Lyons mountain biker rescued

A 60-year-old Lyons mountain biker suffered a serious leg injury after crashing on Picture Rock Trail on Wednesday evening and had to be transported down to the trailhead for medical attention.

Just before 7 p.m., the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a man with a possible broken ankle approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead, and dispatched responders to the scene.

Picture Rock Trail is near Lyons on the north side of Heil Ranch. Rescuers from Lyons Fire Protection District and a Boulder County Open Space ranger were the first to arrive and hiked up to the patient with members of the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, who also responded.

Carrie Haverfield, public information officer for the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, told the Times-call there are many similar incidents in the area.

“Rocky Mountain Rescue Group is one of the busiest search and rescue units in the country,” she said.

“They’re experts.”

After stabilizing the injured rider, rescuers used a litter with a wheel to transport him down to an American Medical Rescue ambulance waiting at the bottom of the trail.

The rescue took about an hour. The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

With summer recreation beginning to ramp up, Haverfield recommends anyone recreating in Boulder County be prepared for anything.

“Sometimes accidents just happen, of course, and we are certainly willing and able to help assist people, but know your limits. Make sure you’re paying attention to weather conditions, like for example 80 degrees today, snow tomorrow.”

She advises everyone to call the sheriff’s office if they need help. However, she cautioned service can get lost while backcountry areas and phone calls often don’t often go through.

“You can always text us. Text 911 is a service that works throughout Boulder County.” the technical