First major crash

[DrBee]

Yep. I've had my first crash. I was heading home after doing a 31 mile ride (my longest yet) and as I was coming out of the park, I see a truck heading towards me on my side of the road. I mean - like - leaving me maybe 1ft of road on my side. I had nowhere to go! So - I tried to go as far over as I could and slipped off the edge (which was an 8-10inch drop). Somehow (I'm not real clear on this part), I ended up with major road rash on my left knee and down my leg and scrapes and cuts on my left leg. I ended up on my back (not sure if my head hit or not) and the bike on top of me. GDS drivers!

Damage:
-saddle was twisted sideways
-chain came off
-left side of handlebar is bent in
-handlebar tape is torn through and the metal on the handlebar is scraped.
-numerous scrapes on bike
-brakes look bent up and have sharp parts

That's just from a cursory look. I'm heading to the LBS on Monday. The woman jumped out of her truck, apologized after I vented a bit and then helped me put the chain back on and offered to pay for any damages. At least there's that.

Geez the biggest patch on my knee is about 2" across or so. It hurt sooooo bad when I put peroxide on it! Now I'm heading to the shower. That ought to be fun. I'm guessing I'll be feeling more of this as the day goes on.

[Selkie]

Holy Smokes. Thank goodness you are OK and didn't end up under her truck.

[DrBee]

Yeah - I went the only place I could go - off the road. Thankfully I was wearing the helmet. I'm still shaking a bit. All I see is that truck (big truck) coming towards me.

My daugter (4) said I should have had my kneepads on.

[Selkie]

You got your first crash out of the way, so chances of it happening again any time soon are slim. Treat yourself extra good today, ok?

[Duck on Wheels]

Ohmygosh, fishdr! Get well quick!
Oh, and when you're over the worst, remember to congratulate yourself on having taken that dive rather than freezing up in front of the truck. Sounds like it was the right way to go at that moment.

[Brina]

gosh, how scary, hope you heal quickly. sorry about the damage to the bike, but glad to hear the trucker is taking responsiblity for it.

[slinkedog]

Fish! Thank goodness you're not more severely injured! I'm so sorry this happened to you. Let us know how you're doing.

[DrBee]

Thank you all for the well wishes. I really appreciate it!

Hopefully this DOESN't happen again for a long long time. I'm going to take it easy today.

I have an awesome looking bruise/scrape (but no blood) on the inside of my right thigh just above the knee that is about 4 x 3 inches that I didn't see before. That's going to be really ugly as it develops. I have a whopper of a headache, too. Somehow my arms and hands fared well. Good think I was wearing gloves.

I'm still a bit shaky and stiffening by the minute. I'm going to go eat something. I had my chocolate milk recovery drink. I need to find some comfort food around here.

I had to laugh when I was in the shower when I thought of this- when the woman asked if I was okay, all ll I could say was "I'm not worried about me - I'm worried about the bike!". It really is all about the bike, isn't it?

[DrBee]

Just called the bike shop - they said they will do their best to fix it the same day since I have to drive 2 hrs to get there. This is a really great shop! I'm heading there on Monday.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I'm glad to hear that you're (mostly) OK. Hopefully the bruises will heal quickly, and your shop will be able to restore your bike for you.

If you're not sure if you hit your head - but your head hurts - I would assume that you did hit your head. While you're at the bike shop next week, I'd recommend getting a new helmet.

Healing wishes are soaring towards you.
--- Denise