Flrtn Loop, (Down the slope, knocked out cold)

Out of curiosity, went out and checked it out this afternoon to see what the condition of this death-trap of a hill is really is like.

The trail on the hill itself is fine. This whole hub-bub is over a wide, somewhat steep, non-rutted hill with a clear line, a good transition, and no sand until a good 25-30 feet after the transition. The surface of the hill is well packed and not loose, and even dragging brakes there is nothing technical to get hung up on.

These injuries are riders over their head. This is not personal criticisms; we ALL ride over our head from time to time, noobs or experienced riders. The point is that the trail in question is in good condition. This is an extra-credit trail anyhow; the main trail below is flat, and is perfectly safe for any rider.

(Not trying to start any more controversy, just wanted to give an update with the actual, right-now trail conditions after all the concern...)

 

I was thinking from the footage posted it certainly didn't look like something that would claim so many.. but I'm not a Loop rider, so it's foreign land to me..

 

If you ride the loop, you will see riders down at the bottom of that hill. The neighbors there are used to the ambulances. We know it as "Hospital Hill", as someone else mentioned in an earlier reply. I don't know why so many people crash. My guess is that the hill is steepest towards the bottom and there is some curve in the narrow path right before hitting an uneven concrete section. Between adjusting for the steep downhill and working the narrow curve, if a noobie is going too fast he/she may be unable to get into a balanced attack position before the jump.

 

^^^^I agree^^^^ personally I enjoy bombing down this hill flying across the concrete section and launching off the other side! I have also crept down it at walking speed do to some trail angles hiking up. I will say if you are less expirienced and un confident in your downhill abillities this hill is likely to chew you up and spit you out! :beer:

 

This hill claimed another today around 4 PM

23 yr. old female went down hard. Broken neck and in and out of conciseness taken to the UCI trama center.....not good : (

keep her in your prayers

 

Damn, the fullerton loop has been brutal lately

 

Lately?

Boy, you haven't been around here long.

 

I think the problem is, as people get towards the bottom they let off the brake figuring the steeps are done. But its kinda a g-out with a quick lip after you compress. Might catch a few off guard. You can really launch that at speed without even pulling up. Its like hitting the water breaks coming down Maple Springs.

 

That would be true, except I've seen a fair share of people eat it half way down and roll/slide the rest of the way. So it's definitely not just the exit..

 

This ^^^^^

People get scared and lock up the brakes ,In the long run this is going to affect us all as there is a sign up top that state NO BIKES

 

Im not sure why anyone would go down this lame fireroad anyways with so much cool singletrack in the area

 

Yep, Noobs panicking.

 

Yep, newbs riding beyond their limits. Take your time, build up your skills and the loop will continue to be a great "trail," for people working into mtn. biking. Just a word of caution; I got hit by a dad van last week finishing up the loop in rush hour traffic-be careful out there- it can be more dangerous than a real trail.

 

i was out riding yesterday and there was not a single rider out... this thread must've scared everyone away

 

Really ?

There were a lot of peeps out between 3-4 PM

I really hope the girl that crashed makes it .....she was in very bad shape.

 

http://youtu.be/YZQaYu2aQro

My daughter taken out, she is badly scraped, bruised and sore. Thank God for helmet, gloves and bashguard!!

 

hope she's ok and didn't get spooked away from riding in the dirt.

 

You've got it right. That was my biggest surprise the first time on the loop, before there was any sign BTW.

 

Wow man hope shes good as that looked nasty

 

Tell her she awesome because she is out there and we have all pretty much done the exact same thing...I...I heard