Wipeout

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11-12-2009, 09:25 AM
blackhillsbiker

Wipeout

I feel so stupid. I'm not even sure what happened. Something about the side of the path and missing a turn. Work has me so stressed I think I lost my concentration. Anyhow, I wiped out spectacularly. The whole side of my helmet is dented in. My bar end is scratched. The front end is sideways. DH (emphasis on the D!) took me home to change, and is taking my bike to the shop this morning. My shoulder, knee and elbow are banged up. I think I'll be looking at a new helmet this evening. I wish I could call in sick, but the economy has us running so close to the edge, I'm the only graphic designer in the shop right now. Deadlines to meet... sigh. I hate Thursdays!

Deb
11-12-2009, 09:27 AM
OakLeaf

Ouch. So glad it wasn't worse! Take care of yourself and heal up soon. Don't forget that pain is exhausting - even pain that you're not consciously aware of - so get as much rest as you can.
11-12-2009, 09:29 AM
skinimini

Oh, I'm so sorry! I feel your pain! Take good care of yourself, maybe some pampering this evening? Feel better!
11-12-2009, 09:35 AM
arielmoon

(((Deb))) Sorry about your wipe out!
11-12-2009, 03:25 PM
redrhodie

I hope you're okay! It sounds like you decided you were okay to work, but I learned from experience you can't really trust your initial judgment post-crash. I felt great right after mine, and even the next day, then POW, a severe migraine, which blind-sided me. Even though I went down pretty easy, I felt the effects for a couple of weeks. Take it easy. Your work-mates will understand, and if they don't, they don't deserve you.
11-12-2009, 03:54 PM
Tri Girl

Wow, Deb. So sorry you crashed hard today (and on the way to work, no less). I hope you feel better in a few days, but take it easy until then. I'm sorry you crashed. :(
11-12-2009, 05:43 PM
blackhillsbiker

I hurt in places I didn't know existed. I have an epic hole in the collarbone area of my favorite jacket :(, and sweater, and turtleneck. Luckily, the hole in my skin is much smaller. I shook for a long time after I got to work. I had a nasty headache all day, and couldn't concentrate to save myself. I kept forgetting what I was doing. I probably should have just gone home.

On the bright side, my bike is ok. :) The bar ends are badly scuffed. The side of my saddle was saved from a major scuffing by the rivet. My LBS did a "Post Crash Tuneup" for free. He put on a new bell. DH took me to find a helmet at lunchtime. I rode home, just because I was afraid if I didn't, I wouldn't ride for a long time. It was kind of a nice ride. The gears work more smoothly than they had been working the past few weeks. There are easier ways to get a tuneup, though.:rolleyes:

I wish I could blame it on a dog, or pedestrian, or other cyclist... I still don't really know what happened.:o

Deb
11-12-2009, 05:54 PM
fatbottomedgurl

Probably have a little concussion. Thankfully you were wearing a helmet.
11-12-2009, 07:21 PM
bluejellybean

from one graphic designer-cyclist to another, congrats on getting back on your bike, and sending you quick healing vibes! Rest up and you'll be back in the game in no time!
11-12-2009, 08:06 PM
blackhillsbiker

Just got my new helmet adjusted. What a pain, but after looking at the gash in my old one, I'd never consider riding without a helmet. Now a date with a cup of hot chocolate, a few more ibuprofen and an early bedtime. Tomorrow will be better. I have a bunch of old photos to retouch. It's tough to do that with a killer headache.

Thanks for all the good thoughts and hugs. It felt better just to know I had a place to whine where people would understand and not tell me not to ride because cycling is dangerous.

Deb
11-12-2009, 08:42 PM
bluejellybean

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackhillsbiker

Just got my new helmet adjusted. What a pain, but after looking at the gash in my old one, I'd never consider riding without a helmet. Now a date with a cup of hot chocolate, a few more ibuprofen and an early bedtime. Tomorrow will be better. I have a bunch of old photos to retouch. It's tough to do that with a killer headache.

Thanks for all the good thoughts and hugs. It felt better just to know I had a place to whine where people would understand and not tell me not to ride because cycling is dangerous.

Deb

That's what I love about TE, a place where people "get it"!
11-13-2009, 05:22 AM
redrhodie

A crash like that is very rare, but happens, just like when you fall walking down stairs. Don't let it stop you! Do take it easy for a bit, though. Sounds like you're hurt. Get a massage in a few days! That will help loosen things up, and help with the bruising.
11-13-2009, 05:25 AM
runningteach

I'm sorry you were hurt but at least it wasn't too bad. Glad your bike is OK. It is good to get back out there again.
11-13-2009, 06:50 AM
Selkie

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackhillsbiker

I hurt in places I didn't know existed. ...... I had a nasty headache all day, and couldn't concentrate to save myself. I kept forgetting what I was doing. I probably should have just gone home.

When I read this, it scared me. I hope you are OK.

Thank goodness you didn't break a bone or worse. RR is right---sometimes it just happens. Be good to yourself as you heal (arnica for the bruises! really does help w/pain and makes them go away quicker). Sending you good "quick healing" karma....
11-13-2009, 07:52 AM
jobob

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackhillsbiker

I wish I could blame it on a dog, or pedestrian, or other cyclist... I still don't really know what happened.:o

Deb

Happens to the best of us, Deb :o

This summer my husband and I were watching the Tour on TV when Jens Voigt had his spectacular out-of-nowhere crash. The camera caught every moment of it, and it just seemed to happen without warning. My husband turned to me and said "See? It can happen to them too!".

Thanks to My Man Jens, I stopped beating myself up over my own crash, and finally accepted the fact that sometimes stuff happens. :cool:

Glad you're doing OK.
11-13-2009, 07:59 AM
Karma007

((hug))
11-13-2009, 08:55 AM
smilingcat

Oooo ouch. This is why we call it an accident. No real reason for it to happen. Just did.
Glad to hear your bike is okay. But I'm concerned about your headach, loss of concentration,...

If you do go to bed early tonight. It might be wise for your DH to wake you up around 9:00PM or even 10:00PM and have a conversation with him. Make sure you are okay. I don't want to scare you but it does sound like you've had a concussion.

If your headach gets worse, or your vision gets funny, balance gets funny or coordination becomes bit awkward or if your DH thinks you are sounding bit funny, DO GO TO ER!! Head injuries are really tricky. If your helmet is dented, you took a real big hit on your head.

Please take it easy and listen very carefully to your body for the next few days.

Wish you a speedy recovery.
11-13-2009, 09:26 AM
jobob

+1 to what SmilingCat said.
11-13-2009, 10:01 AM
Nightowl

Get back on the bike soon. I had a similar experience a few months ago where I lost a second of concentration rode into a ditch. I am actually glad it happened because it taught me a good lesson that only cost me a bit of blood and humility.

I hope you heal quickly.
11-13-2009, 10:15 AM
shootingstar

Please have your head checked. The dizzy spells are not a good sign.

This was discussed recently with personal stories from members here:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=34795
11-13-2009, 10:54 AM
beccaB

I always feel really shook up whenever I fall, for whatever reason. I'm glad you had a helmet on!
11-13-2009, 11:16 AM
Shara

Glad your head and bike are ok! In that order :) Thank goodness you had your helmet on. That would shake me up I think but all you can do is rest, recuperate and get back on. I hope you are feeling better
11-13-2009, 02:10 PM
sundial

Quote:

Originally Posted by smilingcat

If you do go to bed early tonight. It might be wise for your DH to wake you up around 9:00PM or even 10:00PM and have a conversation with him. Make sure you are okay.....Please take it easy and listen very carefully to your body for the next few days.

Excellent point!
11-13-2009, 05:51 PM
blackhillsbiker

I was sore and stiff today. I discovered a few new bruises. Motrin is my friend. My head has cleared. I'll be aware of any changes in vision/balance/etc., and MDH is watching pretty closely, too. I'm just really tired. I'm so thankful it wasn't worse. I'm very glad I had a helmet on. Thank you everyone for hugs and good thoughts. TE is a great place.

Deb
11-13-2009, 07:18 PM
MommyBird

So sorry to hear about your accident. So glad to hear that you are feeling better. You will be in my prayers.

Just a note for the rest of us (since we all know you replaced yours today):

How often should you replace your bicycle helmet?

1. After a crash.
2. At least every two years.
3. When salt has frazzled the straps.
4. When your helmet stinks so much it goes riding without you.
5. Before the fashion police arrive.
6. After too many suncreen smears