Riders in denial...

[Powderhound]

Last year in IP we were riding in the Keg springs area in Island Park. down in the creek bed. NO WAY this was sliding. Not steep at all. It was blistered with thick trees and we were just boondocking playing in the trees, staying off the big hills. I was watching my buddy turn around as he was hit by an avy that broke loose 200 yards above him. We had no clue until the snow was on top of him. He was lucky when the slide stopped he was buried to his neck. We all had beacons on and were ready to respond if we had to. What I am trying to say is Avys happen everywhere. If you dont have a beacon dont head to the hills. And dont tell me that you can ride a 5,000.00 sled and not own a $300.00 beacon. If you ride without a beacon I hope you kiss your family before you leave. You needs new riding partners.

 

[wienerwater]

I can't get over how ignorant people really are.As stated, if you can afford a $5000+ sled and fuel, $200-$300 is affordable.After last years avalanches, did anyone get it that it's to help save others as well as your own butt? Saying you won't ride where you will get in an avalanche, or bad areas is absurd.My FRIENDS were worth the $$, or some other poor sap getting in trouble.If a person shows up in a panic telling you about a buddy buried around the next corner, would you feel stupid saying you don't have any proper gear to help find/save him, or just say "Too bad for him"? I find it hard to have any sympathy for people riding without proper gear, especially a beacon who get in trouble.Beacon's are a necessity as far as I'm concerned, since they are proven and used world wide.Avy packs work, when deployed, but can you be found if you do get buried?Can you find a guy who can only afford a beacon wearing just your Avy pack? Wouldn't you feel stupid standing there wearing your pack, with your pal and his beacon buried 10" below your left foot?I've seen it happen.Those things are just a personal "extra", and can't help others in times of distress.Get a beacon and learn to use it!

 

[Ore-sno]

I just bought my first sled and when I talk to folks that ride in my area none of them got beacons. They just stare blank at me like I'm an idiot when I ask why not.

Its not flatland trail area and these guys ride in areas prone to avy's. Even a guy like me with limited avy training can see these slopes can slide.

How do I try to get the point across to this kind of riders without calling them suicidal fookin retards?

Thanks for any advice...

The best way I have found to convince people they need to have avy equipment and training is to let them read the First had accounts on hear. The videos at the beginning of avy thread are even better. After you and your group get the gear Please take a class that includes on the mountain search training. the biggest eye opener for me was when we were done with our class last year we split up into two teams and hurried beacons for the other group to find. this will tell you if you really do know how to use your beacon. It will also give you a good idea of the ability of the people you ride with and there equipment.