Gary, your story is similar to mine though you've a few years on me and I worked my way up to a road bike (Ridley Orion bought last month) from a mountain bike. I had my first crash yesterday. Going up a little hill, my gears jammed, clipped out my right foot, but couldn't do the left. Happened to have the ribbon of a driveway to fall on, and while I did instinctively break my fall with my left hand, thankfully it was bruised not broken. My injuries, however, look amazingly similar to yours -- left elbow and knee. More damaged pride and a teeny bit of fear about whether my own poor use of shifters caused the jam and fall. I did get back on the bike and ride home 10 miles though, so I think I'm on the road to conquering it. My LBS is amazing and they have insisted on giving me a gearing lesson, which I'm planning on taking them up on. My MTB bike had 24 gears and numbers on the levers. This 10-gear two-ring thing is new to me. I may have made the mistake of being overconfident.

It's hard for old dogs to learn new tricks. But I do love cycling and commend you for doing it too. And while the fall shook me up some, I almost avoided it and with practice I think I might be able to if it ever happens again. And even though I did crash, injuries to me and my bike were minor. Tomorrow is a new day or maybe the day after tomorrow. Rest assured I'm determined to get back out there though. Be safe y'all.