unclipping, stopped car, oops

[DrBee]

Well - I had my first unclipping fall today! Due to life's craziness, I haven't had the chance to ride in a month.

I had a feeling I was going to fall today. Well - 8.5 miles into my ride I came up to a stop sign. The car in front of me was stopped. I came to a stop behind the car and didn't unclip because I expected him to go. Well... he didn't go. In a split second I thought "hmmm, I'm not going to be able to hold this balance on a stopped bike for long, so unclip". I got the right foot out and came crashing down on my left side. Wow that is a really stupid feeling.

My left foot did come unclipped at some point, just a bit too late. I have two really nice gashes on my right shin from the chainring. That's going to feel good in the shower. I continued my loop instead of going straight home - I had to hit at least 10 miles. I hit the house at 11 miles and now I'm heading to clean this beauty up. What fun!

[Squeaky]

Sorry to laugh, but the visual part is kinda funny (not the getting hurt part) . must.... unclip... now.... ahhhhh...

I did something similar not long ago. I clipped in and before I had a chance to start peddling, the wheel shifted and down I went. It hurt, but mostly it was hilarious.

[CyclChyk]

Ok if thats not the story of my life I don't know what is.... sorry about your shin but more impotantly, is your bike ok????

(seriously I am glad you are were not hurt badly)

[Bikingmomof3]

I am alwasy afraid that will happen to me. Acyually I know it will and I would like to get it over with.

I am very pleased to hear you were not injured too badly.

[DrBee]

The bike is fine - left pedal is scratched up. No biggy. My legs looks really nasty!

BMo3 - I've been waiting for this, too. I was relieved that my left foot came unclipped somehow. I must have looked like such a dork!

Good to know I'm in good company!

[bikerz]

Fish, is that really only your first fall with clipless? I'm glad you are OK!

I've fallen 6 times with that exact thought sequence.

The driver must have been startled - one minute there's a cyclist behind him, the next minute - no one!

[salsabike]

Ah, another club member. Welcome. There are a lot of us in this room already, but always a little space for one more. Think of them as badges of honor/battle scars.

[DrBee]

I came into work today in capris pants (the thought of jeans over the cuts was not good). The reactions should be good! I was telling my carpooling buddy about it on the way to work. He thought it was pretty funny. I can just imagine the driver thinking "uh, where'd she go?". It does make me chuckle.

And yes, BikerZ - first fall with clipless. I'm glad it's over!

[Lise]

Glad you're OK, fish. Sorry about those gashes--capris was a good idea! L.

[pooks]

I came into work today in capris pants (the thought of jeans over the cuts was not good). The reactions should be good!

When I had my bad fall (not clipless, just dumb) I tried to do an endo or something -- ended up with horrible bruising and a hematoma between my thighs. So other than a scraped elbow, you couldn't see anything unless I was wearing shorts.

Well, I went to the ob/gyn and decided not to warn her. Was SHE startled when she rolled forward and raised the sheet!

Most fun exam I've ever had, I was laughing so hard. And she told me some of her dumb falls. (She's a cyclist, too.)

I'm glad you're okay, though. Have fun with those cuts. They're proof you're a jock!

[CycleChic06]

Fishdr - weclome to the 'clipless pedal scars' club! My friends and I like to sit around and share the stories of the scars we got from our first rides clipless. They're usually pretty funny, and always embarrasing! We just keep telling each other that guys dig chicks with scars...it makes us feel better about it all.

Emily

[Bicyclette]

Fish - glad you got through your first fall relatively unscathed - falling seems to be becoming a way of life for me

We'll all wear our scars proudly!!