Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.bruce19
07-07-11, 09:26 AM
Went out early this morning for a little bicycle ride...trying to beat the heat. Wearing my favorite Pearl Izumi sleeveless Tri-suit. At about 7 miles into the ride I was flying down Bush Hill Rd. in South Windham, CT setting up for a 90 degree right-hander. This is a corner I usually enter wide and straighten out by sweeping down on the apex and powering out. This is done in excess of 20 mph and sometimes closer to 25 mph. But, this day I noticed a big American car behind me and not wanting to look like one of those cyclists that hogs the road I decided to slow down and take the corner tight hugging the inside. I was probably close to 20 mph and leaned over a bit more than usual but nothing exciting. In a heartbeat I lost the rear wheel and executed a perfect low-side. Lying on my right side in the road I saw my bike several feet ahead of me in a similar position. The car behind me had stopped and the driver was out asking if I was OK. I was in the process of mentally running through the checklist of possible injuries. Any broken bones? No. Deep breathing OK? Yes but my ribs were sore. Road rash? Yup. Right elbow, left forearm, hip and lower back right-side. Pearl Izumi suit? Let's just say Lycra is not leather. The driver asks, "Do you want a ride somewhere?" (Quit? Hah! It is to laugh. Haven't you been watching the TdF?) "No thanks. I think my bike is good." (Which it turns out was true.) Surprisingly my bike sustained no damage other than some scraped bar tape on the right drop. I thanked the driver for his consideration and sent him on his way. Back on the bike....another 24 miles and my 31 mi. morning ride was done. Now I'm off for lunch and a beer and the wait for tomorrow's stiffness and pain. The things we do when we're young and foolish. :)