Newbie to roadbikes with a story
04-04-16, 09:23 AM
#1
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Newbie to roadbikes with a story
Hello all! Great forum here! I'm from San Diego, Ca and just purchased a new 2015 Fuji Transonic 2.3 with Ultegra package. I'm super excited about this. Here's my story on why I am getting into road bikes.
On April 5, 2015(Easter Sunday) I had a major motorcycle incident. I was in the local canyons with some friends and ended up going down. We weren't screwing around like lots of people must think. At the time I was also racing motorcycles, so I was very experienced. I was completely leathered up with all my race gear, that's the only way I would ride the canyons. Anyway, onto the incident.
I was going about 25 mph around a tight hairpin turn. Long time ago when I did use to screw around out there, I would take this same turn at 60+, no issues. Well, I was going the speed limit and all of the sudden my front tire just comes out from under me. Not exactly sure why. Maybe dirt or gravel? I don't know. So, I slid on my belly for about 60ft and onto the oncoming lane. As I was sliding, another rider on the opposite side of the road comes around the corner and stops my slide by running over the back of my left leg at about 55 mph.
I was screaming in pain like hell. For you medical experts, I had an open tib/fib, severed artery and compartment syndrome. In English, I had two open fractures with a severed artery and developed compartment syndrome a few hours later. I also had a broken metatarsal, 4 broken toes, ankle was pulverized, broken cuboid, bruised ribs, pretty much was a mess. I had a fasciaotomy for those of you who don't know what that is, google. So yes, it was bad!!! I was 1.2 hours away from the nearest level one trauma center as well.
I spent over a month in the hospital, had eight surgeries and couldn't walk for 6 months. About one second before the accident I was an avid weight lifter and always training for my motorcycle racing. I was in pretty decent shape. Laying in bed does a number to your body. I lost lots of muscle and gained about 30 lbs.
So now I've lost about 10 lbs and I am currently using a Pilates Power Gym to rebuild my muscles. I maxed out at physical therapy a few months back, nothing else they can do. I can't run anymore and currently can't at all, because I don't know how to yet. So my doctor has been pushing road cycling on me at every visit I have with him. So here I am.
I have been walking unassisted for about 4 months now. I still have pain, but I deal with it. It's getting better though. I also have to wear a compression stocking on my leg for the next four years. So there's my story. Sorry for the novel.
By the way, last time I was on a road bike was in 1993. I had an old 10 speed Murray I use to ride to work every day for about three years. I loved it, but got stolen.
On April 5, 2015(Easter Sunday) I had a major motorcycle incident. I was in the local canyons with some friends and ended up going down. We weren't screwing around like lots of people must think. At the time I was also racing motorcycles, so I was very experienced. I was completely leathered up with all my race gear, that's the only way I would ride the canyons. Anyway, onto the incident.
I was going about 25 mph around a tight hairpin turn. Long time ago when I did use to screw around out there, I would take this same turn at 60+, no issues. Well, I was going the speed limit and all of the sudden my front tire just comes out from under me. Not exactly sure why. Maybe dirt or gravel? I don't know. So, I slid on my belly for about 60ft and onto the oncoming lane. As I was sliding, another rider on the opposite side of the road comes around the corner and stops my slide by running over the back of my left leg at about 55 mph.
I was screaming in pain like hell. For you medical experts, I had an open tib/fib, severed artery and compartment syndrome. In English, I had two open fractures with a severed artery and developed compartment syndrome a few hours later. I also had a broken metatarsal, 4 broken toes, ankle was pulverized, broken cuboid, bruised ribs, pretty much was a mess. I had a fasciaotomy for those of you who don't know what that is, google. So yes, it was bad!!! I was 1.2 hours away from the nearest level one trauma center as well.
I spent over a month in the hospital, had eight surgeries and couldn't walk for 6 months. About one second before the accident I was an avid weight lifter and always training for my motorcycle racing. I was in pretty decent shape. Laying in bed does a number to your body. I lost lots of muscle and gained about 30 lbs.
So now I've lost about 10 lbs and I am currently using a Pilates Power Gym to rebuild my muscles. I maxed out at physical therapy a few months back, nothing else they can do. I can't run anymore and currently can't at all, because I don't know how to yet. So my doctor has been pushing road cycling on me at every visit I have with him. So here I am.
I have been walking unassisted for about 4 months now. I still have pain, but I deal with it. It's getting better though. I also have to wear a compression stocking on my leg for the next four years. So there's my story. Sorry for the novel.
By the way, last time I was on a road bike was in 1993. I had an old 10 speed Murray I use to ride to work every day for about three years. I loved it, but got stolen.
04-04-16, 09:56 AM
#2
LET'S ROLL
Howdy and welcome aboard!
Glad to hear you're slowly recovering. I've also had moto crashes in the past;
nothing serious though. Part of the job description I guess; working as a messenger
in New York City.
Surprised the Doc insisted on road cycling. Don't know why he didn't suggest hybrid,
mountainbike, etc. So you're okay on a stationary bike? Good luck, keep us updated.
Glad to hear you're slowly recovering. I've also had moto crashes in the past;
nothing serious though. Part of the job description I guess; working as a messenger
in New York City.
Surprised the Doc insisted on road cycling. Don't know why he didn't suggest hybrid,
mountainbike, etc. So you're okay on a stationary bike? Good luck, keep us updated.
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04-04-16, 10:13 AM
#4
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Yes, I'm good to go on any bike. But he suggested road biking the most. Maybe because it won't be as rough as mountain biking? Not sure.
04-04-16, 10:18 AM
#5
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Nice bike..The gearing may be to high for your hills.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
04-04-16, 10:57 AM
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Welcome, and good luck with your future as an avid cyclist.
Also consider a recumbent. Even a recumbent trike has its place.
Also consider a recumbent. Even a recumbent trike has its place.
04-04-16, 11:17 PM
#7
Junior Member
I just bought roughly the same bike...but I will have an Ultegra 11-32 cassette (gives you a "granny gear" for tough hills). I am sorry to hear about what you have been through. The new Fuji should be exciting and fast.
Hello all! Great forum here! I'm from San Diego, Ca and just purchased a new 2015 Fuji Transonic 2.3 with Ultegra package. I'm super excited about this. Here's my story on why I am getting into road bikes.
On April 5, 2015(Easter Sunday) I had a major motorcycle incident. I was in the local canyons with some friends and ended up going down. We weren't screwing around like lots of people must think. At the time I was also racing motorcycles, so I was very experienced. I was completely leathered up with all my race gear, that's the only way I would ride the canyons. Anyway, onto the incident.
I was going about 25 mph around a tight hairpin turn. Long time ago when I did use to screw around out there, I would take this same turn at 60+, no issues. Well, I was going the speed limit and all of the sudden my front tire just comes out from under me. Not exactly sure why. Maybe dirt or gravel? I don't know. So, I slid on my belly for about 60ft and onto the oncoming lane. As I was sliding, another rider on the opposite side of the road comes around the corner and stops my slide by running over the back of my left leg at about 55 mph.
I was screaming in pain like hell. For you medical experts, I had an open tib/fib, severed artery and compartment syndrome. In English, I had two open fractures with a severed artery and developed compartment syndrome a few hours later. I also had a broken metatarsal, 4 broken toes, ankle was pulverized, broken cuboid, bruised ribs, pretty much was a mess. I had a fasciaotomy for those of you who don't know what that is, google. So yes, it was bad!!! I was 1.2 hours away from the nearest level one trauma center as well.
I spent over a month in the hospital, had eight surgeries and couldn't walk for 6 months. About one second before the accident I was an avid weight lifter and always training for my motorcycle racing. I was in pretty decent shape. Laying in bed does a number to your body. I lost lots of muscle and gained about 30 lbs.
So now I've lost about 10 lbs and I am currently using a Pilates Power Gym to rebuild my muscles. I maxed out at physical therapy a few months back, nothing else they can do. I can't run anymore and currently can't at all, because I don't know how to yet. So my doctor has been pushing road cycling on me at every visit I have with him. So here I am.
I have been walking unassisted for about 4 months now. I still have pain, but I deal with it. It's getting better though. I also have to wear a compression stocking on my leg for the next four years. So there's my story. Sorry for the novel.
By the way, last time I was on a road bike was in 1993. I had an old 10 speed Murray I use to ride to work every day for about three years. I loved it, but got stolen.
On April 5, 2015(Easter Sunday) I had a major motorcycle incident. I was in the local canyons with some friends and ended up going down. We weren't screwing around like lots of people must think. At the time I was also racing motorcycles, so I was very experienced. I was completely leathered up with all my race gear, that's the only way I would ride the canyons. Anyway, onto the incident.
I was going about 25 mph around a tight hairpin turn. Long time ago when I did use to screw around out there, I would take this same turn at 60+, no issues. Well, I was going the speed limit and all of the sudden my front tire just comes out from under me. Not exactly sure why. Maybe dirt or gravel? I don't know. So, I slid on my belly for about 60ft and onto the oncoming lane. As I was sliding, another rider on the opposite side of the road comes around the corner and stops my slide by running over the back of my left leg at about 55 mph.
I was screaming in pain like hell. For you medical experts, I had an open tib/fib, severed artery and compartment syndrome. In English, I had two open fractures with a severed artery and developed compartment syndrome a few hours later. I also had a broken metatarsal, 4 broken toes, ankle was pulverized, broken cuboid, bruised ribs, pretty much was a mess. I had a fasciaotomy for those of you who don't know what that is, google. So yes, it was bad!!! I was 1.2 hours away from the nearest level one trauma center as well.
I spent over a month in the hospital, had eight surgeries and couldn't walk for 6 months. About one second before the accident I was an avid weight lifter and always training for my motorcycle racing. I was in pretty decent shape. Laying in bed does a number to your body. I lost lots of muscle and gained about 30 lbs.
So now I've lost about 10 lbs and I am currently using a Pilates Power Gym to rebuild my muscles. I maxed out at physical therapy a few months back, nothing else they can do. I can't run anymore and currently can't at all, because I don't know how to yet. So my doctor has been pushing road cycling on me at every visit I have with him. So here I am.
I have been walking unassisted for about 4 months now. I still have pain, but I deal with it. It's getting better though. I also have to wear a compression stocking on my leg for the next four years. So there's my story. Sorry for the novel.
By the way, last time I was on a road bike was in 1993. I had an old 10 speed Murray I use to ride to work every day for about three years. I loved it, but got stolen.
04-05-16, 08:15 AM
#8
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Yes!! yes!! These carbon bikes, or shall I say all the newer bikes feel fast as hell!!! Or maybe it's because I haven't been on a roadbike in a long time. But jeez, first test ride I went on with a carbon bike last week was nuts. I pedaled kind of hard taking off and the front wheel came right off the ground. Made me actually laugh at first. The speed is awesome. This was on a Kestrel Legend I test rode.
04-06-16, 12:51 AM
#9
Junior Member
Yes, I just switched to carbon for the first time. I rode aluminum bikes for a few years. Carbon really soaks up the road vibrations.
Kestrel and Fuji (as you might know) are both the same parent company and seem to be a good way to get a low price on a high performance bike. I am on a Fuji Altamira 1.1 (low end carbon) but it rides amazing. It is 20lbs but very fast. I ordered a Transonic 2.5 LE from Performance Bikes (1hr 20 minutes drive from me) but the price was unbelievable. Hopefully later this week or early next week I will have it. I am going to swap my RS81 wheels for the Ovals, Specialized Romin for saddle, but that should be it for now. I have some new 105 pedals for it too.
Kestrel and Fuji (as you might know) are both the same parent company and seem to be a good way to get a low price on a high performance bike. I am on a Fuji Altamira 1.1 (low end carbon) but it rides amazing. It is 20lbs but very fast. I ordered a Transonic 2.5 LE from Performance Bikes (1hr 20 minutes drive from me) but the price was unbelievable. Hopefully later this week or early next week I will have it. I am going to swap my RS81 wheels for the Ovals, Specialized Romin for saddle, but that should be it for now. I have some new 105 pedals for it too.
04-08-16, 12:25 PM
#11
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Awesome to have you.
I hear your pain. But awesome recovery. I went through very similar stuff last year.
Jan 2015: 30 mph+bike+bus+dump truck=...very similar story
I was hospitalized 5 months (didn't stand for 7 weeks). I got home 3 weeks before my daughter was born!
Being fit certainly helped my recover which started very fast. But getting back to that is damn hard work. Years of fitness lost in seconds.
But now I'm walking with a cane and riding a bike again, only with my wife's approval. If you have the range of motion and strength it is great to do it. Riding was the only thing really activated my quad, I felt the fatigue in the muscle which no other exercise did. I have been using a Precor AMT (adaptive motion trainer) at the gym and it has been a great way to get going down there with some cardio at a low impact.
I hear your pain. But awesome recovery. I went through very similar stuff last year.
Jan 2015: 30 mph+bike+bus+dump truck=...very similar story
I was hospitalized 5 months (didn't stand for 7 weeks). I got home 3 weeks before my daughter was born!
Being fit certainly helped my recover which started very fast. But getting back to that is damn hard work. Years of fitness lost in seconds.
But now I'm walking with a cane and riding a bike again, only with my wife's approval. If you have the range of motion and strength it is great to do it. Riding was the only thing really activated my quad, I felt the fatigue in the muscle which no other exercise did. I have been using a Precor AMT (adaptive motion trainer) at the gym and it has been a great way to get going down there with some cardio at a low impact.
04-08-16, 12:39 PM
#12
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Inspiring story, stay healthy and safe. Welcome aboard.
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I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
04-11-16, 08:56 AM
#13
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Wow!!! I thought I went through hell! I was non weight bearing for 6 months. But not getting out of bed for 7 weeks??? Ouch!!!! Longest I was not allowed to get out of bed at the hospital was 9 days. 7 weeks is a long time staying in bed without getting out at all.
And you are right about muscle loss. I lost lots and lots of muscles while I was dealing with this injury. I was weight lifting and jogging as I was racing motorcycles. All that was lost.
It's taking a very long time to recover the muscles in my leg. I'm getting there, but slowly. Hopefully cycling will make it better.
Saw my doctor Thursday and told him I got a bike. The look on his face was priceless. He was very happy and told me "watch, you'll see!"
I'd like to hear your story, if you don't mind. Maybe pm me??
And you are right about muscle loss. I lost lots and lots of muscles while I was dealing with this injury. I was weight lifting and jogging as I was racing motorcycles. All that was lost.
It's taking a very long time to recover the muscles in my leg. I'm getting there, but slowly. Hopefully cycling will make it better.
Saw my doctor Thursday and told him I got a bike. The look on his face was priceless. He was very happy and told me "watch, you'll see!"
I'd like to hear your story, if you don't mind. Maybe pm me??
04-11-16, 10:20 AM
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While I slightly doubt the validity of your story... (last time I crashed my bike at 25 MPH I slid for about 15-20 feet..., I can't see triple that under any but the best(worst?) circumstances...) the road bike you bought is very nice, and should suit you nicely. Welcome.
