weshigh

On my way to work this morning I had my first crash since starting commuting back in May 2011. Its embarrassing and self inflicted. No one to really blame but myself, but I thought I'd share it with everyone.

I was looking back to keep track of some cars after a few close passes. Unfortunately I wasn't paying enough attention and the road moves to the left while I continued to ride straight. By the time I realized, my wheels were already sliding parallel against the curb and I was losing balance. Luckily I avoided the pole and falling into traffic.

I broke my helmet camera mount, and my trip computer mount. Besides that, just some road rash and scrapes on the handle bar tape. Enjoy watching me make a fool of myself.

Spld cyclist

Ouch. Thanks for sharing, and I hope you heal quickly!

yep202

Yikes

SlimRider

Hey! You should have moved more to your left!!!

Glad you're alright there, Trooper!

gmt13

Thanks for posting. Glad you weren't hurt. Those poles look substantial.

Humbling, ain't it?

-G

jettore

Crashing sucks, hope you heal quick. I gotta say though, having the crash video is awesome. Luckily you and the camera survived fairly unscathed.

a1penguin

Ouch. Glad it wasn't more serious. I had a 2 mph tip over going too slow across this bridge. It was dry. I think I was going too slow around that tight corner because it was late and I was tired. I think the 25mm tire got caught in between two planks and I did not have enough momentum and over I went. I reached out to try to catch the railing, failed and ended up with a broken shoulder and a sprained finger. Nine months to heal. Fortunately no surgery; just embarrassment and vicodin before bed (for 4 months) so that I could sleep. Sh** happens fast :-/ Be careful out there people!

Telly

That was a very close near miss with the light pole, which would have left you hurting. Glad you're okay and don't forget; what doesn't hurt us, only makes us stronger (and more cautious!).

locolobo13 

I've done that. Hope you weren't hurt beyond minor bruising.

Mr. Hobbes

You crashed but at least you got some pretty cool footage.

hyhuu

Tough spot. Bunny hopping prob wouldn't help with those trees and poles.

Mark Stone

Glad you're ok!! It hurts to watch the video . . .

idc

This! ^


My first commuting crash was last year and also self-inflicted. I broke my arm.

EKW in DC

+1

megalowmatt

Did anybody stop to ask if you were OK?

Chris_in_Miami

Wow, you were very lucky to miss the pole!

The video reminds me of a similar mishap that I had about 6 months ago. I managed to stay upright by putting a foot down, but was moving pretty fast down a bridge and I broke my big toe. Two weeks later, I had to do an emergency stop when a cyclist ahead of me decided to stop for no reason, and I came down hard on the same toe

Hope you heal quickly and thanks for sharing!

jmccain

Sorry about your crash but that is very artistic video...

erg79

Is that Avenue of the Stars in Century City? I can imagine that the drivers there don't take much caution when they see a cyclist.

Hope you and the bike are okay!

alexaschwanden

I hope you are all right, its not easy riding with traffic.

Drummerboy1975

Thus is exactly why I am buying a mirror to mount on my bar end!

bhchdh 

Heal well and soon. Thanks for sharing.

weshigh

They were stopped for the light, but no one rolled down a window and asked anything. I did get up straight away, so it was obvious that I was at least in walking condition.

weshigh

I was on Santa Monica Blvd, but it was right before the intersection to Ave of Stars. I usually don't have too much trouble there, but people were passing closer than usual that day.

weshigh

Thanks all for the kind words. The soreness has settled in today, but I'm doing fine, no permanent damage.

chefisaac

I hope you heal soon.

Do you think a mirror would have helped you?