Risk Management Magazine

On one of our rides, we decided to enjoy the majestic beauty of God’s creation by cruising to the Crazy Horse Memorial and then down to Custer State Park. Traffic in our direction was pretty light that morning and only slightly busier in the oncoming northbound lanes. We were enjoying the ride — but that was about to dramatically change.

As the cotter pin began to yield to the technician's efforts, an unforeseen consequence arose. In the heat of the moment, the technician underestimated the amount of force required to dislodge the pin completely. With a sudden and unexpected release of tension, the cotter pin broke free from its moorings, propelled by the force exerted by the technician.

While holding onto a rock to stabilize myself, I felt the ground beneath my feet begin to give way. At this point, any movement made my grip weaker. Eventually, I couldn’t hold on any longer and fell. I slid backward for 40 yards down an extremely steep ridge. Luckily, I hit a tree and flipped onto my stomach, still sliding down at a rapid pace.