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Mountain Biker Falls 200 feet from Portal Trail Wednesday, October 14, 1998 A mountain biker was killed yesterday afternoon after falling approximately 200 feet from a biking trail in Moab, Utah. Kevin Kirk, 43, of Conifer, Colorado was killed at four o'clock yesterday when he fell from the Portal Trail, just west of Moab, along the Colorado River. Kirk was riding the highly exposed trail with two friends when the accident occurred. His bike was found 10 feet below the point where he fell. The two friends immediately went for help and hikers guided rescue workers to the site. The Grand County Sheriff, Grand County Search and Rescue and Arches National Park authorities responded but could do nothing but recover the body.
The Portal Trail is very exposed, with drops up to several hundred feet. Local police said at least one biker has been killed on the trail every year for the past four years. Local bike maps warn that "if you are not a solid bike handler, if you suffer from vertigo, or do not recognize your own limits, don't try this. It also warns, "the walk down with your bike is harder than the ride." — Hans Prosl, Mountain Zone Staff *Editor's Note: Prosl is in Utah covering the 24 Hours Of Moab endurance race |
