Caveman down! (some road rash content)
05-25-23 | 02:19 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Port Angeles, WA
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Caveman down! (some road rash content)
And a broken collarbone. Oy veh. 
JUST started commuting again the last couple weeks. Felt great, after 2 1/2 years of riding almost not at all, seriously probably less than 50 miles in that whole stretch, due to 70+ hour workweeks and getting to work before sunrise and getting home after sunset.
So, of course, I go splat on the way to work last Thursday. It was downhill, probably not going more than 20mph, which is plenty fast to hit the pavement, as you would know if you've ever done it. I bounced at least once, and slid quite a ways. My cochlear device fell off my head on impact and was about 30 feet from where my body stopped. About $9000 worth of luck that it was undamaged. Not so much luck on the collarbone, which snapped right where they usually do. So I'm off work for a minimum of three weeks, and can't ride.
Update: Moderators removed my gory closeup pix of the road rash details, so you know they were damned impressive!
JUST started commuting again the last couple weeks. Felt great, after 2 1/2 years of riding almost not at all, seriously probably less than 50 miles in that whole stretch, due to 70+ hour workweeks and getting to work before sunrise and getting home after sunset.
So, of course, I go splat on the way to work last Thursday. It was downhill, probably not going more than 20mph, which is plenty fast to hit the pavement, as you would know if you've ever done it. I bounced at least once, and slid quite a ways. My cochlear device fell off my head on impact and was about 30 feet from where my body stopped. About $9000 worth of luck that it was undamaged. Not so much luck on the collarbone, which snapped right where they usually do. So I'm off work for a minimum of three weeks, and can't ride.
Update: Moderators removed my gory closeup pix of the road rash details, so you know they were damned impressive!
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
Last edited by Lascauxcaveman; 05-26-23 at 05:56 PM.
05-25-23 | 02:29 PM
#4
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From: The Le Grande HQ
Bikes: Gängl, Trek 938, Raleigh Professional, Paramount, Allez, Guerciotti, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek 750, Miyata 1000 < Huffy
Sorry to hear, mate. Sounds like youre taking it in stride. Wishing you a fast recovery!
05-25-23 | 02:30 PM
#5
Steel is real
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Not far from Paris
Bikes: 93GiantTourer,92MeridaAlbon,96Scapin,98KonaKilaueua,93Peugeot Prestige,05CasatiClipper,98Jamis Dragon,95Tange Prestige(to be built),98VettaTeam,95Coppi,93Grandis,Daccordi x3(in build),98Piton(in build),99Trek SLR2300
sorry to hear that ,wishing you a quick recovery
,wishing you a quick recovery
05-25-23 | 03:02 PM
#7
Cyclotouriste
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: South Holland, NL
Bikes: Yes, please.
Sorry to hear that, Tim. Been there, done that. It hurts. Good luck with your recovery!
BTW, how's the bike?
BTW, how's the bike?
05-25-23 | 03:25 PM
#9
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Peoria, IL
My sympathies!
I've hit the pavement a handful of times, but was fortunate to fall on my side. Usually some road rash on a hip or forearm, but that was about it. Breaking a bone raises the severity another level!
If it's any consolation, it can be worse. A buddy in Des Moines was commuting on the local trail when he hit a muddy patch. I'm not sure what exactly happened, but he ended up breaking a femur... ouch!
He is now the owner of a titanium femur. Not sure what the rehab is like for that sort of thing.
Best wishes for the recovery.
Steve in Peoria (with a few scars, but no breaks)
I've hit the pavement a handful of times, but was fortunate to fall on my side. Usually some road rash on a hip or forearm, but that was about it. Breaking a bone raises the severity another level!
If it's any consolation, it can be worse. A buddy in Des Moines was commuting on the local trail when he hit a muddy patch. I'm not sure what exactly happened, but he ended up breaking a femur... ouch!
He is now the owner of a titanium femur. Not sure what the rehab is like for that sort of thing.
Best wishes for the recovery.
Steve in Peoria (with a few scars, but no breaks)
05-25-23 | 03:30 PM
#11
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Port Angeles, WA
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
A little bit of rash there, too. Both brake levers got pushed inward 20-30 degrees and a little scuffed up. Neat trick, doing both sides in one spill.
The good news is the frame's not bent, the wheels are both true and my most pristine Brooks Team Pro remains pristine. Usually you'll grind off a corner of your saddle in a crash like this, but ultimately, the bike ended up on top of me.
The good news is the frame's not bent, the wheels are both true and my most pristine Brooks Team Pro remains pristine. Usually you'll grind off a corner of your saddle in a crash like this, but ultimately, the bike ended up on top of me.
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
Last edited by Lascauxcaveman; 05-25-23 at 03:40 PM.
05-25-23 | 03:42 PM
#12
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Collarbones. Very good bet this shoulder will sit lower and closer in when all is set. Solution - apply the same to the other side. ie keep riding. (I'm a little slow. I had to do both sides twice to get the symmetry back.
05-25-23 | 04:04 PM
#13
Bike Butcher of Portland
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: It's complicated.
Yikes!
You're in good company, [MENTION=114373]northbend[/MENTION] did it twice in one year, I believe. Me, I bypassed the collarbone and went straight for the Grade 4 AC separation.
You're in good company, [MENTION=114373]northbend[/MENTION] did it twice in one year, I believe. Me, I bypassed the collarbone and went straight for the Grade 4 AC separation.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
05-25-23 | 04:12 PM
#14
Just an FYI: the moderators seem to prefer posters to refrain from posting graphic photos of body damage. At least, I believe I've seen a few threads in the past where such photos were removed by a mod. Me, I'd delete those photos.
05-25-23 | 04:40 PM
#15
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From: Pacific Northwest
Bikes: 87 Marinoni SLX Sports Tourer, 79 Miyata 912 by Gugificazione
A little bit of rash there, too. Both brake levers got pushed inward 20-30 degrees and a little scuffed up. Neat trick, doing both sides in one spill.
The good news is the frame's not bent, the wheels are both true and my most pristine Brooks Team Pro remains pristine. Usually you'll grind off a corner of your saddle in a crash like this, but ultimately, the bike ended up on top of me.
The good news is the frame's not bent, the wheels are both true and my most pristine Brooks Team Pro remains pristine. Usually you'll grind off a corner of your saddle in a crash like this, but ultimately, the bike ended up on top of me.
Such excellent reflexes to save the saddle, frame and wheels, at the cost of considerable body damage. Congratulations, in a weird way, that you saved your Cochlear device! One of my hearing aids popped out when I fell on your Hurricane Ridge ride years ago. Didnt realize it was gone until much later. Its up there on the shoulder somewhere.
05-25-23 | 04:52 PM
#18
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From: Central Virginia
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Ouch! Glad the brain bucket is OK. The bruise on the foot might be a little ankle sprain that maybe you’re not noticing so much in the other aches and pains.
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, 81 Masi Gran Criterium, 81 Merckx Pro, 89 Cinelli Supercorsa, 83 Bianchi Specialissima, VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, 92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, 81 Masi Gran Criterium, 81 Merckx Pro, 89 Cinelli Supercorsa, 83 Bianchi Specialissima, VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, 92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
05-25-23 | 07:07 PM
#19
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From: Utah
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
Man that's a bummer for sure. Hope it all heals up quickly and you can get back out there. Best of luck!
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Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
05-25-23 | 07:32 PM
#21
Master Parts Rearranger
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From: Portlandia's Kuiper Belt, OR
Bikes: 1987 Woodrup Competition - 2025 Trek Checkpoint SL 6 Gen 3 - 1987 Lotus Legend - 2024 Trek Emonda ALR Rim Brake - 1980 Trek 510 - 1988 Cannondale SR500 - 1985 Trek 670 - 1982 Trek 730
So sorry to hear, Tim! I broke my elbow and fractured ribs at half that speed--I don't know how professional riders escape it half the time. I guess that's why we're working the jobs we are..
Glad the Brooks is unscuffed. Scuffed saddle edges on an otherwise perfect saddle always bum me out a little.
Glad the Brooks is unscuffed. Scuffed saddle edges on an otherwise perfect saddle always bum me out a little.
05-25-23 | 08:41 PM
#24
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From: Bastrop Texas
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Rats!!! Double Rats!!!
Thanks for posting the pics. Most of us have been there for one reason or another but that does not make it any easier for ya. Remember that road rash almost always gets infected. Here is some things I have used to get a seedy recovery from road rash in my patients.
Skintegrity Hydrocoloid
Telfa Non-adherant pads
3M Medipore H Soft Cloth Surgical Tape - 4 Wide by 10 yd Breathable
Cut a section of Telfa pad to the size of the skin injury. Cut a section of tape 5mm larger then the Telfa and then mount the Telfa to the center of the tape. Put a thin layer of Skintegrity over the Telfa pad then place the dressing over the injury. You can change the dressing out every other day by soaking it off in the shower. Be gentile with the new skin forming under the pad. I recommend using Shaving Cream to clean the wound before doing the dressing changes.
As for the collar bone... That's a time thing. Be careful, no stress, good nutrition, think good thoughts... AhhhUmmmm....
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05-25-23 | 08:59 PM
#25
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From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Bummer, hope you heal fast and get back on the bike
I understand work getting in the way of commuting (which is one of my favorite ways to add frequent rids)
now you can try gugies fax-leather handlebar tape
I understand work getting in the way of commuting (which is one of my favorite ways to add frequent rids)
now you can try gugies fax-leather handlebar tape
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.