After hearing about the lady hit last weekend, I’ve been thinking more about my own riding. I’ve been at this for 3 years without any accident (other than the “I fell over at a stop because I forgot to clip out…duh-uh…” type thing). I’m sure a fall will inevitably happen and it scares me. Not enough stop me from riding, mind you, but enough to get me thinking. I’ve had some VERY close calls (e.g., I was almost hit by a motorist in South Pasadena on a Sunday morning over a year ago), but nothing to write home about.
What I’d like from all of you who live and ride in around the So Cal area and on our heavily trafficked streets, are the names of roads that you’d recommend avoiding if at all possible. Also, share your “War Stories” here – if you’ve been hit, fell, slid out due to a tire blow out, etc. Perhaps I and other members will learn from your stories – Where did it happen and why? What did you do during? What did you do after? Were you injured/scraped up/bruised? And if so, were there methods you used to heal faster? - these types of details would be helpful!
For example, Renee did a write up on her fall on GMR in a separate thread and her story reminded me to not take that road for granted! So, if you are so inclined, please tell your stories here….
spindrifter
01-24-07, 04:26 PM
Well, I was on rollerblades (not a bike), on Van Nuys Blvd. once, near Oxnard St.
and, well... I got mugged, they ran and caught up to me. Yeah so- AVOID that area like hell
Indolent58
01-24-07, 04:26 PM
Here's some for San Diego -
1. Hwy 67 between Lakeside and Scripps Poway Parkway. It would be a good climb but it's more like a freeway than a road.
2. PCH between Old Town and the Airport. It is a signed bike route but there is an underpass and a blind right-hand merge at Barnett Ave that is scary dangerous. Don't go there.
Mr. Beanz
01-24-07, 04:33 PM
I had a scare in Carbon Canyon about 3 or 4 years ago. Actually my fault though. I knew my rear tire was wearing thin. I went to the shop but they only had orange sidewall Conti's. So I said fo'get it, one more ride,then off to another shop.
We rode over Grand Ave. in Diamond Bar/Chino Hills. Return trio thru CC. It was a very hot day and the road had been newly repaved with black tar stuff. I was flying down the hairpin turns traveling towards C-hills. A suburban behind me but can't pass cause the roads and turns are too narrow. Right in the turn, my back tire blew!:eek:
I fishtailed about 3 or 4 times. Not even sure how I stayed up. Oh yeah, I remember the last time, the pedal whacked me on the archiiles. Probably how I kept upright on that fishtail. I went into oncoming traffic as I had lost most control of the bike. I thought I was going head on, but the car slammed on his breaks sensing I was in trouble. The Suburban behind me did the same. I saw the edge of the road and a steep bank. I was just about to dive down into the wash when my bike came to a stop.
Luckily I stopped before anything too bad happened. My rear CXP 30 was tacoed. The people pulled up and asked if I need a ride into town. I refused the offers as my bud was only a couple of minutes behind. I picked up my bike and walked to the side of the road. The drivers took off and I looked down. My legs were shaking uncontrollably for a couple of minutes!:o
That's when I learned, you don't play with worn tires!:mad:
AND Carbon Canyon is one tight road! DO it early if possible!:D
merider1
01-24-07, 04:37 PM
Well, I was on rollerblades (not a bike), on Van Nuys Blvd. once, near Oxnard St.
and, well... I got mugged, they ran and caught up to me. Yeah so- AVOID that area like hell
Listen, mister, you'd better be glad I have a good sense of humor AND that I'm constantly hijacking threads, or else I'd scold you right now. :mad: :p
merider1
01-24-07, 04:38 PM
Oh, and here is a huge "dumb question" but what exactly does "tacoed" mean with respect to a tire? I'm trying to envision it, but I just can't. :o
Indolent58
01-24-07, 04:39 PM
Via Rancho Parkway in Escondido between I-15 and Del Dios Highway. Sections are narrow with no shoulders. I got lightly brushed by the mirror of a truck on that road a few weeks ago. Just a fraction closer and I would have been down.
merider1
01-24-07, 04:39 PM
That's when I learned, you don't play with worn tires!:mad:
AND Carbon Canyon is one tight road! DO it early if possible!:D
Thanks, Fred! I'm getting my tires checked tomorrow! :eek:
OC Roadie
01-24-07, 04:43 PM
h, and here is a huge "dumb question" but what exactly does "tacoed" mean with respect to a tire? I'm trying to envision it, but I just can't.
Picture your wheel folded in half, like a taco shell.
Mr. Beanz
01-24-07, 04:44 PM
Oh, and here is a huge "dumb question" but what exactly does "tacoed" mean with respect to a tire? I'm trying to envision it, but I just can't. :o
CXP30 is a rim, not a tire! The tire was worn causing the blow out. I fishtailed like a fish out of water bending the rim all up like a taco!:rolleyes:
Via Rancho Parkway in Escondido between I-15 and Del Dios Highway. Sections are narrow with no shoulders. I got lightly brushed by the mirror of a truck on that road a few weeks ago. Just a fraction closer and I would have been down.
that road is part of my lunch loop I do sometimes. Never had a prob on there yet and been doing that route for about 2 yrs now.
Mr. Beanz
01-24-07, 05:09 PM
I'm getting hungry. Who brought up tacos anyway?:D
I think most roads with cars can be dangerous shoulder or not - just look at the injuries and deaths off Santiago Canyon. Always ride with caution. It's important to take whatever lane you can - if there is no shoulder then you need to ride out in the lane and not between parked cars. Visibility is key - I feel many accidents occurred simply because the driver did the see the rider.
One story - a number years ago I as riding along Ocean Avenue, Long Beach after having lunch in Belmont Shores. I heard a car horn and I pulled to the right, but cars were parked along the shoulder. Next thing I know I'm floating up off my bike. A car passed me towing a large boat, the boat was very wide and one of the hooks along the side gaffed me and pulled me off my bike. I ended up dropping off into the curb. I was alittle bruised up. The car and boat kept going. My bike, thank goodness, was OK.
Also last Sunday riding through the Marine base a bus got so close to me the mirror touched my shoulder plus I was almost tossed off by bike due to the wind the bus created. I sometimes think areas like the Base are dangerous even though there is a wide shoulder - it's just so remote - you don't know what idiot is going to come up from behind and razz you (I know the bus driver was just being an idiot - he had alot of road away from me). Guess that can be solved by riding with a mirror (which I don't but should).
As a person who deals with first aid issues alot (mostly my own) I recommend always carrying alcohol wipes and bandaids with you. The best way to treat a nasty road rash, cut or scrape is to clean it thoroughly - water bottles come in handy for this and then to scrub it as much as you can stand it with the wipe. Bandage to protect from road grit and dirt. When you get home, use warm water and soap and scrub. Dry with clean towel and apply a fresh bandaid. Kept the wound covered and clean until a good scab develops. I personally like to use Neosporin - it works for me - but some people have other ideas. Most important is getting dirt, grit and debris (and thus infection) out of wounds. One reason why legs and arms should be clean shaven (no hair ).
merider1
01-24-07, 05:41 PM
it works for me - but some people have other ideas. Most important is getting dirt, grit and debris (and thus infection) out of wounds. One reason why legs and arms should be clean shaven (no hair ).
Thanks, Pam. Wow, both incidences sound frightening! :eek: Also, I too shave my arms as well as my legs. I've been teased by my friends, but I've always heard that riders should shave both. Thanks for the advice. :o
lsits
01-24-07, 09:36 PM
Cajalco Road between Corona and Lake Perris. There's no shoulder. Big rigs use it as a shortcut between the 15 and the 215.
kb5ql
01-24-07, 09:56 PM
Riding through South Central... Figueroa, Vermont, Hoover. Take your pick.
ovoleg
01-24-07, 11:10 PM
Listen, mister, you'd better be glad I have a good sense of humor AND that I'm constantly hijacking threads, or else I'd scold you right now. :mad: :p
cool now I know where you live...I'm going to go and stalk you !
Jaguar27
01-24-07, 11:28 PM
The worst road I've ever ridden is Moulton pkwy/El Toro Rd...no bike lane/narrow road, tons of speeding traffic...I actually felt a speeding Bus overtaking me brush my left arm....
I actually commute to and from work every Day now, it's only 2 miles...part of it on the BB trail...I've found a way through parking lots, side streets etc...and about 40 yards on the sidewalk...I bought a 29'er MTB for the commute so I don't have to change in and out of road gear...works out great...
The best way to treat road rash is wash daily with Antiseptic soap and slather with neosporin...keep the wound covered for at least a week with 3M non-stick Pads and hold in place with a Bandage....the old tale of "Let it dry out" is completely wrong!!
I treated my wife's road rash like that after a major crash, she lost huge patches of skin, probably at least 2 or 3 layers in places,some we kept covered for two weeks... now she has absolutely zero scarring...us Guys love scars, we show them off at the Pub, but it's different for Girls...right girls?
urbanknight
01-24-07, 11:55 PM
I avoid almost any section of Ventura or Victory. Heavy traffic and no bike lane.
Mr. Beanz
01-25-07, 12:33 AM
Cajalco Road between Corona and Lake Perris. There's no shoulder. Big rigs use it as a shortcut between the 15 and the 215.
That's a shame. About 10 years ago, we used to ride around Lake Mathews. Was a nice open area. Van Buren,Mockingbirdcyn(?) Ramona(?) Up Cajalco and near Tom's Farms. Last time we rode thru there, it was crazy with new homes and traffic!:(
philmcb
01-25-07, 02:42 AM
Two weeks ago I decided to ride the bike to pick-up my car from the mechanic. I live in Calabasas. The mechanic is around North Hollywood.
This was a Friday afternoon. Now that I think about it, not very bright on my part. At any rate I found my way to Sherman Way. I'll put that as an "also ran" as a great street to get killed on. A few spatterings of bike paths which end abruptly and guide you directly into the right hand lane.
But, the best street in the Valley to rip you a new one is Sepulveda Blvd. Nothing comes close.
To make a long story short. An idiot pulls directly in front of me and stops. I then plow into the back of his newish Toyota Corolla, catapulting myself approximately 4 to 5 feet vertically and landing with a glancing blow on his trunk, then continuing on to slam my face against his bumper, and succuming to the final insult of being nailed by my bike.... in the mouth, of course.
I felt something hit my teeth and I thought "great.... always wanted to play hockey anyway". After I wrestled myself out of the pedals I had to check out the mouth. My hand displayed a considerable amount of blood. Terrific. Checked again. Still bad, but not exactly gushing.
I go up to the passenger side window to speak to the driver. He gives me a dirty look and gets out of the car, goes to the back and starts looking for damage to his car. So, I'm standing there, and at this point I'm speechless. He says I hit his car and should look where I'm going. I tell him that he pulled in front of me, causing me to crash. I pointed at my bleeding mouth to emphasize this. I don't think he understood my point. Anyway, he kept rubbing on the tiny mark my tire made and cursing about me hitting his car, meanwhile I'm looking at my jersey and it's pretty bloody. Not a pretty picture.
Now it gets nasty. I basically told him to go screw himself and turned to walk away. I hear him saying something in a language I don't speak and it didn't sound good. I turned around saw he was coming at me and ready to make his move, so to speak. I have a rule that I live by.... if I know someone's about to hit me, I always hit them first, or attempt to. I'm not a fighter, street brawler, whatever... and I really didn't feel like getting hit in the face again, so grabbed the bike by the bars with my left hand and the seat with my right hand and hit the mf full on with a horrifying upward swing of the bike. If your familiar with tennis, think of a topspin backhand.... think of everything from his waist up as the ball. Definitely stopped his progress.
I was shaking all over. I continued to walk away and I looked back to see him sitting under a tree. He didn't look so good. Worse than me... but just a little bit. I felt kind of bad that it had to end up like that, but sometimes instinct takes precident and things happen. I'll survive. He'll survive. But like they say on TV: "Don't try this at home".
And don't be stupid like me and ride on Sepulveda.
urbanknight
01-25-07, 09:24 AM
This was a Friday afternoon. Now that I think about it, not very bright on my part. At any rate I found my way to Sherman Way. I'll put that as an "also ran" as a great street to get killed on. A few spatterings of bike paths which end abruptly and guide you directly into the right hand lane.
On that street, the likelyhood of getting killed is split between drivers hitting you and gangsters who will knock you off your bike to mug you.
magicant
01-25-07, 09:41 AM
No horror stories (knock on wood), but I do hate that stretch of PCH through Malibu to Pacific Palisades and Sepulveda from Westwood to the Valley sucks.
Both of which were on our ride last week, of course.
I'm okay with Sepulveda before 2pm, but after that it becomes a freeway alternate for people too impatient for the freeway back-ups. Which is why they zoom down that road at 70 miles an hour - you're adding people already in a hurry to a road not built for those speeds.
ronjon10
01-25-07, 09:46 AM
And don't be stupid like me and ride on Sepulveda.
I rode through the tunnel near the airport on Sepulveda once, that was the dumbest thing I ever did. It was bright daylight outside, so I'm wearing sunglasses. As I entered the tunnel, the change in light rendered me nearly blind for a second. As my eyes adjusted, I noticed the nasty looking grate, just made to much bicycle tires, right in front of me. I jerk up on the front wheel and pull it to the left, but the rear wheel SLAMS into the grate.
By some miracle, I didn't fall. Falling to the left would have put me into the traffic and I would've been wiped off the planet. But I feel a regular thump coming from the rear wheel as I go along through the tunnel. After I got out of the tunnel, I pull over, say a few hail mary's and check out the rear wheel. The rim bent and was rubbing the brakes and the tube was sticking through the tire, but by some miracle didn't burst. I undid the rear break, got on the beach path and actually rode the thing 8 miles home.
philmcb
01-25-07, 09:54 AM
You are correct, Sir!!
I only ride in westerly directions now...
The nastiest stretch of road in that direction, to my knowledge, is Las Virgines: from the 101 to PCH.
I was dumb to ride into NoHo but the people I see riding on that road are just plain nuts.
I would only ride it with a police escort, but I never get invited to malibu gatherings:(
Mo'Phat
01-25-07, 10:15 AM
Via Rancho Parkway in Escondido between I-15 and Del Dios Highway. Sections are narrow with no shoulders. I got lightly brushed by the mirror of a truck on that road a few weeks ago. Just a fraction closer and I would have been down.
Fun, ain't it? I brave that road all the time...there's really no other route to get to Del Dios from Escondido that I've found. Maybe Citracado, then crossing through on back streets.
philmcb
01-25-07, 10:17 AM
I received the following PM regarding my post (#13, by Philmcb):
[ Private Message Removed from Thread. ]
If the "language" in my post offended anyone, I appologize, but I'm not changing anything...
I express myself in the manner of my own choosing. If someone here decide's that my use of asterisks is inappropriate for this platform then they can have the privilage of editing it out. But I would strongly suggest that they get a life....
-phil
Mo'Phat
01-25-07, 10:22 AM
Climbing Lake Wohlford Grade on a Saturday morning is fun. Either zealous fisherman with their boat trailers, or overanxious gamblers heading to Valley View or Rincon....or Harley riders going up to (of all things) Bates Nut Farm.
LowCel
01-25-07, 10:52 AM
I received the following PM regarding my post (#13, by Philmcb):
[ Private Message Removed from Thread. ]
If the "language" in my post offended anyone, I appologize, but I'm not changing anything...
I express myself in the manner of my own choosing. If someone here decide's that my use of asterisks is inappropriate for this platform then they can have the privilage of editing it out. But I would strongly suggest that they get a life....
-phil
Don't know if you have realized this yet or not, but cuda2k is a mod. ;)
merider1
01-25-07, 11:16 AM
cool now I know where you live...I'm going to go and stalk you !
If you do, just be sure to actually show up when you do the "stalking" so that I can get a good look at you. :rolleyes:
merider1
01-25-07, 11:19 AM
And don't be stupid like me and ride on Sepulveda.
Thanks, Phil for your story. :eek: Now, that is frightening! I must admit, when I was on Sepulveda last week Saturday at 5:00pm, I was petrified. But we didn't have much more of a choice in terms of finishing the ride at that point. :o
philmcb
01-25-07, 12:23 PM
God!! The Tunnel on Sherman Way....
I saw that one comming and pulled to the side near the entrance, waited for the light behind me to change to red. With the cars all waiting for the light, I made a mad sprint into the tunnel. Just made it to the outside in time for a near sideswipe from a car right at the exit.... Yikes!!!!
- phil
roadfix
01-25-07, 12:33 PM
Speaking of tunnels, although I've never ridden my bike through it, I can't imagine anyone riding through the Sepulveda Blvd tunnel which runs underneath LAX.
cuda2k
01-25-07, 12:37 PM
Speaking of tunnels, although I've never ridden my bike through it, I can't imagine anyone riding through the Sepulveda Blvd tunnel which runs underneath LAX.
I'm not from the area, but been into LAX enough to know that would be insane. :eek:
BCIpam
01-25-07, 12:38 PM
Been there done that - thankfully there is a very thin shoulder to walk your bike through. And I suggest walking...
philmcb
01-25-07, 12:38 PM
I don't really care who the cops (moderators) are on this forum. I can, and will continue to express myself in a manner that I choose.
Maybe a more intelligent way of monitoring "behavior" is to leave it to the discretion of the readers instead of just one person.... who, by the way, informed me that this was a "bad day" for me to be irritating him.
God. Some fun, huh? Careful what you say or your in for a nice barrage of PM's and *****-slapping. Again... the guy needs a life. Ought to have a simple incrementing clickbox allowing users to have the last say as to who get's their posts mutilated. Unfortunately, kind of like the "feedback" thing on Ebay.
I'm a bicycle enthusiast not Emily Post
BTW You should have seen his PM.... has a few nasties in it!!
- phil.
voltman
01-25-07, 12:40 PM
I don't really care who the cops (moderators) are on this forum. I can, and will continue to express myself in a manner that I choose.
Maybe a more intelligent way of monitoring "behavior" is to leave it to the discretion of the readers instead of just one person.... who, by the way, informed me that this was a "bad day" for me to be irritating him.
God. Some fun, huh? Careful what you say or your in for a nice barrage of PM's and *****-slapping. Again... the guy needs a life. Ought to have a simple incrementing clickbox allowing users to have the last say as to who get's their posts mutilated. Unfortunately, kind of like the "feedback" thing on Ebay.
I'm a bicycle enthusiast not Emily Post
BTW You should have seen his PM.... has a few nasties in it!!
- phil.
Did you leave something in your diaper?
(My way of saying, "How's it going?")
merider1
01-25-07, 12:50 PM
BTW You should have seen his PM.... has a few nasties in it!!
- phil.
Phil,
I've had a round of this to contend with myself (I've been monitored and my posts censored), but I have to say that after PMing a couple of the Mods directly, I received very nice feedback and responses. I'm now taking the stance going forward that I will PM the Mods directly first in lieu of posting publicly my grievances.
I understand your frustrations, but we simply have a few members in the So Cal forum who are more sensitive than those in the overall forum (Road Forum is rampant with all types of language, jokes, etc., but I don't see it heavily censored) I've thought this over and IMHO, I'm more concerned about fostering a sense of community here as there are so many wonderful riders with whom I am not only planning rides, but with whom I am forging friendships. That's more important to me than trying to duke it out with those who feel this forum should be squeaky clean.
So, with that - since this thread is about road mishaps, etc. , let's move right along with the original topic. Your story was both insightful and interesting and you didn't offend me in the least with any colorful use of language. I also hope you'll come join on a group ride. The riding with this group is FAR more fun and interesting than the posting on this forum!
:)
cuda2k
01-25-07, 12:51 PM
I don't really care who the cops (moderators) are on this forum. I can, and will continue to express myself in a manner that I choose.
Maybe a more intelligent way of monitoring "behavior" is to leave it to the discretion of the readers instead of just one person.... who, by the way, informed me that this was a "bad day" for me to be irritating him.
God. Some fun, huh? Careful what you say or your in for a nice barrage of PM's. Again... the guy needs a life. Ought to have a simple incrementing clickbox allowing users to have the last say as to who get's their posts mutilated. Unfortunately, kind of like the "feedback" thing on Ebay.
I'm a bicycle enthusiast not Emily Post
BTW You should have seen his PM.... has a few nasties in it!!
- phil.
Phil will be back in a few days once he can follow the community guidelines. I tried to be nice and gave him ample chances to moderate himself after being asked. If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact me via PM. Thank you, and carry on.
voltman
01-25-07, 12:53 PM
Bike Forums penalty to philmcb, three days for Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
Pheard
01-25-07, 01:40 PM
Only fall I ever took a pic of. Went directly into a rock and flipped landing with the bike ontop of me. Something gouged my ankle.
ps. Dontchaknow you're supposed to shave those hamhocks?!
caligurl
01-25-07, 01:44 PM
ok... uhmmmm....
EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Pheard
01-25-07, 01:45 PM
ps. Dontchaknow you're supposed to shave those hamhocks?!
Nahuh. Don't wanna.
jsigone
01-25-07, 01:45 PM
looks like the chain ring got you good. I had that happen to me on my first day with my roadie and 1st day clipped in. one of the teeth hit an arterey and was bleeding like that good 4 hours after I crashed. 3 stiched was all it took. Good scar though
Pheard
01-25-07, 01:47 PM
looks like the chain ring got you good. I had that happen to me on my first day with my roadie and 1st day clipped in. one of the teeth hit an arterey and was bleeding like that good 4 hours after I crashed. 3 stiched was all it took. Good scar though
Yea, something on the bike must have given me that wonderfull pattern. It split open the bottom cut, and that never sealed right. Should have put a butterfly bandage on it.