Friday, March 05, 2010

Biker Down

Outside of a couple slight slips on the ice this winter, it's been uneventful in the spectacular crash department. I had to wait until the roads were free of ice for that.

Yesterday on my way to the Dakota Dome, I was clipping along thanks to a south wind. It was a beautiful day, first day over 40 degrees in 91 days here in Vermillion, with winds pushing me along from the South. When you turn into the dome parking lot there is a little S-curve to deal with. I was right behind two cars having fun leaning into the curves when my front tire disappeared from under me and I slammed to the ground at approximately 15mph.

Two things I learned from this accident:
1. The sand left over from winter street sanding is like riding on marbles
2. When the front wheel goes out from under you, the chances are exponentially higher that there will be no awesome recovery, but the chance of a spectacular crash is nearly 100%.

Accident results:
1. Bloody right elbow
2. Bloody right knee
3. Gravel dimples in my right shoulder
4. A stylish hole in the knee of my jeans
5. Hurt pride

I still sucked it up and led my indoor cycling class, but I definitely felt the effects of the accident and still do.

4 comments:

cassie said...

Well, at least you can check that off your ToDo list.

Unknown said...

Try the same maneuver on a Harley at 20 mph...it's no different except, if you're lucky, you have leather on in the Spring. But, I guarantee the front wheel, along with the rest of the machine, disappear just as fast from underneath you. Happy Landings...if we can't laugh at ourselves, chances are good that someday there will be no left to laugh at or with.

The Old Bag said...

Bummer! At least it's only surface damage -- whew!

Bald-n-Surly said...

Now you don't have to crash all summer.