My First Road Rash

[bikerHen]

So I finally get back on my bike after a month of very little riding due to an infected colon, yuk!, and what do I do? Fall going over a very nasty group of RR tracks! These track stick up a good inch from the road and cross at a weird angle, add in lots of sand and gravel and you have one sore hen! Very impressive road rash though. No permanent damage. Just scrapes, bruises and a sore shoulder. And my bike is OK. Rode on to work and got no sympathy from my boss and customers. Most seem to think a 50 year old women has no business riding a bike to work. Personally I like to think they are just jealous that I AM/CAN ride my bike to work. Anyway, I know you all understand. I took the day off from riding yesterday to lick my wounds, but I'll be riding home tonight - I think I'll take a route without RR tracks! Wish me luck. BikerHen

[SadieKate]

Glad you're OK. Wear your wounds with pride.

Should you report those RR tracks to the county/city authorities? If they've had a number of bike accidents they may take a look at fixing the pavement to make a smoother crossing. I know the RR tracks inside and near our city limits get plenty of attention because of vocal bicyclists.

[bikerHen]

These RR tracks are well known to bike riders who ride in North Spokane. They are on a direct route to some very nice riding out on the local prairie. Unfortunatly they are on a lesser traveled road so the county doesn't give a rip about their condition. Ah well, they are on the short route to work, I guess I will have to stick to the long route! BikerHen

[DeniseGoldberg]

Glad to hear that you're OK, even if a bit bruised.
And I'm another 50+ rider who commutes to work by bike, usually 2 or 3 days a week, and only in the warmer months. I think your riding to work is a great thing - just tell your co-workers that they should join in!

I've actually started walking across some of the train tracks on my biking routes. If I know they are flat and the tracks cross the road at a reasonable angle, then I just ride across them. If not - well, I may be a chicken, but I walk!

--- Denise

[mtbdarby]

Hen, glad to hear you're ok. Keep commuting, you're darn right they're jealous!!

Don't feel bad, my family jokes at all my road rash wounds and tells me too bad I can't ride as well as the "older" riders. I agree, where them with pride!

P.S. The LBS told me they were posting my lastest road rash pix on their website I hope they were kidding......

[bikerchick68]

yikes glad you're OK! RR tracks are always tricky.... out here they use this weird rubber substance to either side of the trolley tracks that may as well be ICE! UGH!

and I agree about the jealous co-workers... riding is NOT age/height/weight exclusive! My mom is 64 and just got her first comfort bike... she hasn't ridden in almost 50 yrs so I am still running along next to her yelling, "Put your feet down! " when she stops cause she forgets and tips over...

[anaphase]

Glad you're okay!
And if your coworkers were to try to keep up with you? You'd easily drop 'em.