How not to rappel

[Therrin]

Went out and did some rope work training off of a railroad bridge today.

We ended up having a great time. Got some good pictures and this niffty little video clip I put together.

Real Australian rappelling is something else entirely, but I think this is more like what it should be!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgStXBaIDRQ

[silverstate55]

Nice! A little "Mission Impossible" style, eh?

[josh bernhard]

Was the bridge still in commission?! If so, that was entirely illegal (partly because the bridge is private property).

If it was abandoned, ignore this post.

[Joanne]

Was the bridge still in commission?! If so, that was entirely illegal (partly because the bridge is private property).

If it was abandoned, ignore this post.

Hey Josh, I watched the video and it looks like the bridge that is no longer used by the railroad and has been converted to a pedestrian bridge.

Joanne

[Therrin]

Yup, it's been converted for pedestrian use.


Are you suggesting that a guy like ME would TRESSPASS or commit illegal acts in order to explore or climb on something??? I am SHOCKED sir! Truly shocked!!

[josh bernhard]

Forgive me...not knowing the location or circumstances, I spoke too soon...

The reason for my post was because I deal with a lot of intelligent and well-intentioned people who are knowledgable in many fields and concerned about safety, yet somehow believe railroad equipment and the associated structures are a free-for-all...

Even professional photography studios are at fault, you will not believe how many of them I have seen halfway across the second of the three-span 12th street (Ogden) bridge taking pictures of little children, on chairs, in the middle of the track. Little do they know that that line is known as one of the busiest in the state...and if a train comes, they have little choice but to jump...

So, I am at fault, sorry if I offended.

[Therrin]

Uh, no offense taken. I think you completely misunderstood what I was saying though.

[Stuart]

I so want to try the upside down rappelling, looks like a blast! There are a few shafts out there where it might come in handy.

[Therrin]

Well, the only downside, if you're not using a mechanical descender;
is that if you lose any grip on your brake-hand, you smash face-first into whatever is underneath you.

I was actually using a petzl reverso ATC on that run, the rack would probably be better. I still need to get a Stop. I couldn't figure out if I wanted a Stop, a Rig, or an I'D