08/30/2026
Today, some longtime guests of ours flipped their SXS while riding the Coal Canyon Trail. Thankfully, no one was injured, but they were stranded and needed help getting their machine back upright. They called us first, and we immediately started trying to find help. We contacted local authorities and learned that their general orders prohibit them from attempting to recover the machine itself. They can assist riders in getting safely back to a vehicle, but there are limitations on what they can do with an overturned or disabled SXS. Spearhead Trails was eventually able to send a ranger out to help locate our guests. In the meantime, we contacted Derek Fuller with Haysi Offroad Adventures, LLC. Derek reached out to his uncle, Dwight, who was already riding in the area with family and friends. While searching for our guests, they crossed paths with the Spearhead ranger, who helped guide them to their location. Because of liability concerns, the ranger wasn't able to assist with the actual recovery of the SXS either.
That's when our local riders stepped in. Dwight and a friend positioned two SXSs, hooked up their winches, and were able to pull the machine back upright. Dwight said a bush had stopped the SXS from going farther over the edge and that the situation could have been much worse. Our guests offered to pay them for their help, but they wouldn't take a dime. Derek told me that his family, like most locals, look at helping another rider as an adventure and an opportunity to help someone in need.
The entire experience got us thinking:
What if there were one place where a stranded rider could quickly reach local people who are already nearby and willing to help?
So today we created the Breaks Area SXS Help Network.
It's a community group for both out-of-town visitors and local riders who get stuck, overturn, break down, run out of fuel, have a flat tire, or need other non-emergency assistance. Whether they're riding the Coal Canyon Trail System, Ridgeview Trail System, or local Outlaw Trails, we're asking local riders, residents, mechanics, businesses, landowners, and anyone who knows these mountains and is willing to lend a hand to join the group.
The more people we have throughout the area, the better chance there is that someone nearby can respond when a rider needs help. This does NOT replace 911 or emergency services. If someone is injured, missing, or in danger, call 911 first. If you ride these mountains, know these trails, or you're simply someone willing to help when you can, please join the Breaks Area SXS Help Network and share it with your riding friends.
Thank again to Austin at Breaks Interstate Park, the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office - Virginia and especially Derek with Haysi Offroad Adventures, LLC and his Uncle Dwight and everyone else who took the time to help our guests today. We want the people who visit us to have a great experience, feel welcome, and keep coming back to enjoy these beautiful mountains. I know the local businesses here in Breaks and nearby towns appreciate people like you who help make that happen.
JOIN HERE:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakssxshelp/
Riders Helping Riders. Locals Helping Visitors.