Blanca Peak and Black Bear Pass Fatalities
 

Our local Jeep Club, the Creeper Jeepers of Durango, CO, sponsors the Black
Bear Pass and Blanca Peak trails here in SW Colorado. Both are challenging
and incredibly spectacular trails. However, for the inexperienced or
foolhardy they can also be killers.

Last month an ATV rider on Blanca ignored warnings and was killed after he
mishandled a ledge and rolled of the trail. Last Tuesday an out-of-State
couple in a Jeep went off the first switchback before Ingram Falls on Black
Bear and fell 900 ft. straight down. Details are sketchy on how this
happened, we've asked for info from the San Miguel Sheriff's office. That
particular spot is the first switchback on the descent into Telluride, and
one of the easier ones. We can only guess the driver either attempted it as
a single point turn, or lost brakes somehow.

These two incidents serve as a stark reminders that the sport / hobby we
love is not without its risks. We did trail maintenance on Black Bear today
and afterwards went over the pass and down the switchbacks into Telluride.
As always it was a thrilling, challenging drive. However, one needs to be
constantly reminded of the dangers inattention, bravado or mechanical
failures can bring.

Re: Blanca Peak and Black Bear Pass Fatalities
 

Driver probably forgot to disconnect his Antilock Brake System:
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/ABS_offroad.html
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Our local Jeep Club, the Creeper Jeepers of Durango, CO, sponsors the Black
> Bear Pass and Blanca Peak trails here in SW Colorado. Both are challenging
> and incredibly spectacular trails. However, for the inexperienced or
> foolhardy they can also be killers.
>
> Last month an ATV rider on Blanca ignored warnings and was killed after he
> mishandled a ledge and rolled of the trail. Last Tuesday an out-of-State
> couple in a Jeep went off the first switchback before Ingram Falls on Black
> Bear and fell 900 ft. straight down. Details are sketchy on how this
> happened, we've asked for info from the San Miguel Sheriff's office. That
> particular spot is the first switchback on the descent into Telluride, and
> one of the easier ones. We can only guess the driver either attempted it as
> a single point turn, or lost brakes somehow.
>
> These two incidents serve as a stark reminders that the sport / hobby we
> love is not without its risks. We did trail maintenance on Black Bear today
> and afterwards went over the pass and down the switchbacks into Telluride.
> As always it was a thrilling, challenging drive. However, one needs to be
> constantly reminded of the dangers inattention, bravado or mechanical
> failures can bring.

Re: Blanca Peak and Black Bear Pass Fatalities
 

Driver probably forgot to disconnect his Antilock Brake System:
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/ABS_offroad.html
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Our local Jeep Club, the Creeper Jeepers of Durango, CO, sponsors the Black
> Bear Pass and Blanca Peak trails here in SW Colorado. Both are challenging
> and incredibly spectacular trails. However, for the inexperienced or
> foolhardy they can also be killers.
>
> Last month an ATV rider on Blanca ignored warnings and was killed after he
> mishandled a ledge and rolled of the trail. Last Tuesday an out-of-State
> couple in a Jeep went off the first switchback before Ingram Falls on Black
> Bear and fell 900 ft. straight down. Details are sketchy on how this
> happened, we've asked for info from the San Miguel Sheriff's office. That
> particular spot is the first switchback on the descent into Telluride, and
> one of the easier ones. We can only guess the driver either attempted it as
> a single point turn, or lost brakes somehow.
>
> These two incidents serve as a stark reminders that the sport / hobby we
> love is not without its risks. We did trail maintenance on Black Bear today
> and afterwards went over the pass and down the switchbacks into Telluride.
> As always it was a thrilling, challenging drive. However, one needs to be
> constantly reminded of the dangers inattention, bravado or mechanical
> failures can bring.

Re: Blanca Peak and Black Bear Pass Fatalities
 

Driver probably forgot to disconnect his Antilock Brake System:
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/ABS_offroad.html
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Our local Jeep Club, the Creeper Jeepers of Durango, CO, sponsors the Black
> Bear Pass and Blanca Peak trails here in SW Colorado. Both are challenging
> and incredibly spectacular trails. However, for the inexperienced or
> foolhardy they can also be killers.
>
> Last month an ATV rider on Blanca ignored warnings and was killed after he
> mishandled a ledge and rolled of the trail. Last Tuesday an out-of-State
> couple in a Jeep went off the first switchback before Ingram Falls on Black
> Bear and fell 900 ft. straight down. Details are sketchy on how this
> happened, we've asked for info from the San Miguel Sheriff's office. That
> particular spot is the first switchback on the descent into Telluride, and
> one of the easier ones. We can only guess the driver either attempted it as
> a single point turn, or lost brakes somehow.
>
> These two incidents serve as a stark reminders that the sport / hobby we
> love is not without its risks. We did trail maintenance on Black Bear today
> and afterwards went over the pass and down the switchbacks into Telluride.
> As always it was a thrilling, challenging drive. However, one needs to be
> constantly reminded of the dangers inattention, bravado or mechanical
> failures can bring.

Re: Blanca Peak and Black Bear Pass Fatalities
 

Driver probably forgot to disconnect his Antilock Brake System:
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/ABS_offroad.html
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Jerry McG wrote:
>
> Our local Jeep Club, the Creeper Jeepers of Durango, CO, sponsors the Black
> Bear Pass and Blanca Peak trails here in SW Colorado. Both are challenging
> and incredibly spectacular trails. However, for the inexperienced or
> foolhardy they can also be killers.
>
> Last month an ATV rider on Blanca ignored warnings and was killed after he
> mishandled a ledge and rolled of the trail. Last Tuesday an out-of-State
> couple in a Jeep went off the first switchback before Ingram Falls on Black
> Bear and fell 900 ft. straight down. Details are sketchy on how this
> happened, we've asked for info from the San Miguel Sheriff's office. That
> particular spot is the first switchback on the descent into Telluride, and
> one of the easier ones. We can only guess the driver either attempted it as
> a single point turn, or lost brakes somehow.
>
> These two incidents serve as a stark reminders that the sport / hobby we
> love is not without its risks. We did trail maintenance on Black Bear today
> and afterwards went over the pass and down the switchbacks into Telluride.
> As always it was a thrilling, challenging drive. However, one needs to be
> constantly reminded of the dangers inattention, bravado or mechanical
> failures can bring.

Re: Blanca Peak and Black Bear Pass Fatalities (RE: BLACK BEAR INCIDENT.)
 

RE: BLACK BEAR INCIDENT.

I was just up there and read about this upon my return. Seems they
attempted the trek in some heavy rain according to the rag I read. In
any event, the couple met an unnecessary and untimely death. Another
Jeeper doth pass. A reminder, indeed.

Jerry McG wrote:

> Our local Jeep Club, the Creeper Jeepers of Durango, CO, sponsors the Black
> Bear Pass and Blanca Peak trails here in SW Colorado. Both are challenging
> and incredibly spectacular trails. However, for the inexperienced or
> foolhardy they can also be killers.
>
> Last month an ATV rider on Blanca ignored warnings and was killed after he
> mishandled a ledge and rolled of the trail. Last Tuesday an out-of-State
> couple in a Jeep went off the first switchback before Ingram Falls on Black
> Bear and fell 900 ft. straight down. Details are sketchy on how this
> happened, we've asked for info from the San Miguel Sheriff's office. That
> particular spot is the first switchback on the descent into Telluride, and
> one of the easier ones. We can only guess the driver either attempted it as
> a single point turn, or lost brakes somehow.
>
> These two incidents serve as a stark reminders that the sport / hobby we
> love is not without its risks. We did trail maintenance on Black Bear today
> and afterwards went over the pass and down the switchbacks into Telluride.
> As always it was a thrilling, challenging drive. However, one needs to be
> constantly reminded of the dangers inattention, bravado or mechanical
> failures can bring.
>
>

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

Re: Blanca Peak and Black Bear Pass Fatalities (RE: BLACK BEAR INCIDENT.)
 

RE: BLACK BEAR INCIDENT.

I was just up there and read about this upon my return. Seems they
attempted the trek in some heavy rain according to the rag I read. In
any event, the couple met an unnecessary and untimely death. Another
Jeeper doth pass. A reminder, indeed.

Jerry McG wrote:

> Our local Jeep Club, the Creeper Jeepers of Durango, CO, sponsors the Black
> Bear Pass and Blanca Peak trails here in SW Colorado. Both are challenging
> and incredibly spectacular trails. However, for the inexperienced or
> foolhardy they can also be killers.
>
> Last month an ATV rider on Blanca ignored warnings and was killed after he
> mishandled a ledge and rolled of the trail. Last Tuesday an out-of-State
> couple in a Jeep went off the first switchback before Ingram Falls on Black
> Bear and fell 900 ft. straight down. Details are sketchy on how this
> happened, we've asked for info from the San Miguel Sheriff's office. That
> particular spot is the first switchback on the descent into Telluride, and
> one of the easier ones. We can only guess the driver either attempted it as
> a single point turn, or lost brakes somehow.
>
> These two incidents serve as a stark reminders that the sport / hobby we
> love is not without its risks. We did trail maintenance on Black Bear today
> and afterwards went over the pass and down the switchbacks into Telluride.
> As always it was a thrilling, challenging drive. However, one needs to be
> constantly reminded of the dangers inattention, bravado or mechanical
> failures can bring.
>
>

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

Re: Blanca Peak and Black Bear Pass Fatalities (RE: BLACK BEAR INCIDENT.)
 

RE: BLACK BEAR INCIDENT.

I was just up there and read about this upon my return. Seems they
attempted the trek in some heavy rain according to the rag I read. In
any event, the couple met an unnecessary and untimely death. Another
Jeeper doth pass. A reminder, indeed.

Jerry McG wrote:

> Our local Jeep Club, the Creeper Jeepers of Durango, CO, sponsors the Black
> Bear Pass and Blanca Peak trails here in SW Colorado. Both are challenging
> and incredibly spectacular trails. However, for the inexperienced or
> foolhardy they can also be killers.
>
> Last month an ATV rider on Blanca ignored warnings and was killed after he
> mishandled a ledge and rolled of the trail. Last Tuesday an out-of-State
> couple in a Jeep went off the first switchback before Ingram Falls on Black
> Bear and fell 900 ft. straight down. Details are sketchy on how this
> happened, we've asked for info from the San Miguel Sheriff's office. That
> particular spot is the first switchback on the descent into Telluride, and
> one of the easier ones. We can only guess the driver either attempted it as
> a single point turn, or lost brakes somehow.
>
> These two incidents serve as a stark reminders that the sport / hobby we
> love is not without its risks. We did trail maintenance on Black Bear today
> and afterwards went over the pass and down the switchbacks into Telluride.
> As always it was a thrilling, challenging drive. However, one needs to be
> constantly reminded of the dangers inattention, bravado or mechanical
> failures can bring.
>
>

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

Re: Blanca Peak and Black Bear Pass Fatalities (RE: BLACK BEAR INCIDENT.)
 

RE: BLACK BEAR INCIDENT.

I was just up there and read about this upon my return. Seems they
attempted the trek in some heavy rain according to the rag I read. In
any event, the couple met an unnecessary and untimely death. Another
Jeeper doth pass. A reminder, indeed.

Jerry McG wrote:

> Our local Jeep Club, the Creeper Jeepers of Durango, CO, sponsors the Black
> Bear Pass and Blanca Peak trails here in SW Colorado. Both are challenging
> and incredibly spectacular trails. However, for the inexperienced or
> foolhardy they can also be killers.
>
> Last month an ATV rider on Blanca ignored warnings and was killed after he
> mishandled a ledge and rolled of the trail. Last Tuesday an out-of-State
> couple in a Jeep went off the first switchback before Ingram Falls on Black
> Bear and fell 900 ft. straight down. Details are sketchy on how this
> happened, we've asked for info from the San Miguel Sheriff's office. That
> particular spot is the first switchback on the descent into Telluride, and
> one of the easier ones. We can only guess the driver either attempted it as
> a single point turn, or lost brakes somehow.
>
> These two incidents serve as a stark reminders that the sport / hobby we
> love is not without its risks. We did trail maintenance on Black Bear today
> and afterwards went over the pass and down the switchbacks into Telluride.
> As always it was a thrilling, challenging drive. However, one needs to be
> constantly reminded of the dangers inattention, bravado or mechanical
> failures can bring.
>
>

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

Re: Blanca Peak and Black Bear Pass Fatalities
 

> Driver probably forgot to disconnect his Antilock Brake System:>

Good possibility.