Carusoswi
04-25-07, 07:29 PM
Coming around the corner in the lot of an apartment on a rain wet surface, I encountered a car coming towards me driving in the center of the roadway - there's no center line. I was moving along at a good clip, also, probably 15 mph or so. In order to avoid a head-on, I needed to steer right and also needed to apply the brakes. Long story short, the rear wheel broke loose, and I laid the bike down right in front of the car. Luckily, the lady wasn't moving fast - probably near a stop as we collided. Also, luckily, the bike struck her front left wheel, so I didn't proceed very far under the car.
Also, most fortunate for me is that I suffered nary a scratch. I was wearing a helmet, but it also did not come into play.
I felt remarkably calm and unshaken as, while still laying on the ground, I straightened my glasses which had fallen half way off during the collision.
Unfortunately, my 2005 Cannondale Cyclocross disc was crumpled. It now looks like a low-rider as two of three frame tubes were folded. The top tube broke away from the frame member that holds the tube (is that what you call the seat stay??).
The bike is a sorry sight, but, somehow, I don't feel much sense of loss. Instead, I feel thankful that I was not injured.
I make this turn five days a week - I always watch for cars, and didn't feel I was traveling that fast. I saw her in plenty of time and reacted as I would normally. Unfortunately, I did not anticipate losing my grip as I did.
I do not believe the other driver shares any blame. It would have been nice had she been driving further to the right, but I don't think she is obligated to do so legally.
It's just one of those things.
I hate to lose this bike - I enjoyed the time I spent riding it. OTOH, it's just a bike. No collector's item, and not super expensive, either.
I'll be out shopping tomorrow.
Would post some pics, but, for some reason, they will not upload. Will post another time.
Caruso
Also, most fortunate for me is that I suffered nary a scratch. I was wearing a helmet, but it also did not come into play.
I felt remarkably calm and unshaken as, while still laying on the ground, I straightened my glasses which had fallen half way off during the collision.
Unfortunately, my 2005 Cannondale Cyclocross disc was crumpled. It now looks like a low-rider as two of three frame tubes were folded. The top tube broke away from the frame member that holds the tube (is that what you call the seat stay??).
The bike is a sorry sight, but, somehow, I don't feel much sense of loss. Instead, I feel thankful that I was not injured.
I make this turn five days a week - I always watch for cars, and didn't feel I was traveling that fast. I saw her in plenty of time and reacted as I would normally. Unfortunately, I did not anticipate losing my grip as I did.
I do not believe the other driver shares any blame. It would have been nice had she been driving further to the right, but I don't think she is obligated to do so legally.
It's just one of those things.
I hate to lose this bike - I enjoyed the time I spent riding it. OTOH, it's just a bike. No collector's item, and not super expensive, either.
I'll be out shopping tomorrow.
Would post some pics, but, for some reason, they will not upload. Will post another time.
Caruso