Originally Posted by gnomekesse (Post 6955225)

Tuesday, my wife and I made a special trip to the LBS to buy a good bike for me to commute to work in. My old bike was a lovely rusted x-mart speceimen. So, Wednesday morning I set off on my 4.5 mile journey to work. My ride to and from work went very well and I arrived safely at both destinations.

Thursday I got to work fine but wanted to try a different route on the way home. This new route would avoid 4 two way stop signs which were not in my favor. I made it through the detour fine but ran into an obstacle crossing the main street through my little town. The alternate route was on had some sort of pavilion set up on it. I could have cut through the empty tent but decided to be civil and take some back streets. This dropped me off on a street without a stop light where I needed to cross the state highway. I waited and waited. As soon as a line of 30 cars would pass in one direction, another thirty would pass in the other. This happened three times and I saw my tiny opening. My left foot was ready to go so I took off. I put my right foot on the pedal and attempted to accelerate across the street. SNAP. My foot contacted the outside edge of the pedal and slipped off. Meanwhile, cars are still coming in both directions so I quickly readjusted and got across the street. Once back on side streets I took stock. When I put my right foot on the pedal I missed the main sections that are designed to support weight and, instead, put my full force on a thin piece of plastic on the outside edge. That plastic broke. But the pedal still operated it just had a slightly loose feel to it. I pedaled home without further incident.

At home I attempted to replace the pedals with old ones from my xmart bike. But I did not have the appropriate tools and the replacement pedals were not in good shape. So I forgoed the repair and figured I would be fine for one more commute. I then had all weekend to get the bike repaired.

So Friday comes and I get to work just fine. I brag about how I have already broken my bike after two days of ownership. (I got the 5 year extended warranty. I am definitely going to be getting my moneys worth out of this one.) So I go to pedal home. The toughest part of my route is the first quarter mile. This is the busiest street with the most traffic and rail road tracks that cross the street at a 30 degree angle. I got across the tracks fine and was pedaling hard toward a left turn ahead. I got to the turn and realized that I was going too fast. I gently apply the rear brakes and the back wheel locks up and begins to skid out. I recovered but I was still going too fast and the curb was fast approaching. As I hit the curb I distinclty remember thinking "I need bike gloves." The next thing I knew I was in the grass. (By the way, I found out the reason bicycle helmets stick so far out the side of your head is to protect your ear. Who knew??) I got up took stock of myself and my bike and set out again. I was fine. Just a little dirt on my shirt and some grass in my helmet. My wrist didnt hurt too much and my knees felt fine. My front brakes were now out of alignment and there is a slight rattle in the steering column that there wasn't before. There were also a couple of scrapes on the bike, one on the right pedal arm and one on the rear derailleur.

When I got home my right knee was a little tender from a scrape. Otherwise I was fine. I havent lost hope yet. I took the bike in for repair at the LBS. They gave me all metal pedals and realligned my front wheel. Monday I was back at it but it was a more leasierly ride. No need to break any land speed records.

Originally Posted by DataJunkie (Post 6957245)

OMG
I should have taken up poker instead of cycling.

Bombing down a hill I ran into a puddle of water while turning. Trying to avoid crashing I went wide while turning left.... and hit a glancing blow to a curb. Flew over my handlebars head first into the dirt and grass next to the road at about 15 mph. Broke my helmet and was dazed for a bit of time. Showed up to work an hr late.
Anyhow, I am keeping an eye open for any concussion symptoms. I am guessing it was a mild one at least.

bleh

Originally Posted by ctoddrun (Post 6957732)

Damn! I hate the unexpected puddle of water mid-turn, especially mid-turn. Anything reinjured from your cager altercation? Bike okay? (Which bike, btw?)

Hope you come through this with nothing more than dazed for a few minutes and a broken helmet...

Originally Posted by DataJunkie (Post 6957245)

OMG
I should have taken up poker instead of cycling.

Bombing down a hill I ran into a puddle of water while turning. Trying to avoid crashing I went wide while turning left.... and hit a glancing blow to a curb. Flew over my handlebars head first into the dirt and grass next to the road at about 15 mph. Broke my helmet and was dazed for a bit of time. Showed up to work an hr late.
Anyhow, I am keeping an eye open for any concussion symptoms. I am guessing it was a mild one at least.

bleh

Originally Posted by ctoddrun (Post 6957380)

Doood... welcome to the club! Good on ya for getting back on the horse...

I'm afraid that, at the rate you're going, we're going to have to read about you on the "wall of remembrance" thread in a matter of days. A bit of friendly advice (offered strictly out of concern for your wellbeing and your enjoyment of what has become one of my all-time favorite things to do): Riding in traffic is inherently more dangerous than driving a car, if only because you're now a midget in a land of giants, as opposed to being one more giant. I suggest you take some time to carefully plan your primary (and, apparently, a backup) route - map it out on the web, test drive it in the car to make sure it's going to work, test ride it on a weekend without traffic if necessary to make sure the roads and traffic control (stop lights, signs, turn lanes...) are sufficient.

And then ease into this - take things easy for a while to get yourself accustomed to your new bike (congrats - what is it, btw?) and riding in traffic. Riding a bit slower will also allow you to be more observant, which can improve your safety AND your enjoyment of the trip. Pay attention to where the cars are likely to cut you off or right hook you. Where do you need to be mindful of the "door zone?" When's the best time to move left to make that turn? Where should you really take the lane, and where is there room to safely share? Then, when you're used to the route, the bike, the traffic, go all out for the land speed record! After all, this is supposed to be FUN and FUNctional transportation which improves your quality of life. And finally, feel free to post your questions here - search first, of course (as was recently pointed out, there are approximately 9 unique topics on these forums!) Again, welcome!

Originally Posted by DataJunkie (Post 6960477)

Thanks

I really enjoyed it but this incessant damage I keep doing to myself is pointless.

Originally Posted by DataJunkie (Post 6960477)

Thanks

I pondered it a bit and have decided with my nutty work and family life that my ridiculous commute is just too much for me. I end up making stupid decisions so I am cutting it in half and will use the light rail the rest of the way. I really enjoyed it but this incessant damage I keep doing to myself is pointless.