"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Substructure, what happened?

After your race I saw you surrounded by ambulances. I know there was a wreck but I didn't see and blood or protruding bones. You ok?

what?? hope he's ok!!

oh, man...

(crosses fingers)

Last lap. Attack after attack I was up front and someone went left to right, clipped my front wheel at about 35mph. I went down hard - real hard. Then bike after bike hit me in the back. The first bike that hit me broke into three pieces. No joke. The down tube shattered off the bike and the forks crumpled. Then I think 10 bike ran into me. I had guys and bikes all over me. It was a nightmare. I couldn't breathe or move. They forced me into an ambulance because they thought I broke some ribs and my lung collapsed. My back took at least three or four bikes at full speed. My helmet is scraped and there are sprocket teeth marks on the top. I also have marks on my forehead from someone's cranks. My jersey, shoe covers, leg warmers, undershirt, bibs, gloves, and helmet are totaled.

It was ugly. I'm scraped and bruised and sore. But no broken bones. But that poor kid's bike. I can't believe how smashed it was. My back took the brunt of everything.

The bad thing is, my bike is mangles and I have nothing else right now. My wife is out of work and I've paid for several races that I may not be able to do. I'm pretty torn up right now physically, mentally, and spiritually. Seems I can't stand before I get knocked down again. Sux.

**** man. First, I'm glad you're ok. Last lap speeds are murderous and you're lucky to have come out mostly unscathed.

Second, don't worry about the bike man - something will come together. There are far bigger things in life.

Holy cow dude! At least you made it without breaking anything in your body.

Sorry to hear the latest Sub. Believe it or not you have been an inspiration to me. With all of life's drama you have always found a way to get back in the race. I have admired that and you have set the bar for me as I battle on.

You'll be back and stronger. Take time to heal.

Thanks Greg.
If there is a will there is a way.

If I can get a bike for next week, I'll be in the race. Even if I'm off the back.

My teammates have really picked me up. I hate that I disappointed them however. They had such high expectations for me. But the season is young and I will heal.

Accidents happen man. Don't beat yourself up over it. I don't think in the least they are disappointed. Obviously you can show that you got the winning spirit in you.

oh damn sub. :( very sorry to hear this, but glad that you are relatively ok. be strong, have faith. you'll good as new before you know it. :hug:

Heal fast subby. I hope everything works out. After what you've gone through, you'll bounce back from this like its nothing.

scary **** man.

get well subby!

What size bike you ride Sub? Ive got a 2008 Tarmac 61 sitting in the garage. If it will work your welcome to it.

damn dude - glad you're ok. sounds like a freakin' nightmare!

another idea - post up a paypal address and maybe we can throw a couple $$$ your way to get you rolling again? I'd like to chip in a little. Assuming of course you're cool with this sub. :thumb:

Wow Sub, you are really getting tested lately. I know that as always, you will rise above. I would be glad to support the "get sub a new ride" fund a well.

sorry to hear sub

get a cheap used CAAD 7-9 you won't miss a beat

Thanks guys. That really means a lot. Really does.
Let me see what my LBS can do tomorrow with it first. But I will definitely let you guys know.

This morning I'm actually able to move and walk around. I very well could be good by next weekend.

:eek:

Hope you get sorted soon mate! Glad to hear no one was seriously hurt, the way you bounce back from adversity impresses me no end, so please, impress me again!

Bummer man! Hope you heal up soon and find a ride for this weekend!

Sorry to hear, especially on the last lap of the race. Every racer's worst nightmare... Heal up soon, but don't push yourself too hard too fast.
Good luck with the bike! I know how much you loved that Fuji

You're a hard man for wanting to get back in right after something like that.

I know you're hurting now, but being able to limp quietly away from a bad crash like that is pretty fortunate. I had a former teammate go down in a field sprint and he woke up in a pool of his own blood breathing out of new places. Of course "it could have been much worse" is a pretty dim "bright side" when you first look at it. Couple of days from now the bright side will lighten nicely. If it'll cheer you up I'll post my collection of Ex's post crash photos.

Sorry to hear about the crash, really glad your up and walking. Let us know on the fund or if you need some parts. Ex is cleaning out the workshop.

Wow, like everyone else has said, it good to know your mobile and not injured too seriously. Heal quick.

Sorry to hear about the crash, really glad your up and walking. Let us know on the fund or if you need some parts. Ex is cleaning out the workshop.

+1. I've got some parts that have been sitting around in perfect condition that would be better in Sub's hands than on Craigslist. List includes derailers (front and rear), cassettes, seatposts, stems, a handbar or two i think...

Feel better. The bike is replaceable so dont worry about that. Your health is more important.

No broken bones = very good. I'm in for some parts when you're ready.

Get well soon Sub...

Sorry to hear about your crash, but your spirit seems unstoppable, it will work out for you.

Ouch. Heal and kick ass.

Glad you're not badly hurt subby. Sorry about the bike... Tough times to take that financial hit.

Wow, sorry to hear about your crash. It sounds like you were fortunate to not be in the hospital though. Heal quick.

I often wonder why I got back into riding after almost dying in a crash. Looking at all these responses gives me every answer I need.

The racing community is incredible.

I'm going to give a huge +1 to subby's thanks. You guys rock!

Thats amazing that you were able to come out ok when you literally had 4 or 5 bikes running you over at last lap speeds. You're one tough guy sub.

Best of luck on returning to the peleton as soon as possible.

Sorry to hear it, but glad you made it out without serious injury.

Bummer about the bike but a new bike is cheaper than a broken bone.

Sounds scary Sub. I'm glad all your bones are in one piece. Take your time recovering. There will still be plenty of races when you are ready.

Sorry, man. Hopefully they can put your bike back together for you. Good luck and feel better.

Hope it works out man. That's a *****.

Still pretty badass that you shattered a bike with your back. That will make a good story someday.

I think it's pretty amazing to shatter a bike with your body and not be seriously maimed.....glad you are okay.

Holy crap. The most important thing is it sounds like you're going to be OK.

Let me know about the paypal/parts fund. I'll be away from this place for a week and a half starting next Thursday, but I'm good for it. I've been thinking of moving to SRAM anyway, so there may be some spare ultegra sl parts kicking around that I can ship up there.

wow - I was involved in one of these last season and I was the last one into the bunch and I ended up giving emergency care to the guy at the bottom of the pile till the ambulance got there...

I'm really thankful to hear that you could walk away.
Yeah - put up a list with the bits you have/need... I just downsized the fleet and I would absolutely ship you some some parts. The way you have bounced back from previous issues has been a big inspiration to me.

I'm glad you're relatively ok. That makes me glad.

...Dude you broke bikes with your body: A badass way to prove your competency in HTFU, and your fluency in tough as nails.

A+ for surviving.

Heal up quick.

Don't worry, like others have said: I'm sure your teammates are thrilled & relieved that you walked away.

Im so sorry about your crash..

you've been carrying the world on your back for so long, guess that helped make it strong enough that you came out ok :)

I have been cleaning up my stuff too to sell a few items, but instead I would be glad to help you with some parts if you needed some.

heal fast!

I got jack in parts or spare bikes, but plenty of good wishes. Feel better, and keep us posted.

keep your chin up, sometimes s just happens. I crashed 4x in 3 weeks last may/early June including one where I got run over by several bikes. in hindsight, it was kind of funny because as I was laying on the ground i'd get hit in the back then watch the guy catapult over me like it was in slow motion, then hear him it the ground - the sound was unforgettable.

give yourself time to heal, things will come good. if nothing materializes with bike stuff, maybe you should enter some ultimate cage fighting events: I can see the commercial in my mind right now, "next on VS, man v. bike" :thumb:

Oh no man that's horrible! Hang in there dude, hopefully i will see you back out on the circuit soon

heal fast, brother!

Thanks everyone. Ya'll are great people. I'm doing real good right now. I'm able to move around and do whatever. Just the road rash is hurting right now.

I'll know more about the bike tomorrow.

Sub, I don't remember what size you are but I have a full extra bike (Size 58 pedal force frame) you're welcome to borrow as long as needed.

--Steve