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Old 10-16-11 | 05:01 PM
  #16  
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old's'cool
curmudgineer
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 113
From: Chicago SW burbs

Bikes: 2 many 2 fit here

3 crashes, all in 2009-2010.
1. autumn leaves on the path, coming off a MUP bridge onto a curve, needed to temporarily widen my line for an oncoming cyclist not previously seen due to the curve; when I tried to regain my line to stay on the path, not enough traction with the leaves underneath and down she went. Messed up a brake lever a little (no big deal to repair) and bruised some ribs.
2. Open road, no shoulder, strong crosswinds with gusts up to 50mph; a strong gust blew my front wheel right off the pavement and when I tried to straighten out and get back on the pavement the tire dug in instead of riding up the ledge. Speed was very slow so no damage except torn up bar tape.
3. Coming off another MUP bridge onto a curve, damp concrete surface, front wheel started to slide sideways and I couldn't save it. Came down hard on my hip, big bruise for a few weeks. No noticeable damage to the bike. Since then I noticed that the particular type of concrete used is rather more slippery than expected, even when dry, and I've taken it easy in the curves on this concrete after that. It has a very smooth, marble-like surface.

A common element of all three is that there was no appreciable interval between smooth sailing and impending crash - once loss of control was initiated it was too late to regain. Another common element that probably doesn't mean anything is that each crash was on the left side of the bike. All solo crashes too, I guess that's a good thing; though I had some help with the first one.
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