Cyclist dies in race in Portland, OR

[betagirl]

Wow, I feel so bad for his family. This and the guy who died on RAIN. It's always a shame when stuff like this happens.

As for the helmet discussion, cycling is a dangerous sport. Period. It has a disproportionate death rate compared to the number of people who actually ride (I forget the percentage). My friend has had 2 crashes with me, and her helmet saved her bean from serious damage both times. First crash she went down on her left side and I was sure she did a face plant on the pavement. For whatever reason, her face was unaffected but her helmet was cracked and she had a nice bump on her forehead. Other minor scrapes and a concussion, she went to the ER just to be safe. She was back on her bike in a week. Second crash was at a lower speed and I didn't see her go down, but I heard it. Again, helmet cracked - head ok. She only had a cut on her elbow that time. Another guy I know got clotheslined by a fallen tree on a bike path from a storm the night before. He was looking down, wasn't expecting it, and wham. He was on the pavement before he knew it and was missing a tooth. In that instance, his helmet did nothing for him. Not that helmets saving your noodle is any sort of news flash to you guys, but I guess my point is that this just comes with the territory of this sport. I do think learning how to fall is imperative if you're going to bike. There are certain things you're supposed to do if you start to go down, and unless you practice a little in a field or somewhere "soft" they won't be ingrained reflexes. #1 rule is not to stretch out your arms to try to brace yourself. Instead try to clip out and tuck. Sounds easier said than done to me I read 1 article about how you're supposed to try to launch yourself over your handlebars and run. I was like sure, ok. But you get the idea.

Alison, glad your hubby is ok!

[RoadRaven]

. I do think learning how to fall is imperative if you're going to bike. There are certain things you're supposed to do if you start to go down, and unless you practice a little in a field or somewhere "soft" they won't be ingrained reflexes. #1 rule is not to stretch out your arms to try to brace yourself. Instead try to clip out and tuck. Sounds easier said than done to me .

When I crashed badly earlier this year in a corparate triathalon (hit the tarseal at approx 30km/hour -nearly 19 mph) I rolled... didn't conciously think to roll, but I did and I think thats why I could get back on the bike and finish - bleeding and bruised, but I finished.
When I got back and took my helmet off, one of the folks at our tent noticed I had a fist sized piece of my helmet outta the back... I had memory probs for a week.

So yeah, def wear a helmet and let your self roll - don't brace yourself into the crash...

Still feeling awful for the families and friends... such an awful freak accident