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Devon TRF Group Open Forum -> General Discussion Board -> Motorcyclist rescued after getting stuck in river
Post Info TOPIC: Motorcyclist rescued after getting stuck in river
Pete


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Motorcyclist rescued after getting stuck in river
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Someone had a bad day yesterday on 201-044

201-044.jpg

Devonlive reports that yesterday a motorcyclist had to be rescued from the river after the strong over fall from the dam washed him into the river.

He was pulled to safety by firemen. Looks to have been riding alone. I won't criticise as I have done the same. Anybody we know?

201-044 rescue.jpg

I know the DTRFG overlay comment for 201-044 warns riders to check the tide times but I am posting this to make people aware that even a few inches depth of water can be enough to drag a bike sideways when the water is running fast. The concrete ford is very slippery and can be extremely dangerous. 

I rode this ford for the first time on my third visit as I had not checked the tides on my previous rides and timed it wrong. 

Last time I rode across I was very very scared as the sideways water pressure caused the back wheel to step sideways each time I passed between the blocks holding up the footway where water rushes through the gaps. Scared but not worried as there were six of us. The water was only a few inches deep but running fast and the surface is slick with algae.

Have fun but take care out there people



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doug9270


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What was he thinking, after all the heavy rain we have had ???

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Pete


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He was probably thinking 'It is only a few inches deep I will be fine' after seeing less than a foot on the depth gauge and if you look at the firemen standing on the ford the water is not even knee deep but it can be impossible to stand in as little as six inches of fast flowing water especially when the surface is covered in slippery algae. The white water across the ford shows how fast it is running and it was not long ago on 3rd November 2023 a woman died after her car was washed down river here.

Rescue.jpg

I have seen people ride across the walkway to avoid getting wet but it is a big risk riding on a narrow ledge with deep water on one side and the ford on the other.

 



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NeilM


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He could well of gone across as Denham bridge is closed at the moment so it's a long way around to get to or from Bere Alston and surrounding area.



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wackyracer


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Muppets are increasing in numbers hmm

Wanted barnie there to show em how to ride the raised wall wink



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russell11031967


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We're doing this on my Tavi Lydford run on Saturday, showing our Essex guys around, hopefully a little less water flowing then!!

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youaintseenme


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First time I went to Lopwell, I thought the raised walkway was the way for walkers and bikers when the tide was in.
Yeah it could be intimidating but its easy enough once you get going and the grip is pretty acceptable.
Ironically I was more intimidated on another occasion whilst following our leader, as he fell off on the exit as he leaned a little and needed a bit more throttle.

Many moons ago we got back to Tarr Steps on Exmoor after a verry wet day and the river Barle was a raging torrent that was running just below the raised stone clappers.
We had to cross to get to our transport and we were cold and wet and its a long loop around via Dulverton, so we rode the stones.
Now that was intimidating and with hindsight probably a too big a risk, as ending up in that river could easily have been fatal. Not sure what my passenger thought  no



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