A lucky, mechanical gal...but owie...

[northstar]

I'm a lucky girl.

I just had my first real crash today. I was happily coasting after coming down a hill, going about 25 mph, when my front wheel got caught in one of those little ruts (concrete road at that point) and blew...and threw me skidding down the middle of the road on my belly and side.

I actually thought of Jenn as I was skidding because I felt the pavement rubbing against my cheek, and a picture of her road rash after her accident flashed into my mind.

So anyway, I got over to the side of the road, sat on the grass and caught my breath, then hobbled over to the drugstore where they let me clean myself up and gave me a bunch of alcohol wipes (OUCH!) to dress up my wounds.

Anyway, I had to either call for a ride home, walk home, or change my tire and ride home. And I did it...I changed my tire...for the first time! I'm proud that I was able to do it after being pretty shaken up from the fall.

On the other hand, isn't it weird how road rash can be BRIGHT red and then when you dab at it with gauze, it's not bleeding? Just oozing? YUCK.

I'm thankful it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Just a few good patches of road rash on my arm, my hip bones, and my belly. I can only imagine the scene if there had been a distracted driver behind me.

[rij73]

Oh noooooooo! I'm so glad you were able to get up and ride after that, but so sorry you crashed and have road rash! Take it nice and easy now to help your body recover.

[mimitabby]

ow ow ow. I am glad you were able to change your tire!

[cosc]

You are a superwomen getting a flat changed after having a run-in with concrete. I hope you recover quickly. Did your helmet help keep your face from scraping?

[northstar]

Yep, my face is ok!

Helmets rock!

[Jiffer]

OWIE!!!

I'm so glad you're okay. Haven't had a crash yet (in my short cycling career) and SO hope not to ... EVER!

And I'm completely impressed that you changed your own tire after that ... for the first time even. I'd be calling DH and/or another cycling buddy of ours! I don't even know how to change a tire yet, but I have the stuff to do it if someone ELSE does!

[northstar]

[CENTER]OWIE!!!

I'd be calling DH and/or another cycling buddy of ours! I don't even know how to change a tire yet, but I have the stuff to do it if someone ELSE does!

I just learned how to change a tire after going to a clinic at an LBS...I've always had the stuff on me, but never really knew what to do...and I had been lucky enough not to have a flat.

Today, before I took off on my ride, I almost took off my seat bag (which has my tube, etc in it) because I was carrying my purse/lock in a backpack. Then I realized I wouldn't have the tube, etc stuff and put it back on. Thank goodness!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wow, totally impressive that you changed a flat for the first time AFTER skidding across the road!!!!
SUPERWOMAN!!!!

[short cut sally]

Good luck on changing that tire, glad that you decided not to throw in the towel on that ride..they say, once you've fallen, get back up and continue to ride. Hope you heal without any problems.