I came....I saw.....I hate gravity!

[sundial]

I rode my new girl Carmine on the trails and just about every ride I do something stupid--like fall. And it happens as I've come to a stop on uneven terrain, a slope, or something else. :rolleyes: I'm unclipped on one side but I inevitably fall on the other side. And one time as I'm mounting my bike, the spandex catches the nose of the seat and I lose my balance. Dumb, dumb! At least it doesn't hurt to fall on the trails like it would on the road. :eek: I had good intentions of capturing Carmine's best side with a respectable amount of dirt on her when the camera battery died. :mad: So bear with me, I'll get a photo of my Specialized Rockhopper comp on the trail hopefully tomorrow. :rolleyes:

[Tri Girl]

I don't consider it a successful mtn bike ride if I DON'T fall and injure myself. ;)
Let's see that bike all caked in dirt and glory.

[uforgot]

It's the LAW!:D

[7rider]

I don't consider it a successful mtn bike ride if I DON'T fall and injure myself. ;)
Let's see that bike all caked in dirt and glory.

It's like skiing...it's not a real day if you don't taste the ground at least once! :D It's part of that whole "communing with nature" thing.

[DirtDiva]

Someone (who shall remain nameless ;)) endoed twice on her last ride... It's all part of the fun. :D

[sundial]

You gals are serious mtb'ers and you fall in a most noble fashion. I'm just a lowly tomboy that wants to fly through the sticks, vines, small stumps and the like without falling when I've come to a complete stop. Or because my tights is duking it out with the saddle. :rolleyes:

Gotta wait this afternoon before I can go out to play. Got the camera charged up this time.

[sundial]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/2dogcrew/Rockhopper.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/2dogcrew/Rockhoppertrail.jpg

Pics as promised. :)

I had a bad accident today. I came off the trail onto the pavement and I was going downhill around a curve while glancing over to another trailhead. I braked with both hands but I grabbed the front brake too hard and before I knew it, I flew over it, landed on my chest and felt my front teeth grind against the pavement. My chin did too. How I didn't end up with road rash is beyond me. My teeth are ok. My elbow hurts really bad. It happened so quick I don't remember if or how I braced with my arm. I think the nerve running from the pinky to my elbow is what's hurting right now. I feel like crying. I'm really sad about my crash. I wonder if I shouldn't ride my mtb now. :(

[elk]

Gosh darn it, Girl...I'm sorry you had a nasty crash....poor teeth and elbow:(

[crazycanuck]

:( sorry to hear you had a bad endo :(

don't give up on mtn biking because of it. go out again! do it for the gipper :rolleyes:
:o

i can't wait til the day i get to go mtn biking again :o :D :)

c

[sundial]

Thank you Elk and CC for your words of comfort. I'm pretty weepy right now. I just wanted to ride and have fun. :( I'm going to take a pain pill now and go to bed. Maybe it will be better in the morning.

[emily_in_nc]

So sorry for your fall, sundial, and hope you feel better soon! If it's any comfort, I fell about 5-6 times last year on my mtb, and have not fallen ONCE this year! I do ride on pretty wimpy trails compared to a lot of the gals here, and only once a week most of the time, but still, there is hope for you, so please don't give up!

I do relate to what you are saying -- unlike a lot of mtbers I know, I don't view falling as a badge to be worn proudly, I view it as evidence that I made a mistake, and I take care to avoid doing whatever it is that caused me to fall the next time. So, I am much more cautious than a lot of mtbers, go slower, will get off and walk if I get nervous, and won't ride certain trails at all, but I really value not being in pain or abject terror! :o

Heal up fast....

Emily

[blueskies]

Man, there have been just too many crashes lately! So sorry you're hurting, Sundial... especially out on your brand new (and very photogenic might I add) bike.

[mudgirl]

Ooooooh, me likey the new bikey!!! :D

Sorry to hear about your crash! Don't give up. Just start out slowly again. I had a really bad crash back in July. I had to go back to the easiest trails I had first started out on and work my way back up to the harder stuff in order to get my confidence back. Luckily it only took a couple months instead of a year! Just take it easy for a few rides and get "reaquainted" with your bike.

[Tuckervill]

Ow, I'm sorry. I'm cringing about teeth on pavement! oy.

I had the hardest time getting used to the suspension on the fork when I stopped. If you hit the brakes too hard, then the suspension gives, it's easy to do an endo. Once I realized what would happen, I learned to compensate...but maybe that contributed to your accident?

Don't stop! Maybe take it a little more easy and anticipate a little better? The only real wreck I've had mtb-ing is when I didn't anticipate what could happen and take steps to avoid it. Going through a little creek on a big flat rock, on a curve--bike went right out from under me and I landed on my knee. You can betcha I won't be forgetting that next time I see a big flat wet rock!

That's making me want to get back out there. :::must survive fitness boot camp:::must not ride:::must not waste money spent on fitness boot camp:::must not ride:::

Karen

[Tuckervill]

Hey, Sundial, what trail were you on? I don't know anything about trails on that side of the world, but I'd like to. That leaf covered trail looks nice!

Karen

[sundial]

Good morning girls. I slept some during the night and tried to sleep in but the fur kids are very persistent that mom get up and play. I still have swelling below my elbow and I've got an appt to see my doc this afternoon. I have bruises in strange places and I can't figure out what I hit on my way down. My chin is sore but would you believe no bruise? I feel like Festus on Gunsmoke, my arm just hangs and I kinda drag the left leg too. Got a whopper of a bruise on the inside of my left knee. :(

Tuckervill, I rode a trail inside Old Davidsonville State Park.

Mudgirl, blueskies and Emily, thank you for the encouragement. I would have taken Carmine back out today if I felt up to it. I'll get back on her in no time.

[blueskies]

Let us know what the doctor says...

[Brandi]

Ouchi ouchi ouchi wawa! My comment on your fall! get back on that horse though don't let it stop you!

[Tuckervill]

Heal quick!

Karen

[sundial]

Just got back from the doc's.........

I have a sprained elbow and a MCL sprain of the left knee. We thought initially I had fractured the radial head but it looked fine on the x-ray. I'll have to use a knee immobilizer as well as the sling for my arm for the week. :(

I think I'll take my pain pill now and head to bed.

[Kano]

When I was on the main forum page, I got excited when I saw what's shown of this thread on my screen:

Under the topic "Mountain Biking"

I Came... I Saw... I Hate....

It just looked like the mountain biking thread for me!

Sadly, it's not -- I'm sorry to read about your injuries, Sundial. It doesn't sound like an experience I want to have ever! It's a great looking bike, though, and maybe she's "trained" now, never to throw you again. Take care, I hope the doctor says nothing's too seriously wounded, and you're back to normal in no time!

Karen in Boise

[sundial]

Karen, don't let my mishaps stop you. Your pride will hurt more than your body when you fall. It doesn't hurt to fall on the leaves or grass. I pretty much ride a very easy trail--on purpose. Dumb dumb me decided to make my fall count on asphalt.

[sundial]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/2dogcrew/maple.jpg

See what you're missing? ;)

[Julie V]

Sundial, I'm so sorry. I feel your pain and hope you don't give up. I went a couple of days ago on a trail that was called a beginner but way too hard for this first timer, fell at least 10 times. Besides all the bruises on my left side, I have some very sore ribs. The sunset was beautiful, my friends were helpful and supportive but I bit off more than I could chew. I'll be nervous next time I go out but we just have to try again. I agree with the previous post, who needs to fall but I guess it goes with the territory. Hang in there.

[Kano]

Oh THAT kind of "mountain" biking! That's a nice place to ride, nothing like the stuff DH thinks we should "mountain" bike on -- real mountains, doncha know!

Karen in Boise

[divingbiker]

Hope you're feeling better every day...endos hurt like heck. Love the red bike!

[Starfish]

...O Sundial, I am so sorry to hear about your spill. I haven't been on TE for awhile, and I just checked in and found this!

Caring & prayers coming your way!! HUG!

[snowtulip]

Hi Sundial, your bike looks beautiful! Sorry about your crash, I sprained my knee a few summers ago while mountain biking. I hope you give it another chance, it's so much fun! I've gotten used to crashing and you do get better at crashing with more practice:p I'm not an expert mountain biker, but would consider myself an expert crasher (I've been complimented). To me, it's worth it to be out on the trail, crashes and all!

Hope you feel better soon!

[DirtDiva]

98% of all my offs occur at very low speeds. I tend to eat more pride than dirt. :rolleyes:

[Tri Girl]

Ouch Sundial- sorry to hear about your crash! That was a bad one! I hope you heal up quickly!!!!
On the other end of the spectrum- your bike is GORGEOUS!!!!

For the first month or two of mtn biking each fall I'm such a HUGE weenie on the trail (and that's when I crash the most). I'm timid of descents, roots, rocks... everything. It seems I get my courage back and then I'm flying along, and hardly crashing at all. I can't wait for my courage to return...:rolleyes: I've crashed everytime I've ridden lately, but I still go back out or I know I'll be too scared to continue.

Rest up, take care of yourself, and hit the trails when you're healed. We "supposedly" learn from our mistakes, so hopefully you won't crash like you did again (doggone front brakes make me cranky- I've loosened that brake a bit so it doesn't pull as hard as the back- endo'ing sucks).

[sundial]

You gals are so great to have as company. :) I really do appreciate your words of encouragement as well as your personal testimonies of rides gone bad. :o Your prayers and thoughts are helping me. I slept much better last night and I am not as sore today as I was yesterday. I'm on the mend!

I was just thinking about adjusting the front brake so that it wouldn't grab as bad. I guess that's a good idea, right?

Snowtulip, I'm curious about your crashes. Do you just relax and go with the flow? I think that's what I did--at least I think I did. I certainly didn't have time to react.

Since I can't be out biking, would you guys do something fun for me? Would you post a picture of your favorite trail? I really like the different terrains you ride. I don't have many pics of the trails I ride, but I have this gorgeous sunset to share.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/2dogcrew/SeptemberSunset1.jpg

Cathy

[Tuckervill]

Beautemous!

Here's a pic of the bridge/dam over Lake Leatherwood in Eureka Springs. This was taken sometime in February, I think. It was taken after I fell on the flat rock I told you about earlier.

Karen

[blueskies]

Gorgeous sunset.

I don't have a mountain bike (yet!!!), so I'll post a picture from one of my favorite places to hike, the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park.

[DirtDiva]

Personally, I wouldn't adjust the front brake - there are times when you will need all the braking power you've got. Try instead to keep your weight a little further back when you stop so you are less likely to go over the bars, or just slow down more before you get there! ;)

[snowtulip]

Sundial, I've learned to just naturally duck and roll (it's automatic now), although I attribute it to following dh on his downhill course runs when he used to race. I also think the more you get used to mountain biking, you don't often have that blackout feel (how did this happen?), you seem more aware, at least for me that's how it worked.

This is one of my favorite days of riding, we did a self-supported mountain bike tour of the Colorado trail a few years ago (still have some of the distance to finish). It took some time getting used to having the rear panniers on some of the singletrack, but I loved the meadows becuase there was always plenty of room for my panniers and the wildflowers were amazing. Enjoy!

[crazycanuck]

This isn't the greatest photo showing singletrack or a good trail in Western Australia but until i find one, this'll have to do!

[sundial]

I felt my elbow give way on 3 occasions and I called my regular doc to report it. He in turn called in to his favorite ortho friend and got me in to see his partner on Friday afternoon. :) Turns out it was the ortho doc I had planned on seeing because he's an avid cyclist. :cool:

He examined my elbow and stated that it would heal on it's own. Surgery is not indicated. Yay! I did graduate from the sling to a hinged elbow brace for support. He also told me I could wear a supportive spandex brace on the left knee and to not use the knee immobilizer. Yippee! I have to rest it for 2 weeks and I'll have another follow-up visit. And being the true cyclist that he is, he asked how my bike faired in the endo. :)

I have really enjoyed seeing pics of the different trails. Thank you all.

Crazycanuck I almost expect to see a wallaby cross the trail.
Snowtulip I just love that shot of the trail. I would be a nervous wreck though if I tried riding it. It looks so narrow. I could just see me tipping over and sliding down the hill. :eek:
Dirdiva my husband is going to talk to our favorite mechanic about this and we'll decide. I think he's in the protection mode right now and doesn't want to see me take a bad spill like that anytime soon. :(
Tuckervill, my knee hurt everytime I read about your rock encounter. Did you shatter your knee cap? :eek: :( I would have definitely cried mommy if I had fallen on that rock. Ack! I love that bridge. I didn't know Eureka Springs had a trail there. We'll have to give it a whirl next time we're there--but not go kamikaze. ;)

[Tuckervill]

Sundial, it's an easy trail, but there are about 14 miles around Lake Leatherwood and you can do a lot of switchbacks and climbing if you want.

I only do easy trails. :) Fossil Flats at Devil's Den, Lake Wedington Trail in the Ozark National Forest.

No, I didn't hurt my knee at all. Here's a picture of me that day, and my injury, when I weighed 25 lbs heavier. Amazingly, that's the only injury I've had on the bike. I was so proud I made Will take a picture of it!

I'm glad to hear your elbow needs no surgery!

Karen

[snowtulip]

Sundial, that's great news about not having to have surgery!!!!!:D :D I thought of you when we had some cranes flying over our house this morning, thought it'd be a great calming feel better photo, but alas, no camera on hand!

[sundial]

I missed the cranes?? What kind?

Tuckervill, that's a pretty good ding you took to the knee. :eek:

[Tuckervill]

Nah, it was nuthin'. Didn't even tear my pants. But I still have the scars. This old skin doesn't heal up like it used to.

The worst scar I have (besides my surgeries) is one I did with my own thumbnail while driving! Just turned the wheel with my other hand on the lap, and my thumbnail sliced right through the skin near the webbing by my thumb. Didn't hurt much, but it left a scar!

Karen

[Kano]

This is one of my favorite days of riding, we did a self-supported mountain bike tour of the Colorado trail a few years ago (still have some of the distance to finish). It took some time getting used to having the rear panniers on some of the singletrack, but I loved the meadows becuase there was always plenty of room for my panniers and the wildflowers were amazing. Enjoy!


Snowtulip, this is a LOVELY picture! Would that the mountain biking trips DH has dragged me along on were so delightful! (and I could really enjoy Sundial's dappled trails!)

Sundial -- see that nifty narrow trail? up the rock count, and rotate that picture about 25 degrees clockwise, then dry out all the vegetation and add thorns. Then you'll have the stuff DH thinks I should like to ride on. Oh, and make it go downhill, as well as narrow ledge on the side of a steep mountain!

And thus, my enjoyment of the "I came, I saw, I Hate" topic line that shows on my screen when I see this thread on the main forum page!

Karen in Boise

[sundial]

I'm headed to the studio this morning to paint. :) I have evil thoughts of putting my bike on the trainer to get a ride in.