A Pattern of Deadly Accidents

[DuneRatt]

The last few weeks have seen a few deadly accidents right on top of Thunder Mountain. Both of them were from blowing over the crest at way too high a speed. One gal died and the the guy from this last week is in critical condition with a concussion.  I don't have all of the details on either crash but it seems like too little experience on too much power with too short a run.  Is the fact that it doesn't "cost" in experience to really ride the dunes anymore, the fact that machines are so powerful and so well modded for the sand that you don't have to "work" at really riding fast on the dunes, the fact that all you have to do is jump on and hit the Nos and "yer a duner" that is getting people killed?  What do the rest of you think about this?

[thom05m3]

When I was there over the fourth tons of people were getting hurt. I had two buddies who were in-experienced dune riders. I told them to keep their speed down and to slow wayyy down when coming to the top of a dune. They said ok. Fifteen minutes later, I found them both laying on the ground with the four wheeler mangled. They both ended up with broken backs, they will walk again thankfully. One also broke his leg and has a major concussion. I have only been going to the dunes for three or four years now and I still slow down alot when I dont know whats coming up. I dont have tons of dune knowledge but I had a very good teacher. So, far Im still good.

[DuneRatt]

Seems to be that experience counts for a lot on the dunes. Hope your buddies are ok. I've seen countless dudes "cob it on" first time out and wind up wrecking to one degree or another.

[DuneRatt]

I saw the ambulance go past last night, just after sundown. Anyone know what happened?