Advocacy & Safety - Rainman fall down - another happy helmet ending

Yesterday on a group ride, just as we were stopping for a brief water/feed break at the turnaround of a 50 miler a wasp or yellow jacket got INSIDE my glasses. I was practically stopped so I quickly pulled the glasses off, closing my eyes as I did so. Unfortunately, the cyclist who had been several feet in front of me had slowed much faster than I, and when I opened my eyes (only closed for a split second) I was right on his wheel, touched it and went down. Luckily I couldn't have been going more than 2-3 mph at the time so it was a very gentle, slow motion, near stop flop over. HOWEVER, my head did bop the concrete pretty vigorously, not enough to damage the helmet, but definitely enough to have caused extreme discomfort and quite possibly injury.

WEAR THOSE HELMETS!

Sorry to hear about your crash, Rainman. :( I'm glad you're okay, and your helmet's okay, as well!

Ray, make sure you take a good look at your helmet after the crash. My understanding is that it could be compromised even if there is no obvious damage to it, because of compression of the foam. You want to make sure it will do it's job the next time, too! Glad you weren't hurt, though!:D

Raymond,

Glad you're ok.

I agree with Dave. Check the helmet very closely.
A new helmet is cheaper than a new head. :(

Raymond,
good to hear that you didn't have any seriuos injury,
Oscar

Lucky escape mate. I'm with the others, get the helmet checked. I

Thanks for the good wishes and suggestions regarding the helmet. I looked at it again very closely and don't see any sign that the foam was compromised. However, I will let my LBS buddy take a look, too. I know he has seen a bunch of banged helmets.

This kind of "crash" is really typical of what I use to urge others to wear a helmet. People don't realize how easy it is to hurt your head. You can literally just fall over and do serious damage without a helmet.
Thanks again,
Raymond

Glad you're okay :)

Good on ya Rainman! I love good news stories. I fell tonight...in loose gravel at a very low rate of knots on my 'bent. I was sprawled out in the gravel before I knew that I was falling. Didn't bang my head but it was protected just the same! Anyway...no damage, no injuries save pride. Life is good, nes pas?

Feet first and onward! :thumbup:

Yep, Raymond P., sounds like mine not long ago. Embarassing but not harmful, but could have been quite different without that helmet!

You're alright because you were prepared! :thumbup:

(Glad you are!)