After the Serious Accident

[emily_in_nc]

I had a serious cycling accident (5 days in hospital, surgery, 9 weeks off work) in 2005, and was back on the bike 3 months later. I was slow, careful, and shaky, but I figured the best thing I could do was to get back out there. Give yourself all the time you need and DON'T FEEL GUILTY! It was an accident, but you are probably still suffering a post-traumatic reaction, so don't do anything crazy like sell your bike. This is not the time for big decisions. Just take it day by day, and when you feel it is right to get back on, you'll know.

[kajero]

You people are the GREATEST. Reading all the posts has really made me think. It's absolutely wonderful how you are presenting different sides of things. I never even thought of what a lot of you have suggested. It is really helping me to look at different sides of everything.

Once again, you are the greatest and I thank you for being here.

[Grits]

Someone bumped tires in front of me, fell, and then I crashed into them last September. I broke 3 metatarsal bones and consider myself very lucky, but still, what a pain and inconvenience and expense it was!

I eased back into it by starting out on a greenway on my old hybrid bike. I went to platform pedals, at first because I couldn't twist my foot to clip in and out, but now just because I like not having to deal with clipless pedals and haven't noticed any difference in speed. Clipless pedals also add stress for me because I did not clip out when I fell, and even thought the pedals were on a very loose setting, it didn't happen by itself either. The resulting twist from falling while clipped in at that particular angle and speed was what caused the broken bones so I blame the pedals, rightly or wrongly.

After solo greenway rides for a month or so, I ventured out on the road for short rides with a friend. (I am also very wary of drafting now). I'm back up to my pre-accident riding now (sans clipless pedals) but am much more cautious and drive everyone crazy, I'm sure, with "safety talks" prior to rides.

As others have said, it is WAY too soon to make any decisions. Be kind to yourself, and if you have to make some changes in your riding style to feel safe, even on a temporary basis, then do that.

[Bike Chick]

Kajero,

I'm so sorry that you had such a serious accident. Give yourself some time to heal and don't feel pressured to ride again until you are ready. That beautiful new bike isn't going anywhere and it doesn't eat anything so letting it sit and wait on you won't cost a dime. Take care of yourself.

[brodymom]

I just went through a somewhat similar experience - I fell 6 weeks ago on a slimy wooden bridge and broke my pelvic bone. Honestly - I didn't worry about the insurance issues - as others have said, we pay for the coverage and are fortunate that the claims were covered.

My experience was that until I was cleared to ride, I didn't worry so much about getting back on. Once the doctor cleared me to ride, I was more nervous, thinking about all the things that could go wrong, etc. I ended up going for a short ride to get that out of my system and try to get my 'legs' back. By the 3rd ride post fall, I am pretty much fine and comfortable but much more cautious and focused on ending each ride upright and in tact.

Go at your own pace and go when YOU are ready. If you don't feel ready, don't go.

[kajero]

I decided to give the new bike a try. I have had it outside twice. The first time was the day we finally brought it home. I went about 1/8 of a mile and was terrified. But I managed to get through it. I rode tonight for about 1/10 of mile before getting scared. I am not so sure I like the road bike over my hybrid. It's going to take time to get used to it.

SO bought me an indoor trainer so I can practice riding the bike. I have been using it for about 10 minutes a day. Any longer than that the rib pain kicks in.

I see the the doctor June 6 and hope he says I am fit again. I hope I have NO pain by then.

I am still not sure I will continue biking, but at least I am making an effort to help me decide.

[kajero]

I AM RIDING AGAIN! Slowly but steadily. Today my SO I and rode 6 miles at an average speed of 10 mph. The pain from the accident doesn't seem to bother me on the bike. Funny though, it hurts when I lie down???? We are gradually increasing the mileage every day. Seeing as he is 82 years old, he is quite agreeable to this. He does have an e-bike so it really isn't too tough for him.

I really like my new road bike. Its a 2012 Specialized Ruby Compact size 44. It fits so much better than my hybrid. I guess you don't know how bad a fit is until you get something that fits like a dream. (The LBS took time to make sure it was fit right.) I am thinking of selling the hybrid and buying new one that fits so I can run errands with it. But that is probably a long way off. I am not sure I want to put anything extra on a bike I have to balance. The road bike was expensive as well. I guess I will have to see if I get a bonus next year.

[sookiesue]

That's great! So glad you are finding happiness on the bike again - and a bike that fits well, too! Enjoy, and take care.

[lovelygamer]

I am so happy to hear you are riding again. Keep the pedals going, slow and steady.

[chatnoire]

It sounds like things are slowly coming along for you. That's really great.

I don't have much to add from the bike crashing experience, but possibly my best friend's story will help?

She was thrown from her horse a couple years ago, broke multiple bones, 5 days in the hospital, pins, etc. She was completely unable to use both arms for about 3 weeks, relying on friends for everything (and I mean *everything*). 6 weeks in, she was itching to get back on the horse, and at 12 weeks, they ok'd it for her...and the horse she was riding (a 26 year old school horse) fell....and she broke her arm again.

The second crash affected her so much more than the first. Like you, she was lucky to have awesome insurance, and eventually went on to buy a new horse (the previous ones were school horses and leased horses) - and working with her new horse she was able to get to the point that she felt comfortable riding, walking, doing dressage, trail rides...but she stopped jumping. It just wasn't what she felt comfortable doing. But she *still* spends hours each day at the barn, fussing over her horse.

I hope that you get to the point where you can be ok with the limits you feel you need, but the ability to go to the point that you are comfortable with riding again.

[featuretile]

Hi Kajero,

It was a little too soon for me, but that was the schedule of my group bike camping tour from Napa to Santa Cruz with international guests. I went from the 28 miles I had managed to get up to after the accident to 30-46 miles a day. In 8 days, I rode 242 miles. That does not mean I felt as confident as before. I really tried to keep a distance between me and the other riders. I sagged over the 2 big mountains with steep ascents and descents. I seem to not have as much energy for the climbs, and I really don't feel like going downhill very fast. Basically, it wasn't as much fun as before, but I needed to prove that I could still do it.

I also ride a Ruby Compact 48 and it is very comfortable.

The biggest difference to me seems to be my attitude. Before the accident I was focused on keeping up with the faster riders. Now, I just want to get home safe, and if they pass me, they pass me. Hopefully, it will get more fun again.