Chaffee County Search and Rescue-South (CCSAR-S) assisted a New Mexico woman after she fell while mountain biking on the Greens Creek trail Sunday.  Another mountain biker contacted Chaffee County Communications Center at about 1:45pm to report that Libby MacAlister, 33, of Taos, New Mexico had fallen at a point approximately two miles down the Greens Creek trail from the intersection with the Monarch Crest trail and suffered an arm injury.  The caller reported that she needed assistance getting down the trail.

CCSAR-S was in the middle of their annual fundraiser, the Angel of Shavano Car Show, in Riverside Park in Salida at the time the call came in, but mobilized with seven rescuers.  A hiking party of SAR members intercepted MacAlister as she and a companion were walking out down the Greens Creek trail.  After medical attention from the SAR group MacAlister was able to finish the walk out and was transported to Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center by SAR personnel.  In all, MacAlister walked out a total of five miles with a dislocated elbow.  Other mountain bikers riding in the area were instrumental in bringing out the bicycles of MacAlister and her companion and for arranging to shuttle their vehicle from the Monarch Crest trailhead to the hospital.

CCSAR-S would like to remind everyone that the monsoon season has started and it is especially important to finish your hike or ride early in the day to avoid thunderstorms.  Don’t forget to pack rain gear and plenty of food and water.   More information on what to bring can be found at http://chaffeesarsouth.org.