My first commuting crash: Self inflicted :(
01-24-12 | 06:44 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Bikes: All-City Space Horse!
My first commuting crash: Self inflicted :(
On my way to work this morning I had my first crash since starting commuting back in May 2011. Its embarrassing and self inflicted. No one to really blame but myself, but I thought I'd share it with everyone.
I was looking back to keep track of some cars after a few close passes. Unfortunately I wasn't paying enough attention and the road moves to the left while I continued to ride straight. By the time I realized, my wheels were already sliding parallel against the curb and I was losing balance. Luckily I avoided the pole and falling into traffic.
I broke my helmet camera mount, and my trip computer mount. Besides that, just some road rash and scrapes on the handle bar tape. Enjoy watching me make a fool of myself.
I was looking back to keep track of some cars after a few close passes. Unfortunately I wasn't paying enough attention and the road moves to the left while I continued to ride straight. By the time I realized, my wheels were already sliding parallel against the curb and I was losing balance. Luckily I avoided the pole and falling into traffic.
I broke my helmet camera mount, and my trip computer mount. Besides that, just some road rash and scrapes on the handle bar tape. Enjoy watching me make a fool of myself.
01-24-12 | 07:39 PM
#5
Half way there
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 1
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: 69 Hercules, 73 Raleigh Sports, 74 Raliegh Competition, 78 Nishiki Professional, 79 Nishiki International, 83 Colnago Super, 83 Viner Junior
Thanks for posting. Glad you weren't hurt. Those poles look substantial.
Humbling, ain't it?
-G
Humbling, ain't it?
-G
01-24-12 | 07:55 PM
#6
Full Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 346
Likes: 1
From: Philadelphia
Bikes: 85 Peugeot Canyon Express, 73? Torpado, 85 Trek 400
Crashing sucks, hope you heal quick. I gotta say though, having the crash video is awesome. Luckily you and the camera survived fairly unscathed.
01-24-12 | 11:24 PM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 33
From: Silicon Valley, CA
Ouch. Glad it wasn't more serious. I had a 2 mph tip over going too slow across this bridge. It was dry. I think I was going too slow around that tight corner because it was late and I was tired. I think the 25mm tire got caught in between two planks and I did not have enough momentum and over I went. I reached out to try to catch the railing, failed and ended up with a broken shoulder and a sprained finger. Nine months to heal. Fortunately no surgery; just embarrassment and vicodin before bed (for 4 months) so that I could sleep. Sh** happens fast :-/ Be careful out there people!
01-25-12 | 12:15 AM
#8
What, me worry?
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 3
From: Athens, Greece
Bikes: Corratec / Jamis
That was a very close near miss with the light pole, which would have left you hurting. Glad you're okay and don't forget; what doesn't hurt us, only makes us stronger (and more cautious!).
01-25-12 | 08:17 AM
#12
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
On my way to work this morning I had my first crash since starting commuting back in May 2011. Its embarrassing and self inflicted. No one to really blame but myself, but I thought I'd share it with everyone.
I was looking back to keep track of some cars after a few close passes. Unfortunately I wasn't paying enough attention and the road moves to the left while I continued to ride straight. By the time I realized, my wheels were already sliding parallel against the curb and I was losing balance. Luckily I avoided the pole and falling into traffic.
I broke my helmet camera mount, and my trip computer mount. Besides that, just some road rash and scrapes on the handle bar tape. Enjoy watching me make a fool of myself.
I was looking back to keep track of some cars after a few close passes. Unfortunately I wasn't paying enough attention and the road moves to the left while I continued to ride straight. By the time I realized, my wheels were already sliding parallel against the curb and I was losing balance. Luckily I avoided the pole and falling into traffic.
I broke my helmet camera mount, and my trip computer mount. Besides that, just some road rash and scrapes on the handle bar tape. Enjoy watching me make a fool of myself.
__________________
********************************
Trikeman
Trikeman
01-25-12 | 09:06 AM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 0
From: Virginia/DC
Bikes: quite a few
01-25-12 | 10:35 AM
#16
missing in action
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,483
Likes: 53
Wow, you were very lucky to miss the pole!
The video reminds me of a similar mishap that I had about 6 months ago. I managed to stay upright by putting a foot down, but was moving pretty fast down a bridge and I broke my big toe. Two weeks later, I had to do an emergency stop when a cyclist ahead of me decided to stop for no reason, and I came down hard on the same toe
Hope you heal quickly and thanks for sharing!
The video reminds me of a similar mishap that I had about 6 months ago. I managed to stay upright by putting a foot down, but was moving pretty fast down a bridge and I broke my big toe. Two weeks later, I had to do an emergency stop when a cyclist ahead of me decided to stop for no reason, and I came down hard on the same toe
Hope you heal quickly and thanks for sharing!
01-25-12 | 10:53 AM
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 542
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: 2012 Jamis Coda Comp; early 80s Univega Nuovo Sport
On my way to work this morning I had my first crash since starting commuting back in May 2011. Its embarrassing and self inflicted. No one to really blame but myself, but I thought I'd share it with everyone.
I was looking back to keep track of some cars after a few close passes. Unfortunately I wasn't paying enough attention and the road moves to the left while I continued to ride straight. By the time I realized, my wheels were already sliding parallel against the curb and I was losing balance. Luckily I avoided the pole and falling into traffic.
I broke my helmet camera mount, and my trip computer mount. Besides that, just some road rash and scrapes on the handle bar tape. Enjoy watching me make a fool of myself.
I was looking back to keep track of some cars after a few close passes. Unfortunately I wasn't paying enough attention and the road moves to the left while I continued to ride straight. By the time I realized, my wheels were already sliding parallel against the curb and I was losing balance. Luckily I avoided the pole and falling into traffic.
I broke my helmet camera mount, and my trip computer mount. Besides that, just some road rash and scrapes on the handle bar tape. Enjoy watching me make a fool of myself.
Hope you and the bike are okay!
01-25-12 | 11:37 AM
#21
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 1
From: Hampton Roads VA
Bikes: '07 Trek 520, '09 Gary Fisher Triton, '04 Trek 8000, '85 Trek 500, '84 Trek 610, '85 Trek 510, '88 Trek 660, '92 Trek 930, Trek Multitrack 700
Heal well and soon. Thanks for sharing.
__________________
"When I hear another express an opinion, which is not mine, I say to myself, He has a right to his opinion, as I to mine; why should I question it. His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixot to bring all men by force of argument, to one opinion? If a fact be misstated, it is probable he is gratified by a belief of it, and I have no right to deprive him of the gratification."
T. Jefferson
"When I hear another express an opinion, which is not mine, I say to myself, He has a right to his opinion, as I to mine; why should I question it. His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixot to bring all men by force of argument, to one opinion? If a fact be misstated, it is probable he is gratified by a belief of it, and I have no right to deprive him of the gratification."
T. Jefferson
01-25-12 | 11:48 AM
#22
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Bikes: All-City Space Horse!
They were stopped for the light, but no one rolled down a window and asked anything. I did get up straight away, so it was obvious that I was at least in walking condition.
01-25-12 | 11:50 AM
#23
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Bikes: All-City Space Horse!
I was on Santa Monica Blvd, but it was right before the intersection to Ave of Stars. I usually don't have too much trouble there, but people were passing closer than usual that day.