails to visitors. Not understanding the hardcore nature of Moab's mountain biking reputation, your own limitations, and "NATURAL LAW" in canyon country can lead to lethal attempts at recreation. If you ride Moab religiously, learn to use rational fear as a gauge. Magical scenery and deliciously challenging trails are patrolled by the Grim Reaper, who rides a rigid bike by the way. Abandoned bikes on the trail could mean an injury. Report such finds to local Search and Rescue or the Grand County Sheriff Department. A sad example of just how dangerous it can be to ignore abandoned bikes is the case of the two Iowa boys who died on Porcupine Rim in 1995. The families of the boys did not find the boys' bikes for months after the bodies were found, because they had been stolen by two creeps from Scotland. These inconsiderates sold one bike in Berkeley, CA and took the other back to Scotland with them. It took three weeks to find the boys, and Search and Rescue didn't start searching till one of the boy's parents found their son's car. Finding the bikes would have hastened the search and may have saved the lives of the boys. So, make sure that abandoned bike does not belong to you. Ride with a buddy and let people know where you are going when you head out!

ADDENDUM: JULY 30, 1998 ISSUE OF THE TIMES INDEPENDENT -- A sample of a random week in Moab. See further addendums at the end of the safety information.

VOLUNTEERS SEARCH DAY AND NIGHT FOR UNPREPARED CYCLISTS LOST ON LOCAL TRAILS

story by Franklin Seal

     Krista Seeley, a 40-year-old woman from Victorville, Calif., suffered a broken leg Monday while mountain biking in a remote area on Poison Spider Mesa and was saved by determined volunteers of the Grand County Search and Rescue team.
     Seeley and her husband were approximately four miles in on the main Poison Spider jeep trail when the accident occurred and her husband used his cell phone to call for help.
     "We ended up hauling her about four miles on a litter rigged to a six-wheeled ATV," said Grand County Search and Rescue Commander Frank Mendonca. "I know she had a bone broken in a couple of places and she couldn't move it."
     Four search and rescue volunteers, along with a BLM ranger and one of the ambulance drivers, used ATV's to reach the victim and bring her back to the ambulance which could only negotiate the first mile of the trail. After being treated at Allen Memorial Hospital, Seeley was transported at 7 p.m. to St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo. and is listed in satisfactory condition.
     Search and Rescue volunteers were also called out last Sunday night at 9:42 p.m. when 17-year-old Kevin Anderson of Maryland became lost on the Slickrock Bike Trail.
     Anderson's parents dropped him off at the trail head and intended to pick him up an hour later after he had taken his rented mountain bike on a quick run around the practice loop. Instead, Anderson decided to try the real thing and ventured out onto the main trail, getting lost and stranded as soon as it got dark.
     When he didn't show up his parents became alarmed. Two cyclists at the parking lot volunteered to search for the lost boy but became lost themselves when it grew dark. They did not have flashlights. Anderson's parents later asked a passerby to call 911 when they reached Dave's Corner Market.
     Two search teams of paired ATVs drove the twisting and dangerous trails through the night while three other volunteers searched by foot, and a lone jeep patrolled the perimeter to the west near Swiss Cheese Ridge.
     Anderson was located by one of the ATV teams at 11:42 p.m. about five to six miles out on the trail, unharmed but thirsty. The lost searcher-cyclists were located earlier in the night a mile or two out on the trail and were escorted back to the parking lot by the three Search and Rescue hikers.
     Thursday, July 23, two Search and Rescue volunteers took all-night jeep rides on the Poison Spider Trail to rescue two mountain bikers who called from their cell phone around dusk to say that they were four to five miles out on the trail and -- though they weren't lost, and did have flashlights, water and food -- they were concerned about the lightning storm swirling around them and wanted a ride home. Both bikers and rescuers arrived back in town at 2:30 a.m.

Lee Bridgers, Dreamride owner and founder, has written a very different mountain bike guide to Moab with a focus on environmentalism and safety. The 300 page book is filled with rich, detailed descriptions of over 40 Moab trails, supplemented by awesome photos and helpful relief maps. Stories of local characters and events accompany relating chapters. Read this book when coming to town, before your Dreamride vacation. It was written for first time and repeat visitors to Moab, and Dreamride clients especially, to be read on the toilet, in the bed or in the tub, as well as from the saddle. It will help you decide just how best to use our services and give a deeper understanding of the history and culture that thrives here. Get a signed copy. Call 1-888-MOABUTAH.

1. INTRODUCTION
   
2. WATER CARRYING, FLASH FLOODS AND LIGHTNING
   
3. NAVIGATION, HYDRATION, EQUIPMENT, FOOD AND CLOTHING
   
4. PLAN AHEAD AND LET SOMEONE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE
   
5. CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER SELF-PROPELLED CREATURES
   
6. TRAIL ETTIQUETTE
   
7. UPDATES AND AMMENDMENTS

Call 1 (888) MOAB UTAH in the states.
If you are calling from foreign shores the number is 435-259-6419.
FAX number is 435-259-8196.
or write to:

Dreamride
P.O. Box 1137
Moab, UT 84532

For email contact information click on:
CURRENT DREAMRIDE EMAIL ADDRESS