If I had been without my helmet on 31 July, I'd be dead or a turnip
 

At least according to my Doctors. While I do not remember much of my accident, I apparently took a header off of my bike last Sunday (31 July) into the pavement when going about 36 mph as per my bike computer. I ended up breaking my clavicle in 4 places an getting a fairly serious concusion (with a couple of fun filled nights in the intensive care ward). I also got enough x-rays, cardio-scans, and ct scans to probably make me more radioactive than most russian subs!

From what the doctors have told me, and from the condition of the helmet compared to the condition of my head, I am convinced that the helmet saved my life.

I am sure I should have been riding slower down that particular hill (usually I ride up it because it gives me a good workout and kicks my but, and I wanted to beat the hill for a change, but I guess I know who won), but that issue aside, without the helmet, my brains would have a lot more scambled than now although there are those who will say my brains were pretty scrambled to begin with. (I did pass all of the mental accuity tests they threw at me in the hospital surprisingly)

Now I am recovering from the break in my clavicle (and some great colored road rash and bruises, look like a Jackson Pollack painiting). What a pain as it took me quite a while to start to finaly get into shape for once in my life. Anyone have any good suggestions for post accident exercises? I am probably going to get a trainer for my bike but it will be a little while before I can use it as I donot want to put pressure on my shoulder.

MichaelS

Ouch!

I can never understand the crowd that insists that helmets don't make a difference. I've only had 3 spills in over 20 years of adult cycling so I consider myself pretty lucky. Hope you heal quickly.

P.S. - don't be surprised if you are a bit skiddish when you get back on the bike. I understand there are some in the pro pelton who have never gotten over bad crashes and, consequently, are considered bad decenders.

Welcome to the 7/31 club!!!

I did it last year on the same date, with similar result, except I broke a bunch of vertebrae in my neck and back. Helmet saved my life, too, as I led with my head.

Good for you! Glad you made it through. I've been saved a couple of times by a motorcycle helmet.

I had surgery last year and the recovery time was 6-8 weeks. All I was allowed to do was walk, and at first I could only walk a block. But it didn't really harm my fitness much. I think sometimes taking a little break can make you stronger.

Welcome to the "I Can't Remember My Accident Club".

Well, I'm glad you're all here.

Helmets don't prevent all injuries, but they definitely prevent some.

If we were on recumbents, we'd have gone feet first, and the helmet would only have needed to prevent road rash. ;)

I still say kevlar is the way to go. You won't have to replace it after one crash, and you'll have a higher degree of protection. If it's bullet-proof it must be pavement-proof.

lol

I've had two wrecks where i was sure my skull would've been cracked had I not been wearing a helmet. It's funny, because I was one of the first people I knew wearing one and I caught a lot of ribbing for it, now I kind of see it as pretty ******** to go without one, unless you're riding on the sidewalk in some Iowa suburb.

Thanks to everyone for their responses. It is actually wierdly comforting to hear that I amnot alone in my now proud membership in the I can't remember my accident club!

It does also sound like there is hope for recovery in the future. I am still plannig for my first century on my 50th birthday in Sept 2006. I have grown to love riding and being at least slightly in shape is definitely helping my recovery (if not my spelling)

Thanks again

MichaelS

One good reason to ride a recumbent, you lead with your feet. When you crash, it's on your butt.

Wow Michael, sounds like a bad accident. Glad you are ok-ish. I'm in the club too.

Butt road rash.. oh god that's the worst next to back and feet rash.

glad to here you are ok.

Hope you're back to normal real soon.

And see - I have mine on! : ))))

Ouch! SOunds awful. What shape WAS the helmet in, by the way?

It's pretty normal not to remember accidents that involve a head injury. I was just reading an article about this guy who was in a terrible crash in the Tour, Wilfred Nelissen, in 1994. He said he had no memory of the accident- but the last thing he remembered was getting his helmet because he always wore a helmet in sprints. Good thing! He had a concussion but recovered. He'd probably have smashed his head in otherwise. It seems to be the brain trauma that wipes out your memory, but needless to say I don't know the medical explanation for that.

I'm glad you are doing much better. I never ride without my helmet. I went for a bike ride July 23rd and 3 blocks from my house I was in a crash. I had planned on a 30 mile or so ride, yet not even 1/4 mile from where I started the crash happened.

I had a slight head injury as well (per the ER sheets), but I never did lose consciousness and I do remember what happeend.

I had a couple of crashes on my bent. One because the seat came loose, not tightnend down, and another cause my front tire blew out. Both going pretty fast downhill. Both times was lucky to land on my butt. Was wearing a helmet. The blowout was at 35 mph and I did get quite a road rash on my butt. Beats road rash on my face.

Tell me about your bent crash.

Actually it isn't bulletproof. Like bicycle helmets, they are a one time use thing. A bullet's energy is absorbed and the helmet tends to shatter.

I do hope my helmet works if I have an accident, but you should understand that your helmet is doing something for you every day that you don't crash. The more safety equipment you have the more you stand a chance should the legal system get involved in your accident. The more safety equipment you have the more you will send a statement that says you have done all you can do be visible and safe so if the other guy says they didn't see you or you were negligent, you have some real proof otherwise.