Fit issue

[emily_in_nc]

So sorry, goldfinch. When I had my serious dog-related bike accident, using Speedplay X-2 pedals, I clipped right out (not by trying; it happened so fast, I was just lying there and bike was over a ways, separate from me). The dogs also ran away when I hit the ground in my case. It is scary! Be glad you didn't fracture your pelvis like I did. Not a good day.

I actually HAD Halt on my handlebars when this happened and was reaching for it, but I hit my DH's rear wheel as he had slowed down a bit when he saw the dogs. I sped up, leading to disaster.

Hopefully you'll never have a ride like this one again. Loose dogs are really scary, though. And there seem to be a lot of them in the south. My accident occurred in rural NC.

[goldfinch]

Thanks for the nice words and Emily, boy am I glad it wasn't worse.

I'm very sore and bruised. I spent yesterday mostly in bed with a novel. I am going to try a short ride this morning to see how it goes. I am very sore and had a hard time sleeping. I generally am not easily rattled but I think being alone here doesn't help.

[Crankin]

A nice, easy spin will help the soreness. Don't overdo it, but sitting around will probably make it worse.
I wonder why this is such an issue in the rural south?

[Jo-n-NY]

Everytime I see a dog on a ride or hear of a dog chasing a cyclist I always think of Emilly.

Goldfinch, I hope you feel better very soon!!!

[tzvia]

(((goldfinch)))
Oh good gosh.

Hope you are ok. Take it easy for a bit, heal up. When I crash I like to take soaking hot baths with Epsom salts. Another soothing bath soak is (please don't laugh) camomile tea. Works great for muscle aches, and then making some to drink after, just before going to bed, makes it easier to sleep. A few drops of lavender in the bath with the camomile is also soothing.

Riding in an urban area, it's easy for me to take for granted that dogs are either behind fences or are road kill. I would guess that for rural areas that are not typically fenced, good strong pepper spray is like a spare tube, really useful when the need arises. I guess I would clip it to the bars, and get it ready whenever I see lose dogs. I don't think that they will bother you the second time if you pop 'em with it the first.

As for the pedals, yea, generally I find they don't unclip when I go down. I actually prefer it, as I try to stay with the bike and not stick out my arms and legs- that's a good way to get them broken. If I can keep my hands on the bars, I do so, if not, I try to remember to tuck them in. Usually end up with hamburger elbows from sliding on the ground.

[Owlie]

((Goldfinch))

[OakLeaf]

I wonder why this is such an issue in the rural south?

I don't think south vs north has anything to do with it, it's more urban/rural, and it's just cultural.

Country people typically fall into two categories - those who keep their dogs on short chains or cages either 24/7 or any time they're not out hunting with them - and those who don't confine their dogs at all - whether they're working dogs or just companions, they're accustomed to having the run of the property with their people - some people are better than others about training their dogs to stay on their property, and some dogs are better than others about internalizing those lessons.

Catrin had her dog incident in Indiana, it's the same in Ohio and it was the same in North Dakota when I lived there.

[Catrin]

Catrin had her dog incident in Indiana, it's the same in Ohio and it was the same in North Dakota when I lived there.

In Indiana, I see a difference from county to county on this. In counties to the NW/West side of Indianapolis people seem to keep their dogs confined in some way for the most part (typically behind a fence). My attack actually happened in an urban park setting. Counties on the south side of Indy see many more loose dogs...which means I haven't ridden there solo and may not. On a group ride, sure, but not solo.

[indysteel]

In Indiana, I see a difference from county to county on this. In counties to the NW/West side of Indianapolis people seem to keep their dogs confined in some way for the most part (typically behind a fence). My attack actually happened in an urban park setting. Counties on the south side of Indy see many more loose dogs...which means I haven't ridden there solo and may not. On a group ride, sure, but not solo.

You are absolutely right there! I assume it's a reflection of certain socioeconomic differences. Oh, how I miss riding in Boone County.....

Goldfinch, so sorry about your fall. Getting chased/struck/bit by a dog during a ride is one of my bigger fears.

[louisianalouise]

Hi Goldfinch

I had some cleat issues that needed resolving with shims - basically, my knees would hurt because my leg was not tracking straight so a small plastic disk (thicker on one side) made for your cleat system is placed between your shoe and cleat.

It immediately alleviated my knee pain. However, any fit or pedal system change is going to take time to adjust to. I would start by re-arranging where the cleat is on my shoe and make sure it is not at an angle

Speedplays are known to be lower stacked, so saddle maybe down a bit. If they still don't work, get yourself some LOOK KEO EASY pedals which are made for recreational and beginner riders and very easy to clip in and out of (not good for sprinting though).

As for those dogs - shame on the owners. When I see a dog come after me I lower my voice as much as possible and bellow "GEEET BAAAACK!" and it usually scares them off.

A pack of 3 though? Wow, some people do not know the meaning of fence. I hope you heal up soon.

Stick with the clipless pedals it is well worth it

[goldfinch]

I am feeling much better today, both in the head and physically. Thank you all for the kind words, it helps. Last night I slept better too. I went for a good long ride today on my hybrid with some guys I ride with once in a while who ride at a slow pace. Other than being a bit stiff I think I am in good shape.

I haven't been back on the road bike. I will do that tomorrow and keep plugging along with the clipless. On a different route. With the pepper spray attached to my bars. I met one rider here who rides a lot. He has a cattleprod/taser thingie on his bike. Cripe.