Rant about reactions to injuries from bike crashes

[Melalvai]

I know exactly how you feel. My daughter's wreck was serious enough that people didn't say that sort of thing...to my face. But I was terribly hurt by the anonymous comments on the news websites.

I am very quick to pull out the statistics of motor vehicle fatalities. Recently a local cyclist was injured very badly when hit by a van. That same week, Missouri highways saw 14 fatalities and every single one died in a motor vehicle. I believe there weren't even any motorcycles. They were all cars, trucks, SUVs. They ranged in age from 16 to 70. Almost half were under 24 years old.

Our metal cages aren't invincible.

[Irulan]

Start mountain biking.

[Aggie_Ama]

Start mountain biking.

Then they all think you're certifiable but tell you they wish they had your bravery. When I came to work with my lip busted my boss was the only one who asked me, then he could not stop laughing when that Friday I wore a shirt that said "I do my own stunts". Around here they usually want the details but they all seem inspired or envious I ride and race mountain bikes.

BUT I hear less approving comments towards road riding in general. I just chalk it up to people projecting jealousy mostly. Feeling inferior (physically) is what I think is behind it.

[skhill]

When I hear that sort of remark, I usually respond that while my mother broke her hip making dinner, no one is telling her that cooking is really dangerous and she shouldn't be doing it.

[Susan126]

Start mountain biking.

Wouldn't work for me . . . I mountain bike and road bike and so far all my injuries were from mountain biking! lol Like the 5 broken ribs, the broken arm, and the bloody knees! But it was all FUN FUN FUN! And I won't stop because I fell off my bike! Although at 57 I've become a lot more cautious. Mountain or road I love to be on my bike outside in the sun and wind and elements. I tried spinning and it was so boring. Scary thoughts do occasionally run through my mind like when I'm screaming down a 10% hill doing 45 mph (this was last Saturday on a group ride)! As I'm going down the hill I think hmmmm I sure hope my tire doesn't blow! But then the thrill takes over and I'm grinning ear to ear! People who shake their heads just don't understand.

[Irulan]

What I meant, was, "you think you get crap from road biking boo boos? Start mountain biking". Nothing like showing off mtb injuries to really freak people out.

[Susan126]

I love freakin people out . . . as my kids say . . . I'm nuts for an old person! But I'm enjoying the things I love to do! And I hope to be doing it as long as I can. To each his own. Everyone must follow their own drummer! Life is short and I am in it for the ride of my life! I'm happy for the company of those who share my enthusiasm for life! Now let's go and have some fun girls!

[Cynedra]

I can't count the number of times I've tripped and fell and bruised and scraped myself just walking down sidewalks. I've only had one bike accident (so far), which was completely my fault - over the handlebars, etc. Nobody has ever told me to stop walking, but a few were like are you sure you should ride again. I learned something from my bike crash, so that particular type of accident for that reason won't happen again. On the other hand, I'm still likely to trip again at some point.

And how many people hurt themselves getting in and out or taking a shower or a bath. I seriously hope they aren't told not to shower and bath anymore.

[zoom-zoom]

I can't count the number of times I've tripped and fell and bruised and scraped myself just walking down sidewalks. I've only had one bike accident (so far), which was completely my fault - over the handlebars, etc. Nobody has ever told me to stop walking, but a few were like are you sure you should ride again. I learned something from my bike crash, so that particular type of accident for that reason won't happen again. On the other hand, I'm still likely to trip again at some point.

And how many people hurt themselves getting in and out or taking a shower or a bath. I seriously hope they aren't told not to shower and bath anymore.

A few years back my very fit MIL gave herself a grade 3 ankle sprain that required crutches and an aircast...she was just walking along and stepped-off a curb funny.

[PamNY]

I totally get this. I'm a casual biker and never had a serious injury -- but the conversations about what MIGHT happen to me are so annoying.

Also (even funnier) I hear the same thing about toodling along on a Xootr at 5 mph.

[Crankin]

Yeah, I don't get why people do this. I don't tell those who do endurance rides of 500 miles or run 100 miles to stop, just because I might keel over if I did that...
I also chalk it up to jealousy. And yes, the comments get worse as you get older. It was acceptable for me to be at the gym morning noon and night, but as soon as my exercise moved outdoors, the comments started. Thankfully, there's a huge cycling culture around here, so I ignore my mostly unfit friends who say stuff.