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Struggling with a decision
- Avy Beacon or not
started by pierrelogic
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January 7th 2009 at 1:30 PM
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ProjectRMK
...now rides a M1000
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523 Posts 
Group: Members
Member Since: March 3rd 2004
Location: Boise, ID, USA
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Quote originally posted by MJay
I understand everyone wants to be extra safe this year, but if you are just riding trails then is there really a need for a beacon. I mean sure something could happen but a lot of things could happen and if you have to buy protection or equiptment for every possible problem then you may aswell stay home. Theres a better chance of being shot in a random robbery than getting caught in an avalanche, but I doubt youve considered wearing a bulletproof vest everytime you go out.
Quote originally posted by Rubi
For someone that rides trails 95% of the time, I don't think a beacon is necessary. I don't wear my beacon all of the time when I'm in the mountains. I know where I'm going to ride, if I'm not going to be riding in slide prone areas, and the report says low danger, I don't always wear it. I probably should, because you never know when some dumbass from another group is going to need rescuing, but sometimes you just don't need it. I ride alone in the mountains, and I'm extremely careful. A beacon isn't much good when you're alone, but sometimes I still go out alone.
I think people have a tendency to think that by buying a beacon they're guaranteed safety. Which do you think is safer: riding in avalanche terrain with a beacon, or riding safe terrain without one? Ask that question to someone who's dug up a dead person in less than 5 minutes. It's kind of like when you see more 4-wheel drive vehicles in the ditch in a snowstorm; people think they're invincible because of the 4wd.
Quote originally posted by pierrelogic
Quote originally posted by Rubi
For someone that rides trails 95% of the time, I don't think a beacon is necessary. I don't wear my beacon all of the time when I'm in the mountains. I know where I'm going to ride, if I'm not going to be riding in slide prone areas, and the report says low danger, I don't always wear it. I probably should, because you never know when some dumbass from another group is going to need rescuing, but sometimes you just don't need it. I ride alone in the mountains, and I'm extremely careful. A beacon isn't much good when you're alone, but sometimes I still go out alone.
Here's the real kicker. I'm going out to the Snowy's alone. Yes, I know this is makes not having a beacon the lesser of those two evils. But I do love to ride, and I'm not going to let the fact I'm not with someone else stop me from riding. That is a decision I plan to live with (no pun intended). But I'm not opposed to riding with others I meet while out there. In fact that is my plan and a priority for sure. However, the whole beacon issue leaves me to believe if I don't have one on hand perhaps others may not want to ride with me. I fully understand why that would be an issue completely. If I have a beacon, no issue.
This is not the first time I've ridden in the mountains, and won't be the last. I respect the mountains as much as anyone else and like I've mentioned time after time, I do not have a death wish. I'm extremely carful to the point of obsession. However the mountains have, for lack of a better word, a "spell" on me that I can not ignore.
I'm going to get a beacon, probe and superior shovel and hope that in the unfortunate event I'm caught in a slide, others in the area have them too.
Don't bother Darin. These guys think they are immortal, invincible, and that it will never happen to them. I say leave it to natural selection.
They are wasting good fuel and oil someone else could use.
Keep riding alone fellas!!  As for me, I'm putting my flak jacket on and heading for Starbucks...
Boise, Idaho
USA
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Site Supporter
Group: Site Supporters
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January 7th 2009 at 4:08 PM
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polaris_800rmk
Jesus Freak
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767 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: December 20th 2003
Location: Wausau, WI, USA
Current Sled: 2004 + 2005 800 RMK 159
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Pretty simple, ride in the mountains, get a beacon. The majority of trails run through ridges somewhere and this year anything can slide.
John 3:3
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
Its not the size of the track, its how you use it
Abortion under any circumstance is murder, can you vote for a murderer?
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January 7th 2009 at 4:49 PM
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Rubi
Advanced Member
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1018 Posts 
Group: Members
Member Since: January 1st 2007
Location: Alexandria, MN, USA
Current Sled: 2000 XCSP 600
2008-2009 Miles: 1071
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Quote originally posted by ProjectRMK
Don't bother Darin. These guys think they are immortal, invincible, and that it will never happen to them. I say leave it to natural selection.
They are wasting good fuel and oil someone else could use.
Keep riding alone fellas!! As for me, I'm putting my flak jacket on and heading for Starbucks...
Everyone completely and utterly misses the point I'm trying to make. Do you know who natural selection is going to take care of? It's the people who think they're invincible just because someone on the internet told them they'd be safe if they had a beacon and a shovel.
1990 Indy 400 (Slightly modded with welded tunnel cracks and various used Indy parts from models throughout the 90's)
2006 Stihl Chainsaw
1980's Vintage Lawnboy Lawnmower
2005 Husqvarna Weed Whacker (It sucks to rewind the string, but that 31cc motor sure is torquey!)
2000 Polaris XCSP Edge 600 (1.5" Track, 22x40 gearing, Aaen exhaust, Student Driver pivot riser package)
2008 RMK 600 144"
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January 7th 2009 at 4:54 PM
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polaris_800rmk
Jesus Freak
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767 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: December 20th 2003
Location: Wausau, WI, USA
Current Sled: 2004 + 2005 800 RMK 159
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It is safer for the rescue team if they can get in and locate your body. Less time exposed to another slide or other dangers.
Rubi, I agree with you.
John 3:3
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
Its not the size of the track, its how you use it
Abortion under any circumstance is murder, can you vote for a murderer?
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January 7th 2009 at 5:02 PM
[ Modified January 7th 2009 at 5:18 PM
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pierrelogic
Thin air addict
pierrelogic Gearing up for W. Yellowstone.
Updated Wednesday at 9:22 PM
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708 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: December 1st 2006
Location: Reynoldsburg, OH, USA
Current Sled: Rental??
2008-2009 Miles: 2317
2009-2010 Miles: 1000+
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Quote originally posted by ZR600cce
I agree with you student driver on the last post especially. I know there are a few parts in the snowies where you can look at Lake Marie's Cliff Wall right where there near where there is a hill climb and there have been AVY's there this year. Just sitting looking at the wall close enough you can get caught up in a slide. Secondly, what happens if you come up on a slide and you find others searching and they are wearing avy beacons. If you have one you have the ability to save a life or help find others lost in the slide. You need a beacon, and DO NOT RIDE ALONE.
One thing for sure, this is a topic people have passion about, which is why I posted it to get feedback. But let's be perfectly clear on some valid points made by others here including many clarafications on my own behalf....
Quote originally posted by Student Driver
I know I sound harsh in this one, and I'm sorry,
But it's just that important. I don't like losing people to stupidity.
Here is the big question in all of this:
Does anyone want to live with knowing that someone died because they were too cheap to buy the needed equipment to find them and save their life?
I had to buy 2 of everything as my wife rides too.
It's just as important as the helmet.
Fact is, I prefer to not ride with the beaconless as not having a beacon tells me that they just don't care enough if they, or someone with them dies. Unacceptable.
Darin, I hear clearly what you're saying here and don't disagree with anything you say. But if you've spent any time reading my posts the past couple years and especially this thread, I've made it crystal clear I do not have a death wish. I even commented on the rental option and in fact have decided to get a beacon because I plan on going back to the mountains again and again...bottom line, it's a wise investment. But no death wish here buddy...read what I've already posted before lumping in with those that don't care. You're replies are not harsh, from fomr it. But they are an inaccurate representation of what I've been saying for years.
Quote originally posted by Student Driver
A very basic yet very important rule of safe sledding, Do Not Ride Alone.
This applies to mountains as well as to riding the trails.
Do a search and check out the accident that split ACM's spleen and almost killed him.
Do not ride alone and do not advocate it to others.
You will only help to influence people who do not know any better to go out and get dead or hurt etc.
What happens when you have a mechanical break down several miles from people?
You get a great opportunity spend nights out in the cold if you are alone when this happens.
Again, I hear what your saying and agree with the logic. I'm not SEEKING to ride alone, far from it. But if I can't find someoen to ride with, I'm just obsessively cautious at that point. This doesn't mean I want to die only I'll be prepared for just about anything mother nature can dish out or I don't go. White out? I'm siting in the lodge.
Quote originally posted by Student Driver
I have had to deal with dead bodies, and I am on here answering the questions.
How much S&R have you been a part of? I think I know the answer judging by your lack of riding partners and beacon.
This bring up the secondary reason for replying with all these quotes...see below at the bottom.
Quote originally posted by Student Driver
Quote originally posted by pierrelogic
I'm going out to the Snowy's alone. Yes, I know this is makes not having a beacon the lesser of those two evils. But I do love to ride, and I'm not going to let the fact I'm not with someone else stop me from riding. Don't ride alone.
This bothers me a little Darin. I don't mind at all you quoting me, but this one seriously is taken out of context and that's wrong. If you'd posted the rest of that paragraph I would not be portrayed as harshly as you've done by chopping off the rest. If I'm making a point, include the WHOLE point, not part of it please.
Quote originally posted by ZR600cce
I agree with you student driver on the last post especially. I know there are a few parts in the snowies where you can look at Lake Marie's Cliff Wall right where there near where there is a hill climb and there have been AVY's there this year. Just sitting looking at the wall close enough you can get caught up in a slide. Secondly, what happens if you come up on a slide and you find others searching and they are wearing avy beacons. If you have one you have the ability to save a life or help find others lost in the slide. You need a beacon, and DO NOT RIDE ALONE.
Honestly, I don't plan on it!
Quote originally posted by ProjectRMK
Don't bother Darin. These guys think they are immortal, invincible, and that it will never happen to them. I say leave it to natural selection.
They are wasting good fuel and oil someone else could use.
Keep riding alone fellas!! As for me, I'm putting my flak jacket on and heading for Starbucks...
wow, that's a pretty callous attitude considering it has NOTHING at all to do with what I was saying. Did you READ my posts above???? At no point in time did I even suggest I think I'm immortal, invincible, and that it will never happen to me, far from it. Read my posts again before you sterotype me please. Otherwise it's obvious you're skimming the thread and missing importnat points.
Back to Darin, and this is the secondary reason for putting all these quotes on here. Being a flatlander and all, I really don't have the same oppotunities to take avalanche classes like those who live in the mts. But I do have the ability to read everything I can about them and what it takes to be a part of a rescue. That bring me to this quote:
Quote originally posted by ZR600cce
I agree with you student driver on the last post especially. I know there are a few parts in the snowies where you can look at Lake Marie's Cliff Wall right where there near where there is a hill climb and there have been AVY's there this year. Just sitting looking at the wall close enough you can get caught up in a slide. Secondly, what happens if you come up on a slide and you find others searching and they are wearing avy beacons. If you have one you have the ability to save a life or help find others lost in the slide. You need a beacon, and DO NOT RIDE ALONE.
Now lets be real honest here. Someone that has actually been directly involved with an avalanche rescue can feel free to correct me all they want. But a major part of a good team searching for buried sledder(s) involves a hell of a lot more than everyone standing around with their hands on a beacon. There's got to be some coordination involved, some with probes, some with beacons, some with shovels, some marking hits and making sure everyone is at least in the right area. An extra set of hands holding a shovel ready to dig is always welcomed while someone else with a beacon makes sure you're digging ni the right place. Again, all this from just READING up on the subject. If I'm buried WITH my beacon and someone rides up to help without a beacon I'm not going to give a rats ass about that...help dig me out please.
Why isn't there a whole lot of information being posted about waht to do in an avalanche on here? I'm quiute certain many of you guys have been through a class and might have soemthing the share besides don't dop this or that. I'll lead by example and post this link -- > Avalanche search techniques
Granted, nothing replaces a bonefide avalanche class but something is better than nothing for god's sakes. I see no pojnt whatsoever to keeping this information from the public at large. What to do to dig out a buddy from the white concrete should be posted on every frickin' sleding website that exists. I mean really...what's the big secret? Liability? Come on..pahleeze. I'd rather have someone try and do it wrong than sit there saying they have no idea where to start..... would you?
I appreciate everyone's responses to this hot topic and encourage more discussion.
I AM buying a beacon.
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January 7th 2009 at 5:46 PM
[ Modified January 7th 2009 at 5:48 PM
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You know what Pierrelogic,
Thank you.
That was not intended to take you out of context, sorry it came out that way.
I do know you well enough to know that you don't have a death wish as well.
The beacon, or lack of, is one of my pet peeves because I think we lose far too many riders to simple ignorance.
Buying $400 in avi equipment and spending a couple weekends in a couple classes just seams like a very small price to pay in comparrison to what it can cost a person who is not prepared.
I do understand that there are far more classes out here where it directly effects us, and I am glad to see that you are studdying up on things.
You are absolutely correct about the coordinated effort as well.
It does take more than just hands on a beacon.
For the riding alone part,
I saw that you are intending to hook up with people and that is good.
I'd just hate to see you in a bad position and I REALLY do not want to see us lose any members to what can be prevented.
Sorry, I guess it's that I just care.
Oh ya,
and the plus one was for coming on and defending your self in an obvious adult type fashion.
I like that.
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January 7th 2009 at 7:51 PM
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pierrelogic
Thin air addict
pierrelogic Gearing up for W. Yellowstone.
Updated Wednesday at 9:22 PM
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708 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: December 1st 2006
Location: Reynoldsburg, OH, USA
Current Sled: Rental??
2008-2009 Miles: 2317
2009-2010 Miles: 1000+
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^^^ Amen brother, amen.
If I could buy every snowmobilers a beacon I would. It might make a difference, it might not. I don't take lightly membership in this fraternity know as snowmobilers. We accept all without judgement. We bump heads every now and again using issues as our weapons of choice. We seek advice from each other without really knowing or caring who the other person is most of the time. When we meet each other on the trail and look each other in the eye, without a word spoken we just know there's a common bond. When we lose a fellow sledder to the white concrete we all take pause knowing it could easily have been us.
Knowledge is power and the more knowledge we can all obtain maybe once, just one time it might save someone's life. I may be a flatlander and I know it's very unwise to ride alone. But I'm the kind of person that would "leave it all on the hill" trying to dig someone out regardless if I knew them personally or not. I don't think I'll have much problems finding people to ride with between now and March. That a lot of time to reach out to others that might be in the area at the same time and to honest, after reading this thread who wouldn't want to ride with someone exactly like me? 
Anyone going to be in the Snowy mountains between March 6th and the 15th?
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January 8th 2009 at 8:43 AM
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Quote originally posted by pierrelogic
If I could buy every snowmobilers a beacon I would.
Ya, I would too, but no-one that I know could afford that (except maybe Erick... lol)
However, if I can influence just 1 more rider to do the right things and live longer, then I am happy.
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January 8th 2009 at 9:57 AM
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ProjectRMK
...now rides a M1000
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523 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: March 3rd 2004
Location: Boise, ID, USA
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Quote originally posted by Rubi
Quote originally posted by ProjectRMK
Don't bother Darin. These guys think they are immortal, invincible, and that it will never happen to them. I say leave it to natural selection.
They are wasting good fuel and oil someone else could use.
Keep riding alone fellas!! As for me, I'm putting my flak jacket on and heading for Starbucks...
Everyone completely and utterly misses the point I'm trying to make. Do you know who natural selection is going to take care of? It's the people who think they're invincible just because someone on the internet told them they'd be safe if they had a beacon and a shovel.
A beacon does you NO good when you ride alone, and it will never make you safe. It will, however, increase your odds a bit in the event something bad happens.
I NEVER ride alone, and I ALWAYS wear my beacon. It's just part of my gear. I ride like I don't have it though...
Boise, Idaho
USA
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January 8th 2009 at 4:01 PM
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pierrelogic
Thin air addict
pierrelogic Gearing up for W. Yellowstone.
Updated Wednesday at 9:22 PM
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708 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: December 1st 2006
Location: Reynoldsburg, OH, USA
Current Sled: Rental??
2008-2009 Miles: 2317
2009-2010 Miles: 1000+
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^^^ Good point and taking in consideration where you live, no brainer.
Why don't more people actually discuss what to do during an avalanche from a buried perspective or a diggers perspective? That sort of discussion could safe lives.
Telling people what not to do is 1/2 of the real discussion. I can only offer what I've read. That pails in comparison to anyone that has taken an Avy class or been involved in real a rescue. Anyone care to share what they know?
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January 8th 2009 at 5:07 PM
[ Modified January 11th 2009 at 12:08 PM
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I'll throw some things out here.
Idaho has more slides than any other state. We have the dubious record.
More slides happen on a 30 to 36 degree slope than any other.
Now take a protractor and make a straight line across the bottom and a 32 degree line up from one end making 2 sides of a triangle.
Hold that up to see the angle and that is all the steeper the hill has to be.
The reason for the visual is to illustrate what you are actually looking at.
I know it sounds dumb, but just try it, it's actually an eye opener as to what little of a slope it actually takes.
Now once you've done that, look at the areas you are riding in and in particular the angle of the hills directly above the trails you are on.
Take out your piece of paper and compare it to the hill you are looking at.
Now THAT is where the real eye opener is.
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January 9th 2009 at 2:21 AM
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xtralettucetomatoe580
Tan Berets lead the way
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2419 Posts 
Group: Members
Member Since: October 4th 2005
Location: Hunter Army Airfield, GA, USA
Current Sled: C17, C130, UH, CH, Lil's
2008-2009 Miles: 950
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Quote originally posted by Student Driver
I'll throw some things out here.
Idaho has more slides than any other state. We have the dubious record.
More slides happen on a 30 to 36 degree slope than any other.
No take a protractor and make a straight line across the bottom and a 32 degree line up from one end.
Hold that up to see the angle and that is all the steeper the hill has to be.
The reason for the visual is to illustrate what you are actually looking at.
I know it sounds dumb, but just try it, it's actually an eye opener as to what little of a slope it actually takes.
Now once you've done that, look at the areas you are riding in and in particular the angle of the hills directly above the trails you are on.
Take out your piece of paper and compare it to the hill you are looking at.
Now THAT is where the real eye opener is.
Definitely priceless knowlege. So important that people understand the killer turbo chutes are not the only risky ones out there. A mere bump in the scheme of mountainous terrain can easily be hazardous. All things you learn with years of experience and sadly never driven in until hands on experience.
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers. Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier. Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some. Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow. Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country. Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor. Rangers Lead The Way!.."All the way!" <<<<<1st Bat, 75th>>>>>
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January 11th 2009 at 11:48 AM
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dmk144
Junior Member
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162 Posts 
Group: Members
Member Since: November 14th 2006
Location: waconia, mn, USA
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I would like to say that you guys in this post(pierrelogic/studentdriver) have settled an argument in a well mannered way. I have seen to many times guys start calling each other names, bad language, and acting like two year olds. It is nice to see. As for the avi beacon, I am going to West Yellowstone in Feb., and I am planning to buy a beacon. I maybe will go out west once a year, But I would rather spend $300.00 on a beacon, so somebody can find me and I can help find someone else. Just my 2 cents. Dmk144 (Darren)
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January 11th 2009 at 12:28 PM
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xtralettucetomatoe580
Tan Berets lead the way
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2419 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: October 4th 2005
Location: Hunter Army Airfield, GA, USA
Current Sled: C17, C130, UH, CH, Lil's
2008-2009 Miles: 950
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Hey guys I am getting out of riding for a while. I have a complete Avy setup for sale. Backpack, Probe, Shovel, and BEACON. $275 for everything.
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers. Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier. Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some. Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow. Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country. Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor. Rangers Lead The Way!.."All the way!" <<<<<1st Bat, 75th>>>>>
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January 12th 2009 at 1:50 PM
[ Modified January 12th 2009 at 1:54 PM
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RMKcowboy
Starting Member
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29 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: September 6th 2007
Location: Newport, WA
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Quote originally posted by Student Driver
Quote originally posted by Rubi
^^So you don't think that me or Pierre carefully riding alone enjoying the scenery is safer than a bunch of dipsh*ts with beacons and shovels highmarking right up the gut of a slide path? Nope.
Sorry
Agreed! You may be just fine zipping down the trail, but what about the guy who takes off from the trail and is sidehilling the slope above you and it lets go? Just like driving a car- it's not me I worry about, it's the other idiots out there.
03 Vertical Escape RMK-his
99 RMK 700 136"- hers
06 YZ 450F- his summer ride
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January 12th 2009 at 8:02 PM
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ACG
Sell-Out - Moderator
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9086 Posts 
Group: Moderators
Member Since: October 29th 2001
Location: Bountiful, UT, USA
Current Sled: 2009 Dragon 800
2008-2009 Miles: 1500
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Even if you had a beacon chances of them knowing you got buried would be slim if you were alone. Student Drivers last post was a good example. Something simple happens and you have to walk, limp your sled back or spend the night on the hill. Me and my dad went up to West Yellowstone a few years ago, rode all day went back to the motel after one of our loops to kick back a while and decided to take another loop. Mapped it out in the room and went on our way. Got on a trial that about 3 people had been on all day, got up on top and all the trees had about a foot of snow on them, no wind and kind of foggy. Talk about an erie feeling. What would we have done if one of the machines broke down? It was later in the day but noone had been down that trail...Even with 2 people both of us wanted to get out of there fast. Now that I am accustomed to the mountains I don't get that feeling unless it is an all out blizzard, but feel alot more confident being with people that know the area like the back of their hands and know that I have people to huddle around a small fire and help dig the snow pit to spend the night.
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January 12th 2009 at 10:34 PM
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xtralettucetomatoe580
Tan Berets lead the way
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2419 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: October 4th 2005
Location: Hunter Army Airfield, GA, USA
Current Sled: C17, C130, UH, CH, Lil's
2008-2009 Miles: 950
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Quote originally posted by ACG
Even if you had a beacon chances of them knowing you got buried would be slim if you were alone. Student Drivers last post was a good example. Something simple happens and you have to walk, limp your sled back or spend the night on the hill. Me and my dad went up to West Yellowstone a few years ago, rode all day went back to the motel after one of our loops to kick back a while and decided to take another loop. Mapped it out in the room and went on our way. Got on a trial that about 3 people had been on all day, got up on top and all the trees had about a foot of snow on them, no wind and kind of foggy. Talk about an erie feeling. What would we have done if one of the machines broke down? It was later in the day but noone had been down that trail...Even with 2 people both of us wanted to get out of there fast. Now that I am accustomed to the mountains I don't get that feeling unless it is an all out blizzard, but feel alot more confident being with people that know the area like the back of their hands and know that I have people to huddle around a small fire and help dig the snow pit to spend the night.
Snow pits are not fun at all. Early Nov we went camping with the sleds. Nothing goes as planned even when you are planning on staying the night. Now imagine trying to get ready for a night on a mountain with a matter of hours before sundown and no real camping gear. Weather can change in a real matter of minutes at high altitude and Murphy would say it is never for the better.
This has been a great topic. Really should be a sticky so many more can read from first hand knowlege on the dangers of Mountain survival.
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers. Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier. Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some. Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow. Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country. Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor. Rangers Lead The Way!.."All the way!" <<<<<1st Bat, 75th>>>>>
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January 27th 2009 at 1:48 AM
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cr500r
New Member
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80 Posts 
Group: Members
Member Since: December 13th 2005
Location: Redwood Meadows, alberta, Canada
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Riding in the mountains with out avy equipment is just plain crazy and irresponsible. If you ride out there regularly spend the money and buy the equipment, how much is your life worth to you, your family? If you only go once a year rent the equipment, I'm pretty sure every sled shop, ski shop rents the stuff these days. But your not done just because you have the equipment, it's all useless if you and your crew don't know how to use it, so learn how it all works before you go. Have fun.
I do what the voices in my head tell me!!
97 RMK 700
06 Vector se mtn
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February 26th 2009 at 3:53 PM
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pierrelogic
Thin air addict
pierrelogic Gearing up for W. Yellowstone.
Updated Wednesday at 9:22 PM
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708 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: December 1st 2006
Location: Reynoldsburg, OH, USA
Current Sled: Rental??
2008-2009 Miles: 2317
2009-2010 Miles: 1000+
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In case anyone has been follwing this thread (or cares), I'm now the proud owner of a Tracker DTS Beacon. Only two antennaes, but transmitting on the 457 kHz frequency and brand new in the box so it will do just fine. I'll pick up a shovel and probe to make the full avy kit on the way to the Mts. Leaving in 6 days, I'm geared up, fired up and ready to roll.
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February 26th 2009 at 4:50 PM
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RMK-KING
The Fabricator Moderator
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9122 Posts
Group: Moderators
Member Since: October 3rd 2002
Location: Center and Roseglen, ND, USA
Current Sled: 09 RMK 700 & 06 IQr 600
2008-2009 Miles: 550
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Good choice,I rented a DTS Beacon last week in the MTNs and they are pretty simple. I will probley buy one myself one of these days.
Current Line Up
-09 RMK Assault
-06 IQ R 600HO
-01 ProX 600
-95 XCR 600
Days get shorter,snow gets deeper,life gets better.
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February 26th 2009 at 9:32 PM
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Quote originally posted by pierrelogic
In case anyone has been follwing this thread (or cares), I'm now the proud owner of a Tracker DTS Beacon. Only two antennaes, but transmitting on the 457 kHz frequency and brand new in the box so it will do just fine. I'll pick up a shovel and probe to make the full avy kit on the way to the Mts. Leaving in 6 days, I'm geared up, fired up and ready to roll.
Good man.
Take a class or 2 when you get the chance.
It really helps.
The other thing you can do is to have someone hide their beacon and have you use yours to go find it.
Getting good at this will help tremendously when it counts.
Remember that when the slide happens,
the people burried have basically 15 minutes until brain dead occurs and That is the point of no revival.
This equates to locating person / body in 2 to 3 minutes, exposing head and chest in 2 minutes, and reviving before going any further.
IF you can keep this schedule of events on time, you MIGHT save the life.
Loose snow avilanches will burry you, but probably not kill you instantly.
Large ice boulder type slab avilanches can very easely crush you instantly.
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