First Really bad fall

[raspberryroof]

Well...I was an "I haven't fallen from my bike" gal til today, I was riding in downtown Portland today on my way to the public library, I felt the need to cross the trains' track rails sideways, (not a good idea for a newbie) I tend to let go of my bike when I feel I am going to fall, put one foot down and gain balance with the other but I didn't work this time, I heard y knee pop, and down to the ground I went. I was disoriented for a moment, knee in so much pain, luckily, as always I had my helmet on. There were so many nice people trying to help me it was amazing. I am on crutches and knee brace for the first time in my life, just waiting for X-Rays result; hopefully everything will be ok. Thanks to Trevor, you are an Angel. Good thing is I am not scared of getting back on my back, I just need to remember to stay away from track rails!

[East Hill]

I'm glad to hear that you were not more seriously injured! Train rails and tracks have been the downfall of many a cyclist, and they are even worse in the rain.

Let's hope you are back on the bike soon :) .

East Hill

[raspberryroof]

Thanks! I knew my leg wasn't broken or dislocated, but doctor said there might be another sort of internal damage, hopefully not. I had read about tracks, and had crossed them a few days earlier without any problems. I kind of sucks because Pedalpalooza is going on and I'll be out for a few weeks, but I know it could have been worst.

[Rascale]

Ouch! I hope it wasn't your ACL popping.

[HardyWeinberg]

Best wishes for recovery. I am glad that the tracks in the main part of downtown where I live have been sort of resunk into the concrete so they're not nearly the hazard of the ones on the outskirts.

[randya]

All the rail tracks in downtown Portland - many of them relatively new - are a real hazard to cyclists. I've heard they are responsible for an average of two cyclists per day making emergency room visits, and a blown-out knee is basically forever, regardless of surgical advances.

IMO, the new street-level light rail tracks on 5th and 6th are a big mistake, the light rail should be underground in the downtown core, like in most other major metropolitan areas.

[unixpro]

Tracks have been my "downfall" twice :rolleyes:. The first time didn't do any damage, but the second kind of wrenched my knee a bit. I'm glad that you're OK, or at least that you will be, though. Be very careful crossing the tracks.

:injured:

[kamalster]

Ouch! I hope it wasn't your ACL popping.

+1

If you heard a popping/snapping noise but definitely didn't break anything, then ask your doctor to refer you to get an MRI, because it's highly unlikely an xray will show a torn ligament or torn cartilage. Better safe than sorry. Hope you're back on the bike soon!

[raspberryroof]

Thanks for your well wishes guys, doctor said to wait about a week and see what the progress is, I do think that the tracks in downtown portland are quite deep, I don't want to beat myself about it too much (since I am already pretty banged up anyway :) but I also think that I should have been more careful as a new rider, already knowing about this kinds of accident (I was told averaged two riders a day visit emergency rooms in Portland because of it)

[FlowerBlossom]

I've slipped on tracks even though I was perpendicular to them. Sometimes, it just happens.

Here's to getting back on the bike soon!