Another 5th gen flipped on Black Bear Pass...
- Thread starter cmilviper
- Start date
All roads/passes on the Alpine Loop have had the same conditions this entire summer (it was far worse last month), that still doesn't justify the flop. As others have already noted, it appears by the position of where he ended up that he hugged the right side a little too much and likely rode up the embankment causing the tip over once he cut the wheels to the left. Who knows for sure what all led up to this incident, but one certainly can't blame the melting snow and runoff for this incident.
The Alpine Loop can be a very docile and easily traversable experience, but there are areas where it can easily go south in a hurry if you aren't attentive and pick the wrong line, but from my experience there on both two wheels (much more sketch in some instances and easier in others) and four, that particular spot on BB is far from treacherous.
Regardless, I feel bad for the owner/driver, no one wants to see this type of incident and I hope that everyone involved was ok. Sadly, like noted in the last BB flop thread, incidents like these will only help fuel the fire of those looking to close that pass and maybe even others to future vehicle travel.
July 2019, Alpine Loop
i don't know where the myth started that offroad accidents aren't covered by insurance, but unless your policy has a statement excluding something it's covered. just read your policy, they follow standard language for the state (and pretty similar between states) so it's really easy to skim to the part where they list all of the exclusions. everyone needs to read their policy, you can usually get the full documents online.
you can't find out if your vehicle is covered offroad by googling, you need to read your actual policy. nothing you find on google will be helpful at all, the only thing that matters is what it says in your policy documents.
the closest I have ever had to anything that excludes offroad driving was a statement about speed exhibitions or something. i've used geico, nationwide, and farm bureau and so far no exclusions for offroading.
CentcomPete
Member
Wow - Great Pics! Can't imagine driving on roads like that but I'd love to with someone, or a group, with experience - says the guy in Florida . . .
EboneCapone
New member
Yes.
I was a 18 year old in an 2003 mustang mach 1. Just put new nitto tires on it. doing a burnout/launch in a parking lot, and drove over a curb and crashed into a light pole. $10k damage and they didn't total it. Got it fixed, and traded it in right way to a dealership to avoid increase in insurance costs.
Mutant138
Banned
Red Dog Leader
New member
Update on it is that BB was/is closed until today (Thursday) only occupant was the driver from Des Moines, IA and sustained only minor injuries.
Didn't say if he was wheeling alone, but I hope not.
I do know that spot on BB is really the only spot that will make you pucker and pay attention. I ran my Rubicon down that, and it takes a pretty good dip with the rear passenger tire, so if you're up too high on the wall (which you shouldn't be on the wall) this is likely to occur. Black Bear is rated difficult due to a few pucker spots like this. The other 2 I would say are the off camber section on the solid, wet rock at the top of the switchbacks and then the 1st switchback. Other than that it is a gravel road. This is done often by full size pickups and even H1's. He made a mistake....a very expensive one. I can't imagine the recovery cost....and the getting it home to Iowa cost.
I believe it is a marked, state road as a lot of the jeep trails are in CO. This allows funding for snow clearing and maintenance as summer off road activities are huge for tourism in CO. I've heard the county sheriff patrols BB, but I too have only seen the Ranger, although he did say he's written tickets at the top for those who have started down toward Telluride and turned around. It is one way from the top of the pass.
This kinda proves that an off road capable vehicle makes not an operator off road capable.
Be careful out there.
Didn't say if he was wheeling alone, but I hope not.
I do know that spot on BB is really the only spot that will make you pucker and pay attention. I ran my Rubicon down that, and it takes a pretty good dip with the rear passenger tire, so if you're up too high on the wall (which you shouldn't be on the wall) this is likely to occur. Black Bear is rated difficult due to a few pucker spots like this. The other 2 I would say are the off camber section on the solid, wet rock at the top of the switchbacks and then the 1st switchback. Other than that it is a gravel road. This is done often by full size pickups and even H1's. He made a mistake....a very expensive one. I can't imagine the recovery cost....and the getting it home to Iowa cost.
I believe it is a marked, state road as a lot of the jeep trails are in CO. This allows funding for snow clearing and maintenance as summer off road activities are huge for tourism in CO. I've heard the county sheriff patrols BB, but I too have only seen the Ranger, although he did say he's written tickets at the top for those who have started down toward Telluride and turned around. It is one way from the top of the pass.
This kinda proves that an off road capable vehicle makes not an operator off road capable.
Be careful out there.
Last edited:
Spanky4R
New member
Last edited:
Having just gone through the process to see my 2014 4Runner deemed a total loss in a more traditional method (t-boned on a well-traveled road), I'm sure sure this 4Runner is totaled. If insurance is involved, there will be no shipping it back to Iowa, unless he buys it back from his insurance company.
You can do it quite easily in a stock 4x4. Just follow the proper lines and have a good time.
MaddoxPics
New member
Honestly you can stay on the brakes just keep it consistent. Most of these people slam on them once it starts to come up and that's when everything goes to shit.
intercede007
New member
Man that's scary. I'm new to this, and I figured bugging out was always an option. I guess it still is, listening to my inner voice might just come with a fine.
Looking at trailsoffroad.com, this is a straight-through trail. I should take that to mean there is no turning back?
lol, maybe! But at least I won't be throwing $40,000-60,000 into a dumpster and setting it on fire. So I got that going for me...
Last edited:
You mean not commit felony insurance fraud? I'd bet the majority of people tell the truth on their claims.
mteolus
New member
Alpine Loop is easy. I did it way back in the 80's in an AMC Eagle with no 4-Lo uphill and downhill. But if you are scared of the heights and don't want to drive too close to the edge, then it is certainly not recommended.
Black Bear is probably like a rock climbing route rated 5.4x. Easy climbing but the penalties for failure are high.
Black Bear is probably like a rock climbing route rated 5.4x. Easy climbing but the penalties for failure are high.
holy shit, that just gives me anxiety watching the video.
Bumbo
New member
As long as you have comp and collision, pretty sure things like that are still covered. Accident or stupidity, even if at fault.
Even if you did something on-road at fault like rear ending someone, your car is still fixed and insurance is there to get you back on the road. You might pay for it with increased premiums, which will most likely stay on your record and follow you for a few years regardless of which insurance company you decide to switch to.
mteolus
New member
They should have a race down it like the Pikes Peak race. See who can do it the fastest.
ScarfaceT4R
New member
That goat had me LOL over hear at work like a crazy person
Similar threads
