In the early days of the local MTB races, there was a race down Silver Canyon to Laws. Inyo SAR had first-aid teams stationed for the descent. We did a few minor repairs to some riders, including one guy who came off his ride at high speed and ripped the bottom off his lycra tights; extreme road rash.
The organizers had safety "catch-nets" positioned below some of the switch-backs, which actually caught a couple of bikes after their riders bailed. The riders ended in heaps on the road. It is a truly terrifying down-hill, but has several stream crossings lower in the canyon...to cool ya off.
Many of the participants worn dirt bike protective clothing and helmets. The race was discontinued after a couple of years, as being too dangerous.
The winner made it from the top to Laws in under one hour! Balls to the wall!
