Fifty Plus (50+) - I was just riding along

We have a favorite local hill here around 1km long where we do reps, it's at a place called the Deer Flat National Wildlife refuge. Nice smooth road with a visitor's center at the bottom and a set of drop down gates at the top.

I was huffin' and puffin' the other day maybe hitting 12 mph at the top of the hill when all of a sudden WHAM, something whacks me in the forehead hard and I barely kept the bike upright. The damn gate had closed right on top of my head!! Come to find out the gate closes automatically at 4 PM and there are no signs warning of this! Fortunately the gate was weak enough to give way and I bent the thing.

I went back down to the headquarters and complained profusely about this, nice folks. The next day they place a new sign warning that the gates close at 4. Yesterday I noticed that they have repaired the gate and re-enforced it so next time it will probably be my head that breaks instead.

Yeah, it was really funny after the fact. My buddy took this picture the next morning.

Breaking a gate with one's head is a rare life achievement!

Breaking a gate with one's head is a rare life achievement!

I did that too !!

Timing is the key!

My wife thinks I should don my old BMX full-face helmet and become a serial gate crasher.

I've seen me an and gate. I've even seen me a nand gate, but that's the first time I've seen a four gate.




What kind of park makes you stop your play at four?




It's just unfair.

Yeah, it was really funny after the fact. My buddy took this picture the next morning.

I think we need to see a picture of the head that broke the gate.:)

Could you re-stage this for America's Funniest Videos? :roflmao2:

We heard that "pong" sound over here in Ohio. Kinda like a baseball comin' off an aluminum bat.

Glad you're okay.

This is what could be referrred to by pilots as "failure to maintain situational awareness".

Glad you're okay.

Now if you had put more effort into the hill- it would have closed behind you.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

Note to self- Must climb hills faster.

Post picture of the forehead please. That gate looked fairly bent.

one less item on the 'bucket list'...

Sorry to dissapoint but it was one of those clean "Karate" hits that didn't even nick my helmet. Hey, you can bet I'd really be screaming at them if it messed up my Giro.

I know, situational awareness just ain't my forte anymore. I no longer ride there at 4 PM though.

Ouch!

Lessee now...we got us an Armstrong in this sport;
it looks like we got us a head-strong now!

Sorry to dissapoint but it was one of those clean "Karate" hits that didn't even nick my helmet. Hey, you can bet I'd really be screaming at them if it messed up my Giro.

I know, situational awareness just ain't my forte anymore. I no longer ride there at 4 PM though.

Ah yes, I can see you now...looking at your watch when ye approach said gate. :roflmao2:

Ah yes, I can see you now...looking at your watch when ye approach said gate. :roflmao2:

Yes, I rode up there again the other day and kept tabs on it. Let's see, 12:01-----12:05---12:30, getting nervous now.

Could you re-stage this for America's Funniest Videos? :roflmao2:

That would be a good one wouldn't it! Especially the dazed look on my face afterward "what happened?"

Sorry to dissapoint but it was one of those clean "Karate" hits that didn't even nick my helmet. Hey, you can bet I'd really be screaming at them if it messed up my Giro.


Well, I've heard of injured cyclists checking to see if the bike was okay, so I've gotta ask ...
Did you immediately pull off your helmet to make sure it wasn't cracked? :)

Well, I've heard of injured cyclists checking to see if the bike was okay, so I've gotta ask ...
Did you immediately pull off your helmet to make sure it wasn't cracked? :)


Yes! After the original shock that was the first thing I checked. Then I checked my head. Hell, I'm not wealthy and a good helmet costs a bunch!

I feel your pain.........no, not really.

I feel your pain.........no, not really.

I could remedy that ... with a 2x4.

I could remedy that ... with a 2x4.
Please, no 2x4 application unless helmet is on head.