Accident

[grey]

We got hubby a bike for Christmas, and with the sunny day yesterday we aired up, suited up, and decided to go on our first ride together. We picked the Chickamauga battlefield since there isn't much traffic, and what traffic is there is much used to seeing cyclists.
Hubby's never had a road bike before, so we spent some time in the parking lot making adjustments to the saddle ... and I decided to let him go in front, since I had the safety light. First mistake. I also should have gone over signals with him - that's the second mistake. But I felt I have been riding for years and thought it better this way.
Anyway - we wanted to turn left, and I was signaling and there wasn't traffic behind us - so was going to wait in the median. To his perspective, there was traffic so he turned right on a little side street. I thought "ok, we'll go right instead, that's cool" and started to ride up alongside him to his left so we could talk. And then he turned left suddenly (so we could wait and cross the street) - right into me.
I know why it happened, I know it's both our faults. I should have realized he was thinking it would be safer to cross the street by waiting on one with less traffic, or should have remained single-file for a little longer. But anyway. I crashed into him, and that's the last I remember until there were sirens. Apparently I was out for 20-25 seconds, he couldn't wake me and it was HARD for me to come to. I'm also a martial artist, I've been knocked out before and seen plenty, but usually someone is down for 2-5 seconds, so it must have been quite the hit.
Without the helmet I think I might not be alive. Or maybe a vegetable. It took a beating, it's crushed on the rear left and heavily dented in the back.
I took a beating. I am bruised all over, other than the concussion and two sizable lumps on my head, I am ok. Just still dizzy and headache today. They took CT scans and X-rays - so I can say I have had my head examined and it's fine.

The bikes - I think the frames are ok. DH's left brake is crooked and my front wheel is not true. Those are pretty minor. I'll take the bikes into the shop and get them checked out.

Upside: I need a new helmet. Suggestions?

[indysteel]

Oh, grey. I'm so sorry. Take it easy and give yourself plenty of time to heal. Hugs!

[ny biker]

It's probably a good sign that you remember so much about what happened before you fell. I hope you feel better soon.

RE: the new helmet, if you liked the way the old one fit I would start by looking into others by that company.

[PamNY]

Yikes! So sorry you had an accident. Take care of yourself and heal up fast.

[Anelia]

Get well soon! Rest a lot.

[Chile Pepper]

Yikes! Hope you heal quickly!