My bike is totalled

[Susie]

Hi Everyone,

On Monday night at around 7:00pm, I got hit by a truck. The truck and I had both stopped at an intersection facing each other. He had no turn signal on, so I starting riding straight through the intersection, believing that he had looked right at me. Unfortunately, he had the sun in his eyes and couldn't see me. He decided to make a left turn and ran right into me. I tried to turn right to get out of his way and pounded my fist on his hood yelling "HEY!" but he kept going. My bike got sucked under the truck (Ford F-250) and I went down. He didn't even realize that he hit me and wouldn't have stopped except that a college student walking on the sidewalk ran out into the street in front of him and screamed "stop"! When he stopped, my 2.5 month old Specialized Ruby Pro (with Campy Record, BTW) was under his rear wheel and the front wheel was about an inch from running over my head.

Surprisingly, I have a lot of bruises, but absolutely no road rash. My helmet saved my head and I had only a few small cuts on my legs and one on my nose. My right knee was hyperextended and I'm on crutches for a couple of days until the swelling goes down. I am sore pretty much everywhere, but all in all, I'm in pretty good shape. My bike, however, is a different story. My LBS freaked out when the bike was taken into the shop yesterday. All the mechanics and staff were standing around it in a circle staring. I finally broke the ice by saying "I think I need new handlebar tape". They told me that there is not one part that can be salvaged and that I'm really lucky not to be hurt any worse. I posted pictures at http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/susiebarber/album?.dir=7b62scd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

The guy's insurance is already offering me a settlement and I'll be paid full replacement value on the bike. Unfortunately, Specialized appears to be out of Ruby Pros in my size.

Susie

p.s. Immediately after as I was laying on the ground with people asking me if I was OK, I turned my head and saw my bike. What did I do? Ignore their questions, crawl towards the back of the truck and scream "MY BIKE" over and over. Everyone's still giving me a hard time about that.

[SadieKate]

Ah ha! A real cyclist worries about her bike first.:p

You are so incredibly fortunate. I'm amazed that you weren't injured more. Was the driver cited?

[AuntieK]

Susie,
I'm so sorry to hear about your accident! I was shaking just reading your story!
I'm glad you're ok. You seem to have such a positive attitude and great sense of humor. I think I would have been worried about my bike first, too! :o
Sorry about your bike...it looks awful! Hope you can find a suitable replacement!

[maillotpois]

What an amazing story and photos - it is incredible that you weren't more badly hurt. You were so fortunate, all things considered.

Wow.

[Jones]

Wow, you are one lucky rider. I am so happy you weren't hurt worse. I will now bow my head in a moment of silence for your lost bike.
Jones

[bikerchick68]

OH MY GAWD! :eek:

this blows my mind! Am I the only one??? How did he not hear you pounding on his hood? I can understand that he didn't see you... but man, smacking the car to make noise is sorta our last defense... and if that doesn't work :confused: wow, I'm SO glad you're not any worse... I am assuming the guy must've been incredibly shaken too... despite all the idiots out there I don't believe that most people WANT to hit a cyclist or anyone else for that matter... was he totally freaked out too? Was he nice, offer to try to help? I bet the insurance wants to settle and but quick! Sounds like they're looking to be sure it's a done deal... make sure medically you're 100% too OK? You'll probably heal up fine, but just be sure...

those pics... yeah, you'll be needing some new bar tape :D again, really, really glad you're OK... healing vibes your way...

[Adventure Girl]

Those are REALLY graphic pictures! It is surprising (and fortunate) that you weren't badly injured. Sometimes we (meaning I) tend to get emotionally attached to objects. It's so sad to see your bike like that. But try to keep things in perspective and be thankful that property can be replaced and the important thing is that you're ok.

[Susie]

In the driver's defense -- he could not stop apologizing. He was also shaking as badly as I was and, when none of my friends answered their cell phones, drove me home and carried the bike into my place.

And I know that the bike is replacible, but I spent months picking it out and special ordering all of the components. That thing was my baby and the bike shop really spent a lot of time with me on it. The day I rode it out of the shop they told me that if I ever got a scratch on it, they would send a hitman to my house. The looks on their faces were pretty priceless when they saw the bike. I only had it since the end of February ...]

Susie

[DeniseGoldberg]

Susie -
What a frightening experience. I'm so glad that you're OK. I know you're bummed about your bike, but your walking away from a horrendous accident bruised & sore but relatively unharmed is a real gift.

I'm sending lots of healing wishes your way. And happy bike shopping (when you're ready...).

--- Denise

[caligurl]

OMG! it hurt to look at those pics!

i'm so glad you are OK!!!! however your bike.... your beautiful bike.........!!!!!!!!

[Trek420]

OMG :eek: I am so glad that you are ok.

That is what's most important.

It's just carbon, steel, whatever...bikes can be replaced, and get a new helmet. But that you are ok is a relief.

I was giving my "getta helmet" lecture to the new cyclist unlucky enough to be across from me on BART this morning without a lid. He's lucky I got off before he did or I'd still be telling him helmets save lives.

[bikerchick68]

In the driver's defense -- he could not stop apologizing. He was also shaking as badly as I was and, when none of my friends answered their cell phones, drove me home and carried the bike into my place.

Susie

yep, that's what I figured... this had to have shaken him to his core as well... I bet it will forever change the way he drives... scary for everyone involved...:(

[Bike Goddess]

Susie- You are one strong woman! (I cringed just by reading your story)Amazing that you came through! Thank goodness you weren't hurt more seriously. At least people got the truck driver to stop! How many times have I heard of crashes where a driver just keeps on going as no one is around to stop them.

Even though a new bike isn't available right now, when do you think you can have it? Can the LBS give you a loner for the interim?

Meanwhile, get rest and take care of yourself. Please be sure to get a check up with your doctor just to make sure you are all right!

[maillotpois]

OH MY GAWD! :eek:

this blows my mind! Am I the only one??? How did he not hear you pounding on his hood?

Right - I was shocked by that as well!!

[SadieKate]

I'm assuming he had the stereo cranked up or the phone glued to his ear.

Were the police called? It does sound like you have a medical report. I'd be concerned about injuries that don't show for awhile.

[Brandy]

I am so glad that you were not badly injured. Sorry about your bike, I hope that they can get one in your size quickly!

[LL_Super_D]

My condolences about your beautiful bike... What a relief you're not seriously injured.

I agree with SadieKate about keeping an eye out for injuries that don't show for awhile. For such a terrifying experience, you've got an amazing spirit about it. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery.

[Lise]

I finally broke the ice by saying "I think I need new handlebar tape".
That certainly must've broken the ice! :rolleyes: It made me smile, in the midst of shaking, imagining the accident.

Wow. Thank goodness for your guardian angel who ran out in the street and yelled "stop!!" I'm glad the truck driver acted right after the crash. Mainly, glad you came through it amazingly unscathed. Sorry about the loss of your beloved bike...and...have fun putting your new bike together. L.

[Lifesgreat]

Whew! Glad you are still in one piece. I am sorry about your bike.

Unsolicited advice: Do NOT agree to any type of settlement until you have spoken to a lawyer. Do NOT sign anything. Don't look up a lawyer in the phone book, but talk to trusted friends who may have some suggestions.

I am not a lawyer, but my husband is and when I told him about the insurance company wanting to quickly settle, he said "she needs to make sure she has someone review the settlement before signing".

Sorry to spend more of my post on the insurance side of what happened.

Heal quickly!

[Susie]

Thanks for all of your kind words. I was xrayed and fully checked out on Monday and I have a followup appointment for Friday just to make sure nothing crops up.

Good advice on an attorney. I think I'm going to check in with a friend who was hit last fall. She has an attorney dealing with her claim -- I'm sure she'll give me a recommendation.

Susie

[maillotpois]

I'm an attorney as well, in Oakland. If you like, PM me and maybe I can give you a recommendation for someone to talk to closer to where you are.

[KnottedYet]

I am so grateful to the guy who ran into the street and stopped that truck! Whoa, I'm shivering just reading your post!

I agree, don't sign any settlements until you have a lawyer.

I hope you can get a new bike as good as your original.

[Melody]

:eek:

I'm speechless. I was reading and the whole time I'm just in utter shock.

I am *so* glad you're ok. This is one of the things that worry me. Being hit but not having the driver hear me. It's why I have a 115 decibel air horn on my Bianchi. When I have it go off, you really notice it.

Sending you healing vibes. Hoping you remain healthy and hale.

Mel

[DrBee]

OMG!!!! I'm shaking from reading this. You are sooooo lucky to only have bruises. Has it hit you yet that you were almost killed? That's crazy. How did he not hear or see you pounding on the hood??? At least he was apologetic.

It sounds like you're handling this really well!

[Geonz]

And... I'm sorry, he *should* have been shaking becuase there is a PROBLEM if he was not aware of something pounding on his hood, something crunching under his wheel. I know the truck is big, bUTT... (I have had a similar experience as a driver - nobody was hurt but that was only because my brakes stuck -- some angel doing overtime literally holding the van back... I don't drive big things any more except under extreme duress...)

[mtkitchn]

Wow, Susie! Sorry to hear about your bike but glad you're okay! That is so scary....and you've got such a great attitude.

[Lise]

I meant to tell you--when I flew a couple of weeks ago, I saw a couple of female pilots, and thought, "m-t-kitchen" every time! :o

[KSH]

WOW Suzie! How scary! Thank goodness you are OK!

Your poor-poor-bike though. What a shame. I too would have been screaming about my bike, after I was sure I wasn't hurt seriously.

Hopefully you will get a bike to replace the poor little dead one.


It's why I have a 115 decibel air horn on my Bianchi. When I have it go off, you really notice it.


Where does one get one of these, and how do I mount it on my bike? This sounds like a great idea!

[Melody]

Where does one get one of these, and how do I mount it on my bike? This sounds like a great idea!

It's called an "Air Zound" and is made by Delta. They're hard to find (if it's even carried) at a LBS however you can find them online. Do a google search on 'air zound'. Here's a link from Harris Cyclery:

http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?id=1035

The good things about this horn is that it is made of plastic, powered by a refillable (via a shrader valve) soda bottle (16 oz one I think), and designed to go on a bike. The downside to it is that the horn is made of plastic. This means that the horn is light, however, if you are rough with it, it will break. You also do not want to put the horn on and off and on and off on the bike. For me, I just leave it on the Bianchi since it's my commuting bike.

Another nice option is that it has an air restriction valve which means you can control how loud the horn is by restricting the airflow to the horn from the reservoir. (Tip: When filling the horn if no air seems to go in, check this valve. It's probably closed)

This horn is _LOUD_. They weren't joking that it's 115 decibels. I've accidentally hit the horn while moving the bike around and gone momentarily deaf. Also, while heading toward the shuttle station I got my shuttle to stop and look for me by blasting the horn... from about 400 feet away. I still keep on meaning to do a real measurement test using a couple of sound meters we have here but haven't done it yet. I want to see what its really putting out. heh. :)

Mel

[betagirl]

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaang. Glad you're ok. Your poor bike. :(

[DirtDiva]

That's awful Susie! I hope you recover quickly. I couldn't get the link to your pictures to work, but my imagination is working overtime.

[Duck on Wheels]

I was giving my "getta helmet" lecture to the new cyclist unlucky enough to be across from me on BART this morning without a lid. He's lucky I got off before he did or I'd still be telling him helmets save lives.

...
...

I'm sitting here practically speechless! In fact, I'm shaking too. I am SO glad to hear you're ok. Physically at least. This is likely to give you nightmares tho, at the very least. If it's any kind of help, I can say that my DH, after a similar accident, has gotten over the nightmares. It took months to do so, but not (that he's said to me) years.

And Trek420, I suggest you print out Susie's story, and maybe a few others like it. Take along a few of these as flyers everywhere you go, and hand them out to lidless bikers. Those who don't get the point after a story like this ... they ain't got a head worth saving.

[Eden]

That is so scary! Its good to hear you fared better than your bike!

I feel lucky to not be there with you. I had someone pull out of a parking lot in front of me last week after I spoke (his window was open) and made eye contact (I thought) with him. He proceeded to pull out anyway and luckily I was able to hit the brakes in time- locked up the rear wheel and left a nice skid mark- and stop just touching his truck, screaming, fumbling to unclip the whole time. Dum-dum in a complete daze, truly he appeared to be stoned more than stunned, proceeds to back up nearly taking my front wheel with him, as I try to jump backwards one foot still clipped in. Fortunately no damage sustained by anyone, but scary none the less.

Hopefully both of these drivers will take something away from their experiences and become more aware of their surroundings. Terrible about your brand new bike though!

[Duck on Wheels]

[QUOTE=Eden]...Dum-dum in a complete daze, truly he appeared to be stoned more than stunned, ... QUOTE]

In perfect hindsight ... Did you have a cell phone with you? Did you phone in a report to the police, that this guy was driving suspiciously erratically, maybe under the influence of something?

[Eden]

[QUOTE=Eden]...Dum-dum in a complete daze, truly he appeared to be stoned more than stunned, ... QUOTE]

In perfect hindsight ... Did you have a cell phone with you? Did you phone in a report to the police, that this guy was driving suspiciously erratically, maybe under the influence of something?

Strange as it seems in this modern age, I don't own a cell phone.

[natheless]

O my!

So very sorry about your beautiful bicycle... and so very glad your head didn't get the same treatment!

Heal fast and be well...

[doc]

Ditto what everybody else said!

What about the guy who ran out to yell stop? Did you get a chance to thank him? I bet he is shaking like a leaf too. He has an awfully good story to tell his friends when he gets home!! Thank god for people like that

Quick healing and quick return to biking on a gorgeous new bike (soon I hope)

[Popoki_Nui]

:eek: :eek: OMG! I'm so glad your injuries weren't worse! You were indeed a very lucky gal. But your poor bike.......oh my my my....
Wishing you a speedy recovery, and a nice new bike. :)

~Sherry.

[wabisabi]

Oh, so glad you are OK!!!
Bike parts--easier to repace than people parts. Glad you are going to talk to a lawyer, that is also my lawyerly advice. I am so careful these days with people in huge, insulated cars on cell phone who seem oblivious to everything else, they are in their own world.

[Susan Otcenas]

Susie,

I am not an attorney, nor do I play one on the internet. However, please don't talk to his insurance company. Please protect yourself by finding an attorney knowledgable in bicyclists rights and responsibilities, and have the attorney do all further communication. That hyper-extended knee, the bumps, bruises, etc., could all heal up fine - or they could turn into bigger problems requiring more intense care. The insurance company has already offered a settlement because it wants to limit its potential liability and it KNOWS it's on the hook for the bucks.

A good attorney will make sure that you don't find yourself stuck with unexpected medcal bills. This isn't about screwing the driver or his insurance company. It's just about protecting yourself.

My apologies for the unsolicited advice. And I'm sooooo happy you came out of this in one piece, even if your bike didn't. I hope you heal up soon.

Susan

[im4smiley]

WOW you are so lucky that you didn't get hurt worse than you were. I am sorry to hear about your bike, I hope you are able to replace it when you are ready. Heal quickly. And I agree, don't sign anything till you make sure you are ok!!

Karen

[tprevost]

Oh Susie,

I am so sorry to hear about this accident. I am so glad, however, that you are basically okay and it sounds like you did an excellent job of keeping your wits about you which is very important.

I know how long and hard you worked on getting your bike picked out and all of the parts chosen. I think the guy should pay to exactly replace your current bike AND another to ride in the interim since it sounds like it might be a while before there is a new Ruby in your size. I also agree with everyone's advise about consulting an attorney, so please do that.

Please keep us posted and know you are in our thoughts.

Tracy

ps. I am from that area, where did this happen?

[SnappyPix]

What everyone else has said.

Aside from the physical injury and shock, I think we can all empathise when our most prized possession is totalled.
Please keep us informed re your settlement, your injuries and your new replacement.

Heal quickly.

[Brina]

Thank God you were not run over as well. I am so sorry about the bike.

[Quillfred]

Susie

I'm so sorry to hear of your accident. I hope you mend well and quickly. Sending healing energy your way.

Carole

[E2theD]

So so so glad you are ok. Your story was so frightening especially since I commute daily on busy SF streets. You just never know when you may get tagged. I can't believe what good spirits you are in, very inspiring. Never had a reason to use this guy but he has gotten rave reviews from the women's bike club I belong to, VeloGirls.

http://www.bicyclelawyer.com/index.html

Heal quickly and best of luck.

Erin

[Lise]

What an interesting specialty in the law. Sorry to hear he can make a living doing this! :cool:

[Selkie]

Sheesh, I hate those big a## trucks. Why in the blazes to people have to own them or any oversized vehicle? I have a theory that the bigger the vehicle, the lower the self-esteem and/or IQ of the driver. I might be in the minority but I'm hoping the high gas prices will mean that these stupid tanks will lose their appeal or affordability.
Enough of anti-SUV/big truck preaching!
The most important thing is that you are OK. Sorry about the bike, as she was a beauty. She can be replaced, however. You lived to tell the tale and that is what matters.

[Faust]

I am so glad you are ok! What a scarey thing. I also am baffled as to why he didn't hear you!

[short cut sally]

Susie, so glad you are able to tell us this story, you are so fortunate to be here. That is such a scary story, and am hoping you heal completely without problems, esp. with that knee. BIkes can be made every day, you can not. Hope your outcome is a speedy recovery and the next new bike of your dreams..shelly

[Fuji Girl]

Jeez...what a close call. I just wanted to add my condolences for your bike and relief that you are ok.

I also agree to be careful with this settlement. Go to your doctor and get checked out. Consult your lawyer. Be safe.

[luv'nAustin]

Susie, Sending more healing vibes your way along with all of the others. Hope your body feels better soon and that you stay strong in spirit.

Sorry about your bike. Hope the process of finding a new ride goes smoothly and that you get the bike of your dreams!

[Tater]

Just sending healing vibes your way, Susie. Take care of you!

[ladyfish]

More good vibes headed your way. I'm so glad you are OK--mostly, anyway. Heal quickly.

As for the bike--why not have your LBS try and find the right size bike from another LBS. Seems like the shipping should be covered by the insurance company. I bet there's one out there in your size somewhere. Then your LBS can do the custom work like on your other one.

Good luck, and ride safely!!!

[annie]

Sheesh, I hate those big a## trucks. Why in the blazes to people have to own them or any oversized vehicle? I have a theory that the bigger the vehicle, the lower the self-esteem and/or IQ of the driver. I might be in the minority but I'm hoping the high gas prices will mean that these stupid tanks will lose their appeal or affordability.

I'm with you on this, mickchick!!! Most people who have them don't NEED them!

But back to the real topic --- Susie, hope you are not feeling too sore and stiff today! I know it's usually the following days when all the aches and pains start to settle in. And you keep going over what happened in your mind. Hope that's all better quickly. Another bike will come along and the good thing is, you are mostly unharmed and will be able to ride!

annie

[Susie]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all of your kind thoughts and posts. It's nice to know that so many people care. In an attempt to answer questions:

1. This happened on the outskirts of Santa Cruz on a residential road parallel to Hwy 1. To those familiar with the area, it was on Shaeffer where Mission Street Exension intersects with Shaeffer and the bike path coming back from Wilder Ranch. The bike path ends with a stop sign and is part of a 4-way stop. I was there and he was directly opposite me on Mission Street Ext.

2. I didn't call the police. The driver was apologizing profusely and saying that it was all his fault. Also, I had a witness who made sure we had all information exchanged. It was nearly sundown and I was getting cold. It would take the cops forever to get out there. After none of my friends answered their cell phones, the driver even took me and my bike carcass home.

3. Yes, I had a cell phone. It worked fine once we found the battery a couple of yards away and put it back in the phone.

4. I have no clue why he didn't hear me. I didn't hear any music coming from the truck ... Also, he was totally sober and not driving erratically at all. He was going a little bit fast and barely stopped a the intersection. It was just that time of night when the sun is right in your eyes and even brighter because it's also reflecting off the ocean.

5. I was in the ER that night and I have a followup appt. with a doctor tomorrow. They wanted the swelling to go down a bit before determining what, if any, serious damage was done to my knee. I'll find out if I'll need some physical therapy then.

6. My LBS has called other dealers and can't find a Ruby Pro in my size. They are now talking with friends and executives they know at Specialized (the owner of my LBS used to work there). I recently met the product manager for the Rubys and have her business card. I'll be emailing her today with the photos and a request for help replacing my bike. The sales rep was there last night when I was there and he's going to make some calls as well.

7. I now have several referrals for an attorney (including a referral from my insurance company).

I hope that answered all the questions. Just a little followup story: I went back to the bike shop to get a quote for a new bike for the insurance adjuster. On Monday when I brought the bike in, the owner and 2 mechanics that built the bike were not in. They were there last night. The mechanic that threatened me if I ever got a scratch on the bike was told (well, yelled at from the front of the store) that I had just walked in. He came out, gave me a hug, said he was glad that I was alive, and then handed me a pair of Crash Test Dummy cycling socks. I got a new pair of socks!!!!

Susie

[Lise]

He came out, gave me a hug, said he was glad that I was alive, and then handed me a pair of Crash Test Dummy cycling socks. I got a new pair of socks!!!!
Well! There is that! :p

Glad to hear you're doing OK, and taking care of business. Keep us posted--you know we care. L.

[Jo-n-NY]

I just came on the boards and just sitting here with my hands over my wide open mouth.

Be so thankful that you are ok. As for the bike, although it will take time, I am sure it will be replaced. You have all the right people working on it. With the time of year it is, you just might wind up with a 2007 model. At least you know how you want the bike set up ie, using campy, so you will by pass the time putting thinking of how to put everything together. Just a bit of a consolation.

~ JoAnn

[Ninabike]

Hi Susie, Just want to add my thoughts and best wishes to those of the other girls. Hopefully, you will be on your new Ruby soon!

Nina

[bikerchick68]

Crash Test Dummy socks...:eek: :D :D :D Smart-aleck bike people.. :p you have such a great attitude about this... I hope when the swelling goes down the knee stops hurting and that will be that... heal quickly oh cycling sister!

[slinkedog]

Wow Susie! I'm so very glad you're okay. I hope you get a new Ruby soon! They had some for test-driving at the Cinderella out of Wheels of Justice bike shop in Berkeley. Don't know if that's at all helpful.

Anyway, I hope you recover very quickly! Hang in there!

[CorsairMac]

JUst got back on the boards and Holy Smokes!! What a thread!! Susie I am so glad to hear you are OK - man what a lame word - but thinking about what Could have happened your cycling angel was with you That day! Loved the socks - but am sorry you had to get them That way! :(

as for big a** trucks - Please don't generalize because of one or two bad drivers. I also have had some close calls with big trucks and/or SUVs and I've had even closer ones with gas-effcient sedans. It isn't the vehicles fault - it's the drivers. I drive a Ford F-150 4-dr and will continue to drive one even with the gas prices what they are. I have never hit anyone or anything with my big a** truck but I have almost Been hit by drivers in little gas-effcient sedans because I'm a cautious driver and because I'm very aware of the bike lanes and will obey the traffic laws regarding them, where most sedans don't bother.

No: I don't view the statements as a personal attack, but I do believe we should place the blame where it belongs. The vehicle is only as good as the person sitting behind the wheel.

[Selkie]

Corsair---Point well taken, and I'm sorry if I stereotyped. You're right in that it's the DRIVER, not the car/truck.
Where I live (Washington, DC area), a lot--not all--of the people who drive those big a## trucks/SUVs are people who don't know how to handle them, are on the cell phone or otherwise distracted, drive aggressively, etc. They live in the mcmansions or condos and the size of their vehicle is more a status thing than fulfilling a genuine need to haul stuff (they hire people to do any chores).
Please accept my apology. When I read what kind of truck was involved and the seeming inattentiveness of the driver, I was reminded of what I see around here on a daily basis by the "too much money" crowd. Mea culpa!!

[velogirl]

I don't have time to read all the replies -- someone may have already said this.

Do not take a settlement from the insurance company. Don't even talk to them at this point. Speak with an attorney ASAP. Since you're in Santa Cruz, I'll recommend Gary Brustin -- http://www.bicyclelawyer.com -- he has an office in Foster City (and also in LA). Gary is a long-time cyclist and supporter of the cycling community. He's even a board member of LAB.

[Susie]

My LBS called around and called in some favors. Specialized delivered a brand new Ruby Pro in my size today! I'm definitely building the bike with Campy again, but I'm considering going to a triple. My wrecked bike had a compact and, I have to admit, I was missing my triple last weekend doing some training for the Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge. Any thoughts?

Susie

[CorsairMac]

My LBS called around and called in some favors. Specialized delivered a brand new Ruby Pro in my size today! I'm definitely building the bike with Campy again, but I'm considering going to a triple. My wrecked bike had a compact and, I have to admit, I was missing my triple last weekend doing some training for the Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge. Any thoughts?

Susie


first thought: YEEEEEHAAAAAA - that is the most awesomest of news!! As for compact vs triple - I vote for the triple with both hands but................I live in the mountains, climb no matter what direction I'm riding and have never ridden a compact so I'm probably Not the voice of reason here! :D I am so happy they found you a bike tho!! and so fast!!

and Mick: no apologies needed my friend! :D

[caligurl]

i've got a triple on mine... cuz we have LOTS of fun climbs that i like to do!

so my recommendation: get the triple!

[Lifesgreat]

My LBS called around and called in some favors. Specialized delivered a brand new Ruby Pro in my size today! I'm definitely building the bike with Campy again, but I'm considering going to a triple. My wrecked bike had a compact and, I have to admit, I was missing my triple last weekend doing some training for the Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge. Any thoughts?

Susie

Yay! Sounds like you will be back in the saddle pretty soon.

I vote for a triple (mine is oft used), but please remember, I look out my living room window and see 8000-11000 foot mountains three miles away. . .

[Barb]

Get the triple AND A NEW HELMET!!! I am so glad you were not hurt more seriously. make sure you get money enough for a good helmet replacement.

[slinkedog]

I vote for a triple, too. It can make all the difference on those 18 - 22% climbs. I ought to know. NOT!! ;)

[Nokomis]

:eek: wow ~ glad you're doing so well after all that!

Does the bike shop have a proximity alarm / air horn combo they could install? :D

[LL_Super_D]

Excellent news about the new bike Susie!

[alpinerabbit]

f-u-u-c-c-k-k-k-... that looks and sounds scary. Please Gods of the road let this be the last one.

Luck the guy had insurance.

[Jo-n-NY]

How wonderful!!!! I am so happy they were able to locate a new Ruby Pro for you and they delivered it already. Well, this is your chance. If you felt like there were times you needed a triple on the other bike, then that is your answer, get the triple.

Wishing you much luck with this one!!!!

~ JoAnn

[Trekhawk]

Glad to hear you are ok - scary stuff.
Great news about the bike, Im so pleased for you.
Go the triple - I wouldnt be without mine.:)

[allabouteva]

Hey Susie,

I've just read this thread. I'm gobsmacked. The photos of your bike, well that's probably the worst damage I've seen. If I'd seen those pictures, and not known about how you're faring, I'd be really worried :eek:

Take care, and have fun building your new bike!:D

[Prairiedog]

I just want to add that you should have two years before you HAVE to settle with his insurance. You take your time and make sure you don't have any chronic injuries before you sign on that dotted line.

Very scary accident. Yikes!

[RoadRaven]

Hey there Susie - so pleased you were able to walk away from this - absolutely gutted for you about your bike (can completely understand your crawling towards the bike calling out to it :p )

But so pleased it was pictures of your bikes wheels we see mangled, and not your legs

Take care and thanks for sharing the story... have read it to my boys. It is a valuable one to have tucked away - particularly as they are both learner drivers and don't have the experience of driving a car to inform their descisions around cars when they are on their bikes.

I know I have been guilty of not indicating at intersections in the car, and almost always it has been that I have flicked the indicator stem but it hasn't clicked down...

[VenusdeVelo]

Susie, when I saw those pictures yesterday of your bike, they were indeed sad...although the fact you are all in 1 piece is more important!!

Today I was listening to some Tom Waits, and he has a song that's perfect for you. Unfortunately it's on my iTunes as a protected format and 3MB so I don't think I'll be able to attach it here :p -- so instead here is a link to listen to the beginning -- just scroll down the page a little and listen to the song "Broken Bicycles"....

Every downed bike deserves a proper memorial :( *sniff*.

http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?z=y&EAN=696998581326&ITM=1

[marapets]

omg thats mad! i hope your ok and theres no long term damage..

[Adventure Girl]

It's been a couple of weeks. What's the status of the new bike? That waiting time goes by sooooooooooooo slowly!

How are you? Any lingeing, nagging problems? Or did any aches or pains show up after the initial damage started to wear off?

I hope you're doing well. And I hope your new bike is everything you hope for!

[Susie]

I"m so sorry I haven't posted anything in a while -- it's been a hard couple of weeks. Well, the new bike is in at the shop but I've been waiting for the insurance check before ordering the parts (I spiffed out the old bike in Campy Record and I'm doing the same with this one). The check is in the mail and I should have the bike built in a week or two.

All injuries have healed, except for 1. I've been seeing a sports medicine specialist (he's an accomplished triathlete and understands cyclists) about my knee. I have 2 injuries to my knee. The first is a hyperextension and that is pretty much healed up. The other is a bit more complicated. Apparently, during the impact, my kneecap was shoved into my femur. While it bounced back out, there's some damage under the kneecap. The doctor told me last week that it would be 3-5 months before I'd be back to normal. While I freaked out, he explained that the week before he was thinking that it would be 6-9 months, so this is good news. Anyway, I've just been able to get back on the trainer. The first week or so, I could only manage 3-6 minutes before the pain set in. I got very frustrated and didn't try again for a few days. Then, as I noticed my pants getting very tight, I tried again on Sunday. I managed 50 minutes (47 of which were pretty much pain free, but I was determined to make it a full 50). On Monday I rode for 60 minutes and last night for 45. Keep in mind that this is all while in my granny gear and sitting on the saddle, but it's a start.

I also made a decision about the gearing on the new bike. I am getting a triple and for a while, I'm going to keep my cassette from the compact double setup on the old bike (that's one of 3 parts that are not damaged from the old bike). This will give me a freakingly easy gearing ratio. I can't remember the exact numbers, but the shop said that this will give me nearly a 1:1 ratio. I'm going to use this for a while until my knee builds up and then switch to a more appropriate cassette. I figure that this will get me back on the bike faster and let me ride a little longer with the injury.

That's all the news for now. The good news is that the doctor and I haven't given up hope on the Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge yet. Thanks for all of the concern.

Susie

[songlady]

So sorry to hear about the knee problems. I hope that 6-9 months ends up being a conservative estimate for you. :)

[Shimpie]

Please tell me you didn't sign any kind of waiver with in the insurance company! I'd hate to see you lose any rights to claim futher injuries if you don't fully heal 6-9 months down the road. From the list of all your injuries and ongoing recuperation, you're not fully healed. The doctor said you "should" heal in 6-9 months, but that's not a guarantee. After my bike accident, I had lower back pain pop up 6 weeks after the incident. It took another 5 months of physical therapy to work that out of my system. Although I wanted a new bike immediately, my attorney told me to wait until all my pain subsided in order to tally up all the medical and bike replacement costs and then accept a pay-out. I'm glad I was told to be patient. If I had not waited, my physical therapy would have been out of pocket. I paid for a new bike on my own and was given an insurance settlement over 1 year after the accident.

I know you want a new ruby every so badly, but you might not want to pay for the new bike with this particular insurance pay-out. If I were you, I'd wait and see if that knee needs any more work.

[Susie]

Don't worry -- they are handling the bike and the injury separately. The bike is taken care of and the injury part will be settled later after I am done with treatment.

Susie

[Shimpie]

WHEW!!!:o You had me worried for a while there.
I wish you happy healing thoughts and may you enjoy your new bike.

[redrhodie]

Your story inspired me to finally get a helmet. Really scary! I cried when I saw your bike. Hope you're feeling better. This is my 1st post.

[Duck on Wheels]

Your story inspired me to finally get a helmet. Really scary! I cried when I saw your bike. Hope you're feeling better. This is my 1st post.

Whew! Another head protected. Good for you ... at last. Now just remember to USE that helmet EVERY time you ride. :)

[pkq]

Glad you were wearing a helmet and are alive. Sounds like a frightening experience.

I hyperextended my knee many years ago, which chipped the femur in the knee joint. It didn't show up on x-rays so 11 years later, the knee needed surgery. It has been arthritic for years, which will make knee replacement inevitable. Ensure you get enough money to cover pain, suffering, and future problems. A lawyer should be able to help you determine a customary amount.

You have a great bike shop!