Hi friends at u.r.c,
Just to explain why I've been quiet for the last few days and why I might
not be posting much or at all on the group any more... well, for a while
at least.......
I had a road bike crash at 8pm on Monday and broke my hip. Annoying thing
is, it was just a silly little incident that I wouldn't have thought would
normally cause very much bother, but I was unlucky in how I fell or with
the condition of my bones (for my age, which is about half that of those
who have hip problems normally).
I'm vague on what happened precisely, but I was front-braking or turning
for a right turn into a side road from about 15 mph when the front wheel
suddenly skidded and slipped, causing the bike and me to fall over to the
right. My right hip and elbow absorbed the impact, preventing damage to
the rest of me and the bike. Nothing else hit the road or me. Elbow is
just grazed. Wheel might have skidded after I had already slowed to less
than 10 mph but it's difficult to remember when a crash happens to quickly
and the consequences become so much more important than the exact cause.
Not sure if I started to turn before/while/after braking but the slip was
totally unexpected as I think I've got away with that sort of thing and
worse before many times. The tarmac may have been greasy, though there
was no obvious sign of oil (nor gravel). The roads were dry and ice was
not a possibilty that mild evening. It was a shaper turn than usual (and
planned) as I was giving an exiting van extra room. Perhaps that was it
except I still would have expected more grip. The road surface certainly
could have been better.
Anyway, the good news is that I'm recovered enough to be back at home
typing this message already (Friday 5pm)! The badly broken hip was pinned
the next morning. 24 hours later I was walking with a frame, with little
pain; same with crutches after 24 more hours.
There is a chance that the blood supply to the head (ball) of the joint
won't be sufficient, meaning it would die and I would need a hip
replacement (requiring further replacements in future as they don't last
forever), but it's not a big chance as far as I know so far.
Still, it's going to be a long time before I can cycle again, if I want
want to. My enthusiam for all things cycling is naturally dented after
this realisation of just how vulnerable I am on a bike.
Cycling advice for you? The main stuff is basic so I'll be brief on each
point:
* Don't turn too sharply, don't lean too far.
* Don't use the front brake alone unless you are sure within reason that
the surface is good. (This is the trouble: you can never be sure). See
www.sheldonbrown.com.
* Don't brake and turn at the same time when you don't have to unless you
are highly skilled and are prepared to take some extra risk. (See
rec.bicycles.tech FAQ).
* Don't brake much harder than you need to just because you can or just
because it's fun, when approaching a turn, at least. (You might start to
turn before braking without realising).
* Don't overinflate tyres, especially the front. That doesn't necessarily
have anything to do with what recommended pressure is written on them; see
www.sheldonbrown.com).
* Do choose Barnet Hospital when Paramedics give you a choice including
it! Ok so this one may not be obvious :-) The treatment was excellent
(once past the waiting stage in A & E) and the staff are incredibly nice.
The less obvious point is on clipless pedals, and it's one I've made
before. I'm quite sure they have made me fall more awkwardly on a number
of occasions including this. Yes they may release (as you or bike
naturally twists) but that might happen too late if you subconciously try
to put a foot down or move your body to minimise injury.
I'm not sure I will ever use clipless pedals again despite them being one
of the very best cycling innovations for decades. They're great... until
you NEED to fall off, instantly. "Ordinary" pedals and pedals with
*loose* toe-straps are safer on balance, in my opinion, despite being less
secure when pedalling. (BTW, loose straps are better than nothing: they
still provide /some/ security and /some/ pulling-up).
Take care!
~Pete