Is there a good way to fall?

[KnottedYet]

Once when I was going over sideways I remembered someone telling me "never let go of the bike." (weird how you remember things in a split second)

I held onto the bike and kind of rolled, it turned out ok.

[Trek420]

Once when I was going over sideways I remembered someone telling me "never let go of the bike." (weird how you remember things in a split second)

I held onto the bike and kind of rolled, it turned out ok.

Glad that it did I got "right hooked" by a driver who simply had to whip ahead of me for a Wendy's drive through. I saw a spot I could take a roll in and not get hit by other cars and went for it.

It turned out ok. I was pretty shaken up, but don't know if it was the idea of almost getting squished or the fact that cement is a lot harder than mats I'd been training on.

I feel the fall we walk away from or recover from is a good one.

[AZchick]

Props to that stunt guy... but if I was upset to get a ticket, I'd think of another way to protest!!!!
Yes to the 'trajectory" idea for sure. Every situation is different.
Also yes, yesterday I should have just held on to the bars, allowing my whole side to take up the impact. I did that once (not on a bike, but tripping over a dog and I drove my elbow into my ribcage, but spared myself worse injuries.
Today I jumped on my MTB for a ride and put the road bike back on the trainer so I can train a bit more...
Thanks for ALL your input. Next time I head to the grassy backyard... I'm positioning lounge chair mats in strategic stopping places... and wearing armor, till I get this right!!!

[smilingcat]

I've been riding for many many years. And when it comes to falling/crashing, things happen so fast that there really is no reaction time.

And each fall is different. Sometimes putting your hand out with gel'd glove will protect you. Sometimes putting your hand out will break your wrist or forearm or damage your elbow.

Sometimes trying to roll to keep from breaking your hand or arm, you could break your collarbone.

This is why you should wear a pair of gloves and a helmet! Gloves preferably gel'd ones. Instinctively most people will put their hands out to break the fall.
That little gel padding in your glove does give you some added protection.