Quote Originally Posted by betagirl
. 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