Is there a correct way to fall?

[Eden]

Trek - it wasn't the martial arts instructor that shot the idea down - I wasn't totally clear there. It was my teammates who thought teaching a person how to fall would make them think about falling. The thing is you do fall.... I know at least 5 people who broke collar bones this year!, so I still think that it might be a good idea.

Redmond isn't too far away (my husband works over there) so I could certainly check into that studio - I'm not sure if the place down the street is all Tae Kwan Do - that's just what I remember. I think they may be multi-disciplinary?? (but it might be Karate too, which also focuses on puches and kicks too right)

I've taken several tumbles and to the best of my knowledge (I can never remember what happens during the actual fall...) I've been pretty loose. I've flipped end over end (down a ditch!) without getting seriously hurt - but the surface was soft.

[Trek420]

I've taken several tumbles and to the best of my knowledge (I can never remember what happens during the actual fall...) I've been pretty loose. I've flipped end over end (down a ditch!) without getting seriously hurt - but the surface was soft.

Yes, Karate's also mostly punches/kicks/blocks too, any of the so-called "hard styles". At advanced levels many arts have more in common than not. But if you want to learn falls look to Judo, Ju Jitsu and Aikido ... 'cause that's what we do. On the other hand we don't punch as well

Knowing how to fall might make you looser/relaxed which in turn gives you options. Your mind may go something like "I'm gonna fall but that'll be ok but look here, I can turn or do this" bunny hop or somethin' and save it."

I've been in situations off the bike, slips, trips, banana peel on the floor and I take the fall knowing that I'll be ok but if I struggle to stay up will pull the gimpy knee But in answer to your teammate it takes yeaaaars of practice to look that foolish. Your results will vary.

But I think you're right it would help your racing and I've read that some competitive teams practice falls.

[RolliePollie]

Great advice here! The martial arts info is really interesting. I fell three times during my first few weeks with clipless pedals and I kept my hands on the handlebars...my instinct seems to be to try and protect the bike! These were all slow tip-overs though. If I was flying over the handlebars, I'm pretty sure I would put my arms out to try and catch myself even though I know that would not be the best idea. I try to tell myself that if I ever go flying, I should tuck and roll and maybe try to do something with my arms to protect my face. When I think about the aftermath of a big crash, I always worry about broken teeth for some reason.

[smilingcat]

Maybe this explains why I have shattered both collar bones and suffered concussions.

And to Eden,

tell your friends that I wasn't thinking about falling when I had my crashes. It was furthest from my mind. I never thought about crashing when I go out. But I do think about being squashed by a car. Thankfully, I haven't yet.

smilingcat

[deidre]

Thanks to everyone for all of your suggestions and tips.

I live near a school and decided to go out yesterday and just ride around the school's parking lot/surrounding area (not a high traffic area) and just practiced clipping in and out.

As I clipped in, I would repeat over and over "You are attached to your bike - (Thanks Karen for your biking mantra).

I would start pedaling and then I picked a random spot and had to be ready to get off of the bike. That meant I had to have both feet unclipped by that time. It was a challenge at first but I got the hang of it. I expanded my ride away from the school (a little), found a little hill and rode for another 45 minutes.

It was great! I had forgotten how much I loved riding my bike. It is such a feeling of freedom.

Now, if I can just get brave enough to venture out onto the 'real' roads. clipless or not, I am very concerned/afraid/nervous about that. When I am out running or even walking, I find I am really focused on the cars because they don't see me or seem to care that I am trying to share the road with them.

Another challenge for me to overcome!