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Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 02/08/2009 08:53 AM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 02/08/2009 08:56 AM
Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM
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Slippin’ and a Slidin’ to the Slopes~By the PineTree Pedaler, Brett Loring
Written by Columnist, ThePineTree Pedaler, Brett Loring
Two early morning vehicle spinouts on Highway 4 detained us a bit on our way to the slopes today. Both, just east of Black Springs Road, occurred almost simultaneously at about 8:10 a.m. Anticipating four inches of fresh powder at Bear Valley, my son had his snowboard in the back of the F350. But I, noting the swirling snow blown by a cold wind on the roadway, had decided it would be a great day to park myself and my laptop in the warm lodge and, fueled by coffee, attack all my leftover work piles from the week while he shredded on the back side of the Mountain.....
As we passed Cottage Springs, I noted a few slick spots on the pavement where at about 25 m.p.h. even the brand new, aggressive snow tires on the rear end of the pick-up would lose traction on some of the curves and shift the back end of the truck one way or the other. I decreased my speed and switched over to four-wheel-drive. It was minutes later that I spotted a road flare, but no immediate sign of an accident. As I slowed, I noticed a solitary, occupied SUV off the embankment of the north side of the highway, facing the wrong direction and camouflaged in its resting spot amidst a stand of small pines that impeded its ability to drive out. After making sure the occupants were okay, I stopped and grabbed a handsaw that is part of a winter emergency tub I carry in each vehicle, and proceeded to reduce to stumps about 5 small trees. The driver, and still-hopeful skier, was then able to engage four wheel drive and climb up out of the embankment. They thanked me profusely and offered to take me and my son to a Giants game next time we are in the Bay Area!
Then just less than a mile up the highway, there was a group of young people spun-out in the snowbank, snow up to the doors of the SUV. They were high-centered. I hooked up a tow strap and attempted to pull them straight out, but traction was not to be had on this icy section of road. So I turned around and faced down the highway while passengers directed traffic and one hearty member of their crew borrowed my shovel to remove some snow. I then pulled them out at angle and they were very happy to be able to continue on their way to the slopes, some to play and some to work.
Just a reminder to all who may drive the icy roads whether daily as residents or as visitors to the area: ice and slippery conditions may not be obvious until momentum and speed get out of control – then it’s too late. Helpful tools to have in the vehicle when driving in snow and ice include gloves, shovel, tow strap with hooks, chains/cables, hand warmers, emergency blanket, cell phone, road flares, food and water (and for me today, a saw). These tools have now helped me rescue myself in the past and 5 others this season alone. Be prepared, be winter wary and wise.
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