Don't go backwards at speed!

[BGRANT]

If you must go backwards on the course, please use extreme caution. A rancher locked a gate at mm30 near Ojos yeaserday afternoon and the result was a bike traveling backwards on the course at a high rate of speed and not being very cautious. The outcome was a head on collison with our rider who was going the right way on the course. After being knocked out for nearly ten minutes, our rider was taken to four hospitals. A cat scan was performed and he appears to be OK but will not be able to race after being unconscious for that amount of time. The other rider suffered a broken wrist and collar bone. We were doing a short test on our race bike and the front end was destroyed. After a long night of repairs, our race bike is ready and things are back on track minus one rider. As a result, the other team lost a rider as well. It is important to note that both riders had pre run partners that were able to assist. This was key for sure.
Thats two people that can't race because a little bit of caution was not exercised. Things could have been a lot worse.
I did not post the other teams number because I did not want this to turn into a bash thread. I just want people to be aware of the consequinces and to BE CAREFUL.

Big thanks to the HERBST crew who arrived on scene shortly after the accident and transported our rider to the hospital. They are a first class crew all the way.

[Josh_Westwood]

I'm glad to hear that everyone will be ok with a little time. Sorry to hear that your rider will be out of the race. Thanks for the reminder to be cautious and for people to use their heads.

Big thumbs up for the Herbst team for stepping in and helping.

[gil_caz]

awesome to hear stories from baja that end up with everyone alive and well because of other teams pitching in.

[Bill]

Man you guys just can`t catch a break.first the light bar and now this.Glad everyone is going to be okay.

[steveG]

It's good to hear everyone is going to be OK. Big props to the Herbst team for helping out.

[Vtr_Racing]

After ALL the stories, why do people constantly do this? It will happen of race day too. Crews going on course to get stranded cars/bikes etc.... USE CAUTION. You can seriously hurt someone.....

[bajaxp]

I am happy to hear everyone is going to be ok!

BGrant...maybe you are getting all of the 'bad Ju Ju' out of the way now, paving the way for a perfect race day!

Good luck!

MP

[Dezertpilot]

Glad to hear everyone was ok!!!! But seriously WTF backwards at a high rate of speed? This is just begging for a bad ending:(

[Tacochase]

After ALL the stories, why do people constantly do this? It will happen of race day too. Crews going on course to get stranded cars/bikes etc.... USE CAUTION. You can seriously hurt someone.....

Because they can.........and it won't happen to them.:(

[MX808]

I am glad to hear that everyone was ok. I know first hand how it feels to have an at speed head on with another racer and it does not feel good. As posted above with all the stories and countless times this has happened you would think someone would learn. Once it does happen it can change your outlook on how you prerun. I dont prerun on a bike unless our 4 seater is in front of me. Bright side is that both riders are ok and that the class act of a team, the herbst, were able to help out. Good luck to everyone in baja.

[Vtr_Racing]

Because they can.........and it won't happen to them.:(

Yeah I know!!!!! Ive had it happen to me, close call luckily.....

[lakelaurashawn]

I still just do not understand it, a really bad decision was made that ended up effecting both guys.

One rider knocked out, sprained neck and busted up back/shoulder and the other rider gets a broken collar bone and a broken wrist - two guys out who spent a lot of money and time to get here, all lost for carelessness.

Sure, I too am glad to hear that everyone is okay, but this thread should not even have surfaced if the wrong way rider observed some general consideration, patients and intuition for going the wrong way.

Also, both bikes sustained significant damage - one bike alone has a busted triple clamp, bent shocks, taco'ed front rim, bent front axle and a busted radiator.

Be Smart, Be thoughtful and think about your actions.

Lake

[fusionoffroad]

Bill stay safe brother and good luck. Your mexican track record is not so bueno