71-year-old mountain biker rescued from Vernon's Ellison Park

Photo: City of Vernon

Vernon firefighters use a "fat tire" during Thursday's rescue.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.

A 71-year-old mountain biker was rescued from Ellison Park Thursday afternoon after crashing her bike.

At about 1:15 p.m., Vernon Fire Rescue was called to the Ellison Connector Mountain Biking Trail on the east shore of Okanagan Lake. The biker had crashed about six kilometres from the parking lot.

Seven firefighters helped the woman out of the park, using a spine board, basket stretcher and a “fat wheel.” The woman's injuries were not disclosed.

“The fat tire is a brand new piece of equipment we’ve recently added to our toolkit,” said Deputy Chief Dwight Seymour. “It actually went into service within the last couple weeks and proved to be an exceptionally helpful tool with today’s rescue.”

The woman was transported to hospital by the BC Ambulance Service, and the on-duty captain said she appeared to be in “good spirits.”

UPDATE 2:18 p.m.

Riding companions of the unidentified woman said she was with a group of seven.

She was riding near the back of the pack when she missed corner and “went down hard.”

While not confirmed, Castanet was told the woman injured shoulder, back and ribs.

ORIGINAL

Vernon Fire Rescue crews have been called to the mountain bike trails near Ellison Provincial Park.

There are reports a woman has been injured at the trail system near the Ellison campgrounds.

Crews were called out at 1:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

Castanet will have more information as soon as it becomes available.