Bike crash (long)

[pfunk12]

I was thinking of posting this under June 6th rides but since it wasn't much of a ride, I thought it deserved it's own post. After only riding about a mile this morning, I crashed. I was on a stretch of road that is closed to motorized vehicles on the weekend. I had just yelled, "Passing on your left" to a slower moving couple. I saw 2 cyclists heading my way so I started to veer back over to the right. My tire got stuck in a rut on the double yellow line so the bike started wobbling back and forth (I was NOT in control at that point). When the bike eventually moved over to the right lane, because of the slick, wet road (it's been raining a lot lately), I wiped out. The bike slid under me and the left side of my body took the fall. Fortunately, since it was early on in the ride, I was not going too fast. The couple stopped and the woman helped me up. They kept asking if I was okay and the first thing I said was, "Is my bike okay?!!" Classic. They probably thought I was crazy. The guy that had passed did a U-turn and came back to see if I was okay. All I remember is that he said that he actually had a clean handkerchief (for once) and he wrapped it around my bloody elbow. I remember saying that I lived close by and I would be fine getting home. :confused: I'm assuming that it was the combination of being an athlete (toughness) plus the adrenaline that made me get back on the bike. Dangerous combination since this equals stupidity. :o After that, it's a blur. I don't remember getting on the bike. I don't remember clipping my shoes in the pedals. I don't remember biking home. I don't remember going through 3 stop signs or up the steep climb to my home. I don't remember pulling in the parking lot. I don't remember walking in the door. I got inside and looked at my daughter and asked her if it was Saturday or Sunday. I asked her where her little sister was (the one I had dropped off somewhere earlier). She looked at me and said, "What's our dog's name?!!!" THAT I could remember. I knew I had to get to the ER so she called my friend/neighbor. This story could be even longer because I had the pleasure of hanging out with my friend for a few hours at the ER and also 2 of her college friends - who were in town for their 40th college reunion. It was definitely the most entertaining ER visit I ever had in my life! The bottom line is that I am fine but I have a nasty cut/bruise on my left knee, major road rash on my entire quad and a part of my shoulder, and an open wound on my elbow (they couldn't stitch it because there was no skin left :eek:) But of course the scary part was the memory loss. So they did a CT scan and it came back negative. Yay! The guy doing the CT scan rides mountain bikes so the first question he asked me was, "How is your bike?!" The doctor asked me about my helmet but I never thought of looking at it. But yes, it has a dent and a large crack in it. The Madone is down at the shop until Tuesday - maybe Wednesday. The one mechanic thought that she would be okay since it was fine on the ride home. Or was it fine:confused::confused::confused: I don't remember! I got a doctor's note to take off 3 days of work but if I can't stay home and bike, what am I going to do?? Unfortunately, I won't be able to do the morning training ride with 7rider. :(

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thank goodness you are going to be all right!! What a scary event for you.

Your helmet saved you from a real head injury- you must have smacked down on the pavement with your head.
Give a toast of thanks to your cracked helmet that gave its life to save your brain. :o

Lucky outcome- I'm so glad you'll be ok.

[Kalidurga]

Wow, pfunk, I'm glad to hear that you're ok aside from being pretty well banged up. And, in light of my own recent wipe out on the C&O, it's very nice to hear that the folks around you stopped to help. Definitely take it easy for a couple of days, enjoy the excuse to be lazy. And good luck with the healing process!

[pfunk12]

Thanks, BleeckerSt Girl! Everyone (friends and hospital staff) all asked if I was wearing a helmet. I don't think I would ever get on a bike without one. You're right - I guess the helmet took the brunt of the fall. I needed to get a new one anyway to match the color of my bike. ;)


Thank goodness you are going to be all right!! What a scary event for you.

Your helmet saved you from a real head injury- you must have smacked down on the pavement with your head.
Give a toast of thanks to your cracked helmet that gave its life to save your brain. :o

Lucky outcome- I'm so glad you'll be ok.

[7rider]

What are you going to do?!?!?!?!
You're going to sit on the couch being a vegetable, resting, and changing bandages on your wounds!!!
Wow. What a wreck. Tom was saying that he knows EXACTLY where you went down...as that crack in the pavement has nearly taken out quite a number of the N2 and sunday riders.
Well....weren't we just telling you (kidding you) last week that you needed a new helmet - one that was more stylin' and matched your bike better??? Well...now's your chance! :D
Seriously...Take it easy. Rest. You WILL be extra special sore tomorrow. If you need ANYthing...call me. We'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

[pfunk12]

I guess the people I had just passed had to stop or they would have fallen over me since I was sprawled out on the road and definitely in their way! It was nice that the other cyclist did a U-turn to see if I was okay. And he gave up his clean white hankie to tie it on my wound! How are you healing? Feeling better?



Wow, pfunk, I'm glad to hear that you're ok aside from being pretty well banged up. And, in light of my own recent wipe out on the C&O, it's very nice to hear that the folks around you stopped to help. Definitely take it easy for a couple of days, enjoy the excuse to be lazy. And good luck with the healing process!

[pfunk12]

You know I was thinking of you when I wrote about buying a new helmet, right?!! :D And my black bike (not the blue one ;) ) is going to have matching black handlebar tape since the white tape got shredded. And why do they use white tape anyway since it turns yucky gray?

A friend of mine is picking up my Percocet right now. I am already feeling very sore and stiff.

Enjoy your ride tomorrow. At least the roads will finally be dry.


What are you going to do?!?!?!?!
You're going to sit on the couch being a vegetable, resting, and changing bandages on your wounds!!!
Wow. What a wreck. Tom was saying that he knows EXACTLY where you went down...as that crack in the pavement has nearly taken out quite a number of the N2 and sunday riders.
Well....weren't we just telling you (kidding you) last week that you needed a new helmet - one that was more stylin' and matched your bike better??? Well...now's your chance! :D
Seriously...Take it easy. Rest. You WILL be extra special sore tomorrow. If you need ANYthing...call me. We'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

[Fredwina]

Most docs I know of want to look at the helmet. (part of their training?)

[uforgot]

Watch movies. Eat chocolate. Read. Glad you are okay!

[pfunk12]

Oooh...excellent advice! Thanks!


Watch movies. Eat chocolate. Read. Glad you are okay!

[Mr. Bloom]

glad you're ok!

[pfunk12]

Thank you! I'm sitting here remembering all the events of the day and I just laugh. The doctor asked my friend if I was acting normal and we looked at each other and laughed and both said, "Define normal."


glad you're ok!

[ZooZoo]

Wow! I'm glad you're okay, and that people stopped to help. Hope you're feeling better soon. Three days on the couch is rough, but hopefully you'll find a way to enjoy it. :D

[pfunk12]

The nice thing is that my daughters are being attentive, helpful, and loving. How can I make it last?! :D


Wow! I'm glad you're okay, and that people stopped to help. Hope you're feeling better soon. Three days on the couch is rough, but hopefully you'll find a way to enjoy it. :D

[OakLeaf]

Wow, way glad you're okay.

I have no room to say this, because I went riding the day after my concussion, and didn't take it easy to let the road rash heal.

BUT. They didn't know then what they do now about subsequent concussions. If you hit your head again, even lightly, before this is healed, you could have major brain damage. So don't risk it. :(

And I wound up with exhaustion and health issues from road rash pain that I didn't even know I was feeling. So take your pain pills and rest.

Hang in there, we're thinking about you.

[pfunk12]

Thanks, OakLeaf. That's great advice. My body is sore and stiff now so I know it's going to be worse tomorrow. I can't even imagine climbing on a bike in the next few days. Although it would probably be tempting. Good thing the Madone is in the shop! My elbow is heavily, heavily bandaged and they told me not to take it off until Monday. But you're right about the head. That's my primary concern.


Wow, way glad you're okay.

I have no room to say this, because I went riding the day after my concussion, and didn't take it easy to let the road rash heal.

BUT. They didn't know then what they do now about subsequent concussions. If you hit your head again, even lightly, before this is healed, you could have major brain damage. So don't risk it. :(

And I wound up with exhaustion and health issues from road rash pain that I didn't even know I was feeling. So take your pain pills and rest.

Hang in there, we're thinking about you.

[Bike Goddess]

You'll probably be pretty stiff. If you can get someone to go with you, perhaps take a short walk outside. I've found that being outside when you are injured helps to heal your soul.

Glad to hear that you weren't seriously hurt. Sounds like you have a great family to take care of you and watch for an after effects.

Do let us know how you are doing from time to time.

[pfunk12]

A walk sounds like a great idea. I will be going batty tomorrow if I have to stay inside all day.

My friends and neighbors have been fantastic. I've had so many kind offers of help. My neighbor who took me to the ER dropped her plans of going to a 40th reunion event with her 2 friends so she could help me. Of course, I reminded her that it was payback for all of the times that my girls and I have watched her cats when she was on travel and the countless times that I was cleaning the litter box at 6 a.m. before I went to work! And thanks, 7rider, for giving me your phone numbers in case I need anything. :)



You'll probably be pretty stiff. If you can get someone to go with you, perhaps take a short walk outside. I've found that being outside when you are injured helps to heal your soul.

Glad to hear that you weren't seriously hurt. Sounds like you have a great family to take care of you and watch for an after effects.

Do let us know how you are doing from time to time.

[sundial]

Pfunk, so glad your spill wasn't worse. Take it easy, rent some great classic movies, and lay around in the jammies. When you get to feeling better, treat yourself to a new helmet. :)

[pfunk12]

Thanks! More great advice. I love classic movies.


Pfunk, so glad your spill wasn't worse. Take it easy, rent some great classic movies, and lay around in the jammies. When you get to feeling better, treat yourself to a new helmet. :)

[shootingstar]

Sounds like you need to rest for a day or so. Pamper thyself. :)

It's a great feeling to be alive and whole.

[channlluv]

Oh, yikes. I'm glad you aren't hurt too badly, but do take care of yourself these next few days. Don't risk another head injury. Enjoy the sofa and movies and chocolate.

Roxy

[pfunk12]

Thanks so much everyone for all your support. TE is great! My running friends are going to be horrified when they hear about my crash. They will want me to lock up my bike forever or sell it. :p

[kenyonchris]

Glad you are OK! I crashed like this about a month ago (remember my experience with the bush??) and again the same week with the patrol bike. One bruised mess!
Take it easy, eat chocolate and diet coke (a taste sensation) and watch a movie.
I rode the spin bike shortly after and took a little run. It made me feel better.

[pfunk12]

I remember the bush incident! I'm hoping that I won't be out of commission for too long or I will go crazy.


Glad you are OK! I crashed like this about a month ago (remember my experience with the bush??) and again the same week with the patrol bike. One bruised mess!
Take it easy, eat chocolate and diet coke (a taste sensation) and watch a movie.
I rode the spin bike shortly after and took a little run. It made me feel better.

[7rider]

A walk sounds like a great idea. I will be going batty tomorrow if I have to stay inside all day.



If you're feeling like a walk...Stop by the shop today - around 11 most of us should be back. Say "hey" and show off your road rash. You'll gain instant street cred! :cool:

[bmccasland]

pfunk - What a crash! :eek: It's the morning after, how are you feeling? Hope you're not too stiff and sore. Take it easy today.

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

Pfunk - Your crash story and injury report are scary! I too am VERY glad you weren't seriously injured. They say the longer we ride, its more likely we'll experience a crash. Kinda worries me, but guess its the same for driving, eh?
Again - I'm REALLY glad you had a good helmet on. Do what your doctors and knowledgable buddies here say. Hope you heal up quickly with no residual issues. :)

Gentle fellow-cyclingTEr hugs to you
Susan

[arielmoon]

I am glad you and the Madone are ok! :)

Take it easy for a few days and allow your body to heal itself.

[pfunk12]

Again...thanks so much for your support, TEers! I really appreciate it. As you can imagine, I had a restless night. It was very difficult to sleep. I couldn't really sleep on my left side and I was (slowly) tossing and turning all night. When I got out of the bed, I felt like I was 100 years old. I am very sore all over and very tight. My left quad hurts. The road rash isn't too bad so it should heal quickly. I'm more concerned about my elbow but it's still heavily bandaged so I won't know how it looks until tomorrow when I take the bandage off. And I have a slight headache so I'll be monitoring how I feel for the next few days and I promise to be smart and watch for any weird, dangerous signs.

I just saw 7rider at the shop. Her DH asked if the crash turned me off from biking. Actually, no. I can't wait to get back on the Madone. Thanks again, everyone, for all of your support and advice! And safe riding to all of you! :)

[arielmoon]

Good for you. Incidently, today will be my first road ride since my accident and BF cant get ready fast enough. :p

My left elbow got skinned pretty badly (but no stitches) and I now have a lovely red angry scar. I like to think of it as a war wound though to show how tough I am.... LOL

[pfunk12]

Wow...you must be so excited! Let us know how it goes.

I have so many war wounds on my body from basketball, running, motorcyle crash and now cycling. I'm running out of room so hopefully yesterday's wound was the last one for me! :D



Good for you. Incidently, today will be my first road ride since my accident and BF cant get ready fast enough. :p

My left elbow got skinned pretty badly (but no stitches) and I now have a lovely red angry scar. I like to think of it as a war wound though to show how tough I am.... LOL

[TrekTheKaty]

Glad you're ok! Rest--it'll pay off in the long run. My bad wreck was a big crack/seam with sealant on a wet surface. I still cringe when I cross seams.

[pfunk12]

The Madone is okay! The shop called to say that she was ready to be picked up so I just went to get her. I also bought a new helmet and yes, 7rider, it matches my bike! I am now stylin'! :D I also got a fist bump from the mechanic when he saw my elbow. I took the bandage off this morning and yes, it is gross but slightly impressive. I followed the doctor's orders and stayed home from work today. I'll probably stay home tomorrow, too. My boss' boss is an avid cyclist so he told me to stay home and recover so that was nice. I feel a little better today. I no longer feel like I got hit by a truck but I am still sore. I also don't have full range of motion in my left arm and that bothers me.

[OakLeaf]

today will be my first road ride since my accident

HOORAY! Wow, you healed quick!

[7rider]

I also bought a new helmet and yes, 7rider, it matches my bike! I am now stylin'! :D I also got a fist bump from the mechanic when he saw my elbow.

Yay! Now I won't be sooo embarassed to be seen with you!!! :D ;)

Glad the bike is back and you are starting to feel a bit better. Don't rush things. Take advantage of the opportunity to be lazy for a bit. I would think the range of motion in your elbow would come back when the swelling goes down.

p.s. Fist bump....Pepper???

[pfunk12]

Yes, fist bump from Pepper! Who else?! :D He also told me that I am now officially a cyclist. Another local female cyclist who did her first cycling race this weekend (I have never met her - she runs with my lunchtime running group) also said that guys dig scars. Well, great! ;)



Yay! Now I won't be sooo embarassed to be seen with you!!! :D ;)

Glad the bike is back and you are starting to feel a bit better. Don't rush things. Take advantage of the opportunity to be lazy for a bit. I would think the range of motion in your elbow would come back when the swelling goes down.

p.s. Fist bump....Pepper???

[7rider]

Yes, fist bump from Pepper! Who else?! :D He also told me that I am now officially a cyclist.

Sweeeeeeet....
Niiiiiiiiice...

[cylegoddess]

watch tour de france videos!

[arielmoon]

pfunk- I am glad your Madone is ok.

I was wondering how you were feeling now.


HOORAY! Wow, you healed quick!

Feels like it took a long time though! :p I have to credit being in good shape, eating a healthy diet, good physical therapy, acupuncture, and determination. :D

[MM_QFC!]

Wow, way glad you're okay.

I have no room to say this, because I went riding the day after my concussion, and didn't take it easy to let the road rash heal.

BUT. They didn't know then what they do now about subsequent concussions. If you hit your head again, even lightly, before this is healed, you could have major brain damage. So don't risk it. :(

And I wound up with exhaustion and health issues from road rash pain that I didn't even know I was feeling. So take your pain pills and rest.

Hang in there, we're thinking about you.

+1 re: post-concussive syndrome - as I am still experiencing some issues 1 year after being hit and injured, including a concussion. It's critical to follow doc's instructions re: rest and activities.
Glad that you're on the mend though...keep going!