Crash #2 :(

[Melody]

I posted this in my blog but I'm reposting it here so people don't have to make another stop.

Mel who hasn't even had time to read forum postings in weeks due to work

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Neil and I were cycling today near his company's picnic down on a Multi Use Path down in south San Jose. Soon after we had started going down the path (which was fairly narrow) we came up to an area of the path that was partially blocked by cones. I started slowing way down since the path was going around a blind corner.

Unfortunately, a woman on a bike with aerobars (with her in the aero position instead of on the handlebars) came flying around that blind corner and went very wide, probably due to the cones that were blocking part of her path. In order to avoid hitting her, I pulled off of the path onto the gravel on my right. Unfortunately for me, that gravel path ended... Into a creek that was over four feet down.

So I went flying off of the gravel into the creek hitting it face first and I went down under the water (which was a little over waist high). Because of the force of my crash into the water and the rocks below, I had not the strength to push myself out of the water and if my husband was not there, I probably would have drowned... especially since the woman that I swerved to avoid never stopped to see if I was ok.

So, my husband ran and got into the creek and forced my head out of the water. He slowly helped me into an upright position sitting in the creek so I could recover after which he went and got Silver and my pump out of the creek. He then proceeded to help me out of the creek.

We walked back to the area where his company was having their picnic. While heading back, rider after rider past us with only one person even asking if I was ok, even though my face was bloody from hitting rocks.

We got back to the picnic area and headed over to the area's first aid station so I could at least get some rudimentary bandges on my chin. I'm very glad things were not worse since the station was not well manned and it seemed the gentlemen who was there didn't really have any idea what to do. I'm very glad that I have had training (it's even current).

After first-aid we had some lunch and then headed home where I took a shower and started patching myself up. I have a bruise/heavy scrape on my chin and my side the size of my fist/palm, several cuts on my legs and arms and bruises on my shoulder and back. I'm very lucky to not have sustained any breakage and I'm sure hitting water instead of stone first helped in keeping damage down.

Silver was also very lucky. She's fine except for her rear wheel which is totalled. Nothing survived there other than the tire (we think) not even the hub.

So now, I'm sitting here watching TV doped up on pain meds and trying not to move. The day started well... it just didn't end well.

[Duck on Wheels]

Oh Mel! I'm so glad you weren't out there alone! Virtual hugs from me ... carefully avoiding all the bruises.

[DeniseGoldberg]

Ouch! Healing thoughts and wishes are heading your way. Hope you can both heal quickly and get a replacement wheel so that you're happily rolling down the road again soon.

I knew there was a reason why my bikes insist I ride in the road and not on bike paths...

--- Denise

[DrBee]

Wow - that sounds awful! Good thing your husband was there!

I'm sending you healing vibes - from one crash victim to another

[hibiscus09]

especially since the woman that I swerved to avoid never stopped to see if I was ok.

I'm so sorry that happened to you! I imagine that was pretty scary ending up under water. We have a lot of lagoons (with alligators) here at Kiawah along the bike paths and the thought of that freaks me out.

I'm glad you're okay -- I hope everything heals quickly!

[Brina]

I am sorry for your crash. Treat yourself gentley and heal quickly.

[Selkie]

That's terrifying. Thank goodness you are OK.

Shame on that woman. I see that type of wreckless behavior every day, unfortunately, and if INFURIATES me (wannabees going way too fast for a multi-use trail, not stopping at stop signs, and taking corners way too wide). I'm sure her behavior will catch up with her and she'll end up crashing. Hopefully, she won't take out anyone else.

[tprevost]

Oh my goodness, what is wrong with people!

Melanie,

I am SO sorry this happened and thankful at the same time that your husband was there with you when this happened. I hope you heal quickly and completely! Also, 'glad silver didn't suffer more damage as well.

Please let us know how your healing is going.

Tracy

[Running Mommy]

Arrghh!! That woman is what gives triathletes a bad name!! Aerobars are just not a good idea on a multi use path IMO. It's one of the reasons why I don't ride on ours, too many variables... Kids, runners, older folks walking, other riders, people on cruisers who have no real clue how to ride, people who DO know how to ride but choose to ride recklessly, people walking dogs.. oh I could go on and on...
Anyway, I'm SOO glad your ok! What a scary accident!!
Heal up well! I'll send you some warm fuzzy AZ healing vibes ~~~~HEAL UP QUICK MEL~~~~~~ - and they come from a dry climate, so it should kill any infection that tries to take hold.. hee hee
ciao bella!
denise

[bikerz]

Oh Mel - I'm so sorry to hear about your crash - wow - so good your DH was there to help you up - and how scary! I can't believe the other cyclist didn't even stop to see how you were.

Rest up and get well soon -

best wishes,
Ann

[Trek420]

Owwwww virtual hugs also carefully avoiding bruised bits.

aero bar gal if you're lurking WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? You had to have heard the crash/splash....virtual Gokyos to you (an Aikido pin that makes you wanna toss your cookies).

[DrBee]

aero bar gal if you're lurking WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? You had to have heard the crash/splash....virtual Gokyos to you (an Aikido pin that makes you wanna toss your cookies).

That sounds intense!

Hope you're feeling better Mel and you're taking it easy today.

[winddance]

Melody, I'm so sorry this happened! How scary!

Careful virtual hugs from me as well, and I hope you heal up quickly.

[Trekhawk]

OMG - that is so scary. Make sure you get plenty of rest. I hope you and Silver will be feeling better soon.

[Melody]

Thanks everyone. I do feel better at the moment than yesterday though I've only slept a little (got up at 2:30am because I couldn't sleep any more due to the pain).

I'm just waiting for the day to end so I can sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule.

Mel