Crash on tonight's group ride

[Jiffer]

My friend went down a few weeks ago from avoiding a tire in front of her. She was drafting someone who barely started to slow for a red light that was a little ways ahead. No brakes or anything, just stopped pedaling. My friend was obviously too close to begin with. I was directly behind her and am surprised I didn't go down with her. Somehow I managed to get around her left while she fell to the right. She hit her head pretty hard and was knocked unconscious for a minute or two. Very scary. Went to the hospital in an ambulance, but was ultimately fine other than a concussion and some pretty good road rash.

I hear bumping tires is a common cause of crashes. We have tried to be so careful since then to not only stay a safe distance from the rider in front (even while drafting), but to always let the rider behind know when they are slowing or of any dangers in the road.

On a side note, during my last club ride, a rider went down in the midst of a big group from hitting a rock about an inch or so in diameter. I don't know if no one pointed it out to her or if she just didn't notice them pointing it out. Luckily she didn't hit her head. Just tore her shorts and was able to finish the ride.

It's amazing how easily a crash can happen and one person falling can take out so many others. Hearing these stories reminds us to always be on our guard. So glad to hear your friends are all okay. (And yay for you for feeling so strong that day!!! I love those days! )

[Mr. Bloom]

Wow! Glad you were ahead of the group. Was SR on the ride or did she come up afterward for medical assistance?

I was on a slow group ride last night. No wrecks, but we started with 10 and ended with 5 on a "no drop" 20 mile ride. It was weird...and this was the OWLS group (Older Wiser Less Speedy).