T
theultrarider
Well-known member
As our riding season is starting to wind down, I thought I would start this thread in hopes of getting some to think and save over the summer. I finally broke down and bought 2 beacons recently as many of you know. I know, I should have done this a long time ago. Like so many here, I thought I could not afford them, or would ride "carefully" and would just be safe. Here is the thoughts that went through my head that put me over the top and made me bite the bullet and buy them. I can not imagine how helpless I would feel out on the hill when a riding partner in my group, or another for that matter were to get caught up in an avy and I had no beacon to help find them. Worse yet would be if I KNEW that they were wearing one, and here I stand with just a shovel and a big pile of snow in front of me. The needle in the haystack and it is my freind in there. Even if others in our group had beacons, (which most do) I would feel useless and foolish. I would have a very hard time this down. Especially when I ride the mountians with my 18 yr old boy alot any more. How would I explain that to mom if he were to be the one caught in an avy? No, a beacon will not and does not save everyone. What it can do however, is to bring closure sooner for those who are waiting to find their loved one. Had Yancy had a beacon, I am thinking that he most likely would have been recovered the day of the avy. I think my freinds and family deserve that much. The thoughts of the unknown and waiting are the worst. Thankfully they did find Yancy within a week and not late in the summer like some of the 99 turny victims. I cannot imagine waiting that long to bring a freind or family member home. With the price of fuel and 2 stroke oil the way it is, I stayed home 2 days this winter and on each day I skipped riding said to myself, that just bought 1 beacon. The second day, I ordered 2 beacons. ! for myself, and one for my son or whomever happens to be riding with me that day that does not have one. I owe a big thanks to aksnowrider for borrowing me one of his kids beacons several times in the past 2 years. I know he only did so, so I could find him if need be, but made me feel much more at peace on those days. If those of you without them, save a buck a day form now til fall, you will have a beacon for life. I am not going to ride any less carefull now that I am riding with one. But ride knowing that I will be able to sleep at night should the worst ever happen on the hill and know that I was there to help and did all that I could do for a freind. Sorry for the rant guys, but if this gets one person to buy a beacon, it was worth the read.
Thanks
theultrarider.
Thanks
theultrarider.