U.S. Highway 6 Stats

There were 519 fatal and serious injury crashes between Spanish Fork and Green River in Utah from 1996-2008. Of those:

117 were at night

280 were during the day

84 were in bad weather

260 were in clear weather

9 involved collisions with animals

32 were DUIs

46 involved driver fatigue

145 involved speeding

288 involved driving off the road or into traffic

Statistics found on:

http://www.npr.org/2009/11/29/120716625/the-deadliest-roads-are-rural

This section of highway has been called the most dangerous road in America. I live in Spanish Fork and I have been on this road more times then I care to count. As you can see in the stats, no bicycles! So I was trying to understand why there are so many fatal accidents on this road. I think the stats are somewhat revealing. First get rid of the time of day (day time or night time). Than get rid of weather factor (Bad weather does't seem to make it worse because people drive more careful in bad weather?). The big numbers you have left are: "288 involved driving off the road or into traffic" and "145 involved speeding". People drive this road fast, after all it is about 60 miles from the civilization of Spanish Fork to the civilization of Price, Utah. Between that section there is some beautiful scenery, mountain off road trails, hunting, rappelling, hot springs, fishing, hiking, youth camps, mining, rock hounding, exploring and some great mountain biking. This all adds up to people driving into and out of a highway of speeding vehicles. Utah drivers are the worst at this. It is like a disease here. I have even found myself doing this. My apologies to everyone I have cut off wile entering traffic. I think the case is solved (gavel comes down with a long echo). 

Bike ride up highway 6 was a great uphill workout. loved it, thanks to the Lance Armstrong philosophy of riding. In the way of serendipity I found on the highway: One spool of fishing line, one deer antler, two pairs of sun glasses, three bungee chords, one socket wrench and one roll of electrical tape. Good thing I brought at least one pannier. 

Old Technology

I was looking at a friends old steel cromoly frame yesterday and I was thinking how much I really liked it. Don't get me wrong. I have a full suspension mountain bike and there is no way I would want that to be steel.  However, take away the suspension and it is hard to beet the steel frame for the back roads. There is something to be said about simplicity. This inspired me to think about other things that I liked better the old school way. I really like my old 1980's Cannondale panniers. They are really solid and have held up well over the years.

Keep in mind, not everything old is better. Lighting has sure changed. My 1980's halogen light does not hold a candle (pun intended) to my 1600 lumen flashlight for under ten dollars. The mount cost me just a few dollars and the lighting is amazing and adjustable. Now back to the mount. It was not very expensive and I think we can categorize this one as "cheap". I am on my second one. They do not hold up well under stress. I suppose I could afford to buy several at that price however, I would rather pay more for one that would hold up to rougher riding.

This 300 lumen flashlight with mount holds up better. But I have to have the lighting. At this point I can't go backwards. 

300 lumen vs 1600 lumen is a no brainer.

Happy Trails! Rest in the shade.

Cotton on the Trail

The cottonwoods are so beautiful this time of the year but keep your fingers out of your eyes or they will swell shut. Enjoy your ride!