my century, dog crash

[Miranda]

Hello, my TE friends. Been MIA for 2 reasons: 1) my pc crashed ; and then *I* crashed. What a mess...

After much wonderful advice from here on TE, and 3 months of long hard training work, I felt ready.

Two weeks prior to event, I got sick w/some crud the kiddies brought home from school. But, was mostly recovered and didn't want to NOT show after all that training time.

At mile 10, the route split for 100. Felt pretty good and went for it. Things were going right on plan until mile 50. In a word: dog!

Over the bars head first...

If the Garmin graph is right, even with attempting to brake, my crash speed on impact was 23mph.

Unfortunately my helmet shifted on impact, and I have some head lumps & abraisions. But, it certainly took the first blow. Pic doesn't show all the damage. But, an idea.



Without it, pretty sure I'd be scrambled egg brains. I called Giro and think how I crashed was part of the shifting issue. I usually get it on super tight too. Maybe this day (of all days) I could have missed a click in that RocLoc. Will never know for sure.

Next my beloved Rudy Project glasses split in two and into my left eye socket. Think they saved my eyeball from getting scraped out on the road though. I have a huge shiner & blood in my eye.



Left side of face totally scraped off... It's ***nasty***. That one I thought was too graphic to post a pic of.

Onto collar bone, shoulders, and a roll to the blade which trashed by favorite TE jersey pictured below. The ER RN dug the jersey threads out of me. The skin is back on the road somewhere.



Somehow my new carbon ride only has a cosmetic scratch in the fork. Think it's because she cartwheeled over on top my body to break the fall. The crank must have been the source to cut up my legs. Other than the crank cuts, my lower half is ok. The white bar tape is going to need a change.



The ER doc said my xrays showed no fractures. But now unfortunately I'm having more collar bone / shoulder pain. Going to a orthoped doc appointment this week. I passed the neuro checks, but my brain just feels like a slight fog at times. I'm at a point too, I think I'm having some post crash depression...

I can't believe in a split second my century was trashed for the whole season. Though, logically... I feel lucky to be alive.

Oh, and get this bs...
The words of the property residents of the dog said the following:
"... oh yea, our dog LOVES to chase bicycles... there has been a lot of bikes going by today... he has been chasing them all day!" Sherrif was a total jerk-face & ultimately nothing will be done I'm sure, but the man said, "... why would I need to keep my dog confined? ...I live out in the country, etc."...

Uhhh, well, I'll give you one reason... TAKE A FREAKING LOOK AT MY FACE!!!

Not the first century report I dreamed of finally being able to post. But, that's what I have to share.

Miranda

[owlice]

Miranda,

The most important thing is that you are still here and able to post about it. Thank goodness! I'm so sorry you had a crash, and such a bad one, but wow... going as fast as you were, and you have no broken bones? You are one tough chick!!!

The dog owner is an idiot, which of course you already know.

I wish you a speedy and complete recovery!

Owl

[Blueberry]

Ouch - just ouch!! I'm so sorry That really sucks.

Do you have a leash law in your county? If so, talk to an attorney. It might be worth claiming against the homeowner's insurance. It'd at least be worth having somebody write a nasty letter. I'd also let the ride organizers know. It's a problem when there are dogs on the route chasing riders all day - they might want to route elsewhere next year. Yeah, it sucks, but sometimes avoidance is all you can do with stupid owners.

Here's hoping all of you heals really quickly (and as scar free as possible...)

CA

[pfunk12]

Wow, Miranda...so sorry to hear about your crash. It sounds awful but from it seems like it could have turned out a lot worse. I'm glad to hear that your bike doesn't have any wounds! I hope you feel better soon.

[OakLeaf]

Aw (((((((Miranda))))))) that s*cks. Hope you heal up quick. Use plenty of Traumeel, and don't feel bad about resting - pain is exhausting. Your training plan right now is rest and heal.

And what CA said.

[Owlie]

Wow...I'm really glad you were able to post about it...yikes. Rest and heal up. Gentle ((hugs)) for you too.

[tctrek]

YIKES!! I am so glad you are up and about although it sounds like you need some time to heal and pull together your inner spirit. I really think dog owners should be more responsible, but out here, we get chased on just about all our rides. I hate being chased by dogs !!

[andtckrtoo]

Man some people should not own dogs!! I'm so sorry you were hurt, especially like that. I'm sending quick healing vibes!

[bikerchic]

Man that sucks Miranda!

Eventually you'll get to the place where you've got this behind you and are working hard training for your next century. Certainly you're body bruises will heal long before your bruised ego......we all remember our first crash! Sounds like you are one lucky gal to live to tell the tale!

Heal fast girl and remember there will be other century rides!

[Cataboo]

MIranda, I wish you were in better shape, but I'm really glad your bike's okay. I think you should possibly keep that handlebar tape - it looks pretty hardcore.


I hope you heal quickly!

[Grog]

I'm really glad you're around to tell the story.

I agree about what all the others said about the dog owner. This person really needs to learn a few lessons in good citizenship.

[channlluv]

I'm glad you walked away from that crash at all.

What happened to the dog? (And yeah, the owner is an idiot.)

Roxy

[crazycanuck]

Miranda,

I'm sorry your bike season has ended abruptly. Please take the time to be gentle & heal in your own time.

You'll be back on your bike but don't rush into it.

Take care of that noodle!

C

[runningteach]

I am so sorry and sending you healing vibes. Thank goodness for helmets. Gentle hug to you. Crashes are scary.

[lph]

OW!!

Many good healing vibes to you! The depression will pass, and you will have a whopper of a story to tell your grandkids.