Pacific Northwest - First Really bad fall

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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:

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!

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)

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!