I had a nasty fall during an AM commute a couple weeks ago myself. The roads weren't a problem since there was a decent salt base. My problem was on a slight descent through a park on a paved trail that had nasty coat of black ice. I never went down so quick on a bike before! My left hip absorbed most of the fall and man, did it hurt!! I still feel the lingering effects. At the time I didn't have a set of studded tires.

I now have a set of Nokian Mount and Grounds to give me some help. Anyway, does anyone here wear protective equipment such as knee pads or elbow pads on those days when the risk is higher? Heck, after hurting my hip, I've seriously thought about wearing a pair of hockey breezers.