Would you give up
11-01-25 | 02:57 PM
#26
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Oh, I have had the same thoughts. It seems that crashing is inevitable, and as we get older, we are more fragile and recovery takes a little bit longer.
I don't even know how my last crash happened. I woke up in someone's car, and when he noted I asked him the same questions multiple times, thought better of bringing me home, and brought me to the hospital instead. The damage:
2 broken arms: (just think about the things you cannot do when both arms are in a cast).
Broken occipetal condyle: That is a kidney bean shaped bone that is at the base of the skull where that rests upon your Atlas ... the uppermost bone in your neck. This kind of injury typically only happens in serious car accidents involving head on collisions. I was lucky it was not displaced, but that still meant wearing a neck brace for 4 weeks or so. If it were displaced, I would have expired.
Broken nose: No loss here, my schnoz was never much to look at anyway. But in the "minor procedure" they had setting this, they scratched the hell out of my corneas, and let me tell you how uncomfortable that was. OMG.
That doesn't even count the matching broken collarbones and multiple broken ribs I have from previous crashes. Oh, and of course, pesky road rash.
I know multiple people who are no longer riding because of crashes. A professional trainer who is now using a walker (and frankly, lucky to be using a walker at all). Another friend who got such substantial brain damage from a crash, he is a shadow of his former self (yes, he was wearing a helmet). Another struck by a car and killed. Another having a massive MI, and right after getting a docs OK to ride.
But I can't imagine giving it up. I love it too much. All I can do is take reasonable safety measures (riding on quiet secondary roads as much as possible, bright clothes, helmet, lights, keeping my speed down and not taking excessive risks). And I do that knowing that ultimately, it is a gamble.
I ski as well, and that also has it's risks. I have friends who think I am nuts to do any of this at "my age."
I don't think there is an answer, really. But fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, and I gotta ride. If I don't, I'll die a slow diminishing death instead of risking a spectacular one. Which is worse? I guess we all get to decide for ourselves.
I don't even know how my last crash happened. I woke up in someone's car, and when he noted I asked him the same questions multiple times, thought better of bringing me home, and brought me to the hospital instead. The damage:
2 broken arms: (just think about the things you cannot do when both arms are in a cast).
Broken occipetal condyle: That is a kidney bean shaped bone that is at the base of the skull where that rests upon your Atlas ... the uppermost bone in your neck. This kind of injury typically only happens in serious car accidents involving head on collisions. I was lucky it was not displaced, but that still meant wearing a neck brace for 4 weeks or so. If it were displaced, I would have expired.
Broken nose: No loss here, my schnoz was never much to look at anyway. But in the "minor procedure" they had setting this, they scratched the hell out of my corneas, and let me tell you how uncomfortable that was. OMG.
That doesn't even count the matching broken collarbones and multiple broken ribs I have from previous crashes. Oh, and of course, pesky road rash.
I know multiple people who are no longer riding because of crashes. A professional trainer who is now using a walker (and frankly, lucky to be using a walker at all). Another friend who got such substantial brain damage from a crash, he is a shadow of his former self (yes, he was wearing a helmet). Another struck by a car and killed. Another having a massive MI, and right after getting a docs OK to ride.
But I can't imagine giving it up. I love it too much. All I can do is take reasonable safety measures (riding on quiet secondary roads as much as possible, bright clothes, helmet, lights, keeping my speed down and not taking excessive risks). And I do that knowing that ultimately, it is a gamble.
I ski as well, and that also has it's risks. I have friends who think I am nuts to do any of this at "my age."
I don't think there is an answer, really. But fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, and I gotta ride. If I don't, I'll die a slow diminishing death instead of risking a spectacular one. Which is worse? I guess we all get to decide for ourselves.
*I actually don't know what happened to him. The story I have heard is that he had a "medical event" on the bike and crashed into an oncoming car. Whether the medical event is something he would have survived had it happened elsewhere is only speculation. Somebody may know more about the specifics, but I don't.
11-01-25 | 10:02 PM
#27
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Deer: Bikes are quiet. It didn't hear you. Even cars are a lot quieter than they used to be. Perhaps those "deer whistles" designed to mount on a car bumper, would help? I assume these whistle above human audible range, but I don't know about on a bike, and if the airspeed is enough to make them function.
Two-wheel long wheelbase recumbents should be as safe as a trike in a front collision (bike hitting a stationary obstacle, not a car hitting you), and the seat is higher, and they can ride a road edge better than a trike (track width is the problem cited by many Bike Friday owners, against using the suitcase-trailer). However on my LWB 'bent, the underseat steering handlebars stick out well beyond the already wide seat.
My current ride, a 20"/406 wheel folder with conventional riding position, it has the same overall length as a 700c race bike, but that means a significantly longer wheelbase; I can't get it to stand on its nose under hard front braking, like was possible on my racer. That also means less unloading of the rear tire under hard braking, so faster stops if needed.
Two-wheel long wheelbase recumbents should be as safe as a trike in a front collision (bike hitting a stationary obstacle, not a car hitting you), and the seat is higher, and they can ride a road edge better than a trike (track width is the problem cited by many Bike Friday owners, against using the suitcase-trailer). However on my LWB 'bent, the underseat steering handlebars stick out well beyond the already wide seat.
My current ride, a 20"/406 wheel folder with conventional riding position, it has the same overall length as a 700c race bike, but that means a significantly longer wheelbase; I can't get it to stand on its nose under hard front braking, like was possible on my racer. That also means less unloading of the rear tire under hard braking, so faster stops if needed.
11-01-25 | 10:56 PM
#28
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From: Bastrop Texas
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This is bad news and yet good as you are still alive. Having to be a porch dog with your bicycles tied up so you don't use them is a bugger. I can see you starting out power walking and then transitioning back to your bicycles. But beware, you have already used up more then a few of your nine lives.
After my accident my family had an intervention. No riding in traffic. No ridding in bad weather. No ridding at night. No ridding faster then you can fall. And a few other things too. My Preflight check list is long. The worst part was, "If you have another fall there will be no more ridding."
RATS! and Good Grief!
Well, we do what we have to do, to ride. I am no longer a Cyclist, just a Poser on a bicycle. Its OK, I am living with it...
After my accident my family had an intervention. No riding in traffic. No ridding in bad weather. No ridding at night. No ridding faster then you can fall. And a few other things too. My Preflight check list is long. The worst part was, "If you have another fall there will be no more ridding."
RATS! and Good Grief!
Well, we do what we have to do, to ride. I am no longer a Cyclist, just a Poser on a bicycle. Its OK, I am living with it...
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11-02-25 | 05:06 AM
#29
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From: SW Fl.
Bikes: 1999 DAHON Mariner, Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Today I got on the trainer and road 20 minute 3.66 miles . It is not at all stressfu; the hip no pain just mounting the bike and swinging the leg over seat is hard. I take the front wheel off to get on and off. This was better than the weight sessions I was doing just sitting down. Hopefully tomorrow I will put on some cycling shorts today was just sweatpants today not a great option. I was ok and as I say I actually think no stress for the hip no pain at all. I manage a whopping 84 watts average. The key is cadence and smooth form. Got to try and get some aerobic benefit.
As far as my routes I generally take safe roads with very little traffic and never go o gravel. I think basically I am a klutz and could wipe out anywhere so that is in the mix. This was a test so will just have to see. I go to the dr in week the orthopedic surgeon who did the work. Hopefully he can give me clearance for some weight bearing. Right now it is touch foot only with almost no weight on leg. On the trainer it is less at the top of pedal stroke than when I put foot down to move walker.
As far as my routes I generally take safe roads with very little traffic and never go o gravel. I think basically I am a klutz and could wipe out anywhere so that is in the mix. This was a test so will just have to see. I go to the dr in week the orthopedic surgeon who did the work. Hopefully he can give me clearance for some weight bearing. Right now it is touch foot only with almost no weight on leg. On the trainer it is less at the top of pedal stroke than when I put foot down to move walker.
11-02-25 | 08:51 AM
#30
your god hates me
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*I worked with a woodwind player for decades who gradually transitioned away from instruments in the saxophone and clarinet family to almost exclusively game calls. He would show up to gigs with 4 or 5 deer calls, a half dozen duck calls, crow calls, and a few outliers designed to attract several other game or varmint species. I got real familiar with the sound of rutting deer...such that the one or two times I've heard that while cycling, I've stopped until I could confirm the deer weren't crossing the road anytime soon.
11-02-25 | 09:51 AM
#31
Facts just confuse people
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From: Mississippi
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If you see a fawn and no other deer around then slow down and watch out.
In my case some of the few fleeting memories I have is of a fawn running off in the woods. Since that time, on three different occasions when on the MUP, I've seen a fawn on the trail with no other deer around. And I slow from 20mph+ to less than 10mph. And every time a huge doe jumps out of the brush in front of me from the opposite side of the trail completely over the trail to the other side where the fawn is.
If I hadn't have slowed down, I'm convinced the doe will have collided with me. And then it'd probably be another trip to the ER.
Wish I'd had a action camera for those times!
In my case some of the few fleeting memories I have is of a fawn running off in the woods. Since that time, on three different occasions when on the MUP, I've seen a fawn on the trail with no other deer around. And I slow from 20mph+ to less than 10mph. And every time a huge doe jumps out of the brush in front of me from the opposite side of the trail completely over the trail to the other side where the fawn is.
If I hadn't have slowed down, I'm convinced the doe will have collided with me. And then it'd probably be another trip to the ER.
Wish I'd had a action camera for those times!
11-02-25 | 10:35 AM
#32
Early-onset OldFartitis
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Weakened pelvis, ribs, collarbone, and all the future risk that entails. For that, alone, possibly cycling with its inherent risk of "bouncing" on the pavement (or worse) makes it too risky, given those injuries. Even when fully healed and you're as strong as you can get, there will always be the threat of those weakened areas succuming with another fall (if one occurs).
Might do a 3-wheeled recumbent or tricycle, for the change in stability and reduction in fall risk. Big change from a traditional bike, of course. But it would keep you in the activity and "out there" where you love it.
Might do walking and trails. Ruck marches, if you're up for pushing a bit. Keeps you outside, at least.
At a gym, for the cardio and general fitness there's always swimming and rowing. In addition to the resistance exercise you're doing in order to get strong again, which I'd imagine you're planning on continuing once "recovery" is about as complete as it can get. Sixty-four years of age, and all.
Good luck on your continued recovery. Looks like everything is going reasonably well.
Might do a 3-wheeled recumbent or tricycle, for the change in stability and reduction in fall risk. Big change from a traditional bike, of course. But it would keep you in the activity and "out there" where you love it.
Might do walking and trails. Ruck marches, if you're up for pushing a bit. Keeps you outside, at least.
At a gym, for the cardio and general fitness there's always swimming and rowing. In addition to the resistance exercise you're doing in order to get strong again, which I'd imagine you're planning on continuing once "recovery" is about as complete as it can get. Sixty-four years of age, and all.
Good luck on your continued recovery. Looks like everything is going reasonably well.
11-02-25 | 01:10 PM
#33
It's MY mountain
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It does make for some fun footage:
https://vimeo.com/135195488?fl=pl&fe=sh
Also, the deer frequently slip on asphalt because their hooves work better in the dirt... so even if they don't collide with you they can still cause a crash.
https://vimeo.com/135195488?fl=pl&fe=sh
Also, the deer frequently slip on asphalt because their hooves work better in the dirt... so even if they don't collide with you they can still cause a crash.
11-02-25 | 02:31 PM
#34
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You want a video?
11-02-25 | 03:26 PM
#35
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You want a video?
https://youtu.be/F8HOpcPvPkQ?si=8Yz0hsj0eDWREoZS
https://youtu.be/F8HOpcPvPkQ?si=8Yz0hsj0eDWREoZS
11-02-25 | 05:05 PM
#36
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My first wreck on a bike, my first ambulance ride, and first stay in the hospital was back when I was 6 years old. I've suffered a number of crashes on my bike since then, breaking a clavicle, later an arm, and collecting an assortment of bumps, bruises, scratches, and scars. My crash in September (8 weeks ago today) resulted in broken ribs, another broken clavicle, and a hairline fracture in my skull. But I was back on my bike 10 days ago. The bones are mostly healed, though it hurts to put on and take off a t-shirt. There are many ways you can get hurt (or worse), every day you face some risk.
Currently I'm going on rides in the middle of the city, about 20km per day. I find that I am a little more anxious when cars pass a little closely, and I am more careful on descents which I usually fly down. But I'm glad to be back on my bike, and I wouldn't give it up.
Currently I'm going on rides in the middle of the city, about 20km per day. I find that I am a little more anxious when cars pass a little closely, and I am more careful on descents which I usually fly down. But I'm glad to be back on my bike, and I wouldn't give it up.
11-02-25 | 05:50 PM
#37
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From: SF Bay Area, East bay
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200, Soma double cross 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball, Waterford rs11
It happened about ten years ago. Not sure how he turned out but that video had enough hits to earn him some money. I ride that road down from the Golden Gate into Sausalito a few times a year and think of that as I pass.
11-03-25 | 01:21 AM
#38
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I've never heard of an ultrasonic deer whistle; every deer call device I've ever heard* sounded like a bullfrog croak, low, guttural, and well in the human audible range. If you strapped one on your bike such that it would be constantly activated by your movement-generated wind, it would sound like the bean scene from "Blazing Saddles"
*I worked with a woodwind player for decades who gradually transitioned away from instruments in the saxophone and clarinet family to almost exclusively game calls. He would show up to gigs with 4 or 5 deer calls, a half dozen duck calls, crow calls, and a few outliers designed to attract several other game or varmint species. I got real familiar with the sound of rutting deer...such that the one or two times I've heard that while cycling, I've stopped until I could confirm the deer weren't crossing the road anytime soon.
*I worked with a woodwind player for decades who gradually transitioned away from instruments in the saxophone and clarinet family to almost exclusively game calls. He would show up to gigs with 4 or 5 deer calls, a half dozen duck calls, crow calls, and a few outliers designed to attract several other game or varmint species. I got real familiar with the sound of rutting deer...such that the one or two times I've heard that while cycling, I've stopped until I could confirm the deer weren't crossing the road anytime soon.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deer_horn
Executive summary: Nope, don't work.
Last edited by Duragrouch; 11-03-25 at 01:25 AM.
11-03-25 | 07:11 AM
#39
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From: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
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You want a video?
https://youtu.be/F8HOpcPvPkQ?si=8Yz0hsj0eDWREoZS
https://youtu.be/F8HOpcPvPkQ?si=8Yz0hsj0eDWREoZS
11-03-25 | 11:04 AM
#40
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From: Berkeley CA
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You want a video?
https://youtu.be/F8HOpcPvPkQ?si=8Yz0hsj0eDWREoZS
https://youtu.be/F8HOpcPvPkQ?si=8Yz0hsj0eDWREoZS
11-03-25 | 04:30 PM
#41
Seat Sniffer
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You want a video?
https://youtu.be/F8HOpcPvPkQ?si=8Yz0hsj0eDWREoZS
https://youtu.be/F8HOpcPvPkQ?si=8Yz0hsj0eDWREoZS
Good video for people who think there is much you can do to avoid that kind of thing.
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11-04-25 | 09:48 AM
#43
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Jeez - that is a really rough run over the last decade for you!
I won't give advice on what you should do - only you can figure that out, but if I was in the same situation, personally, I'd stick to indoors for higher mileage training and limit my outdoor rides to fun rides around safe settings (parks etc). If the funds are available, invest in a setup to make indoors interesting and comfortable. For example, if possible, have the bike and trainer set up in a well lit room vs a dark basement, make sure that airflow is heavy with a proper fan (this makes a huge difference on any indoor ride over 30 min), invest in a good rocker board so that your body is not sitting static all the time (I use a KOM rocker board that has side to side and fore-aft movement), and if you have the funds, run Zwift/Rouvey/etc on a decent computer system with a large screen TV for a more immersive experience vs a phone or iPad.
To keep things interesting/add diversity, I'd also blend in other activities like swimming or rowing. Finally, I'd think about a bit more strength training once capable. As we age, there's an increasing propensity for breaking bones, and that can be worsened by only focussing only non-weight-bearing activities like cycling. We need weight bearing activities to strengthen bones and connective tissue and to prevent age-related sarcopenia.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
I won't give advice on what you should do - only you can figure that out, but if I was in the same situation, personally, I'd stick to indoors for higher mileage training and limit my outdoor rides to fun rides around safe settings (parks etc). If the funds are available, invest in a setup to make indoors interesting and comfortable. For example, if possible, have the bike and trainer set up in a well lit room vs a dark basement, make sure that airflow is heavy with a proper fan (this makes a huge difference on any indoor ride over 30 min), invest in a good rocker board so that your body is not sitting static all the time (I use a KOM rocker board that has side to side and fore-aft movement), and if you have the funds, run Zwift/Rouvey/etc on a decent computer system with a large screen TV for a more immersive experience vs a phone or iPad.
To keep things interesting/add diversity, I'd also blend in other activities like swimming or rowing. Finally, I'd think about a bit more strength training once capable. As we age, there's an increasing propensity for breaking bones, and that can be worsened by only focussing only non-weight-bearing activities like cycling. We need weight bearing activities to strengthen bones and connective tissue and to prevent age-related sarcopenia.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
11-04-25 | 09:50 AM
#44
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I have picture i won't post of a cyclist who had been going about 30 down a hill and vulture flew into his front wheel. Pretty ugly face plant and the vulture was in a knot. You just can't react that fast in those situations.
11-04-25 | 11:10 AM
#45
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From: Rural Missouri - mostly central and southeastern
Bikes: 2003 LeMond -various other junk bikes
Like many life-time cyclists I have experienced life-threshing injuries due to collisions with automobiles and animals. I was reflecting on one these incidents just a few days ago - because I was hit by a car 16 years ago on the "daylight savings" change weekend. Not that this matters - but I got hit at the 99th mile of a 102 mile "all-day" Sunday ride. My thoughts immediately seemed to focus on how just "any one little change" in the pace or rest stops of the previous 98 miles would have kept me from that intersection at the time I was hit. I also remember how reflexive and fearful I became when I resumed riding and came to similar situations as my accident. I was even skittish when driving.
Later on, my observation is that cycling was the single most valuable adjunct to healing and rehabbing my health. When ruminating about your future activities just remember that the deer you hit may have kept you from getting killed by a truck an hour later. (or the next day)
Fate is a fickle mistress. Learn what you can from your accident - but realize how much you can't!
..
Later on, my observation is that cycling was the single most valuable adjunct to healing and rehabbing my health. When ruminating about your future activities just remember that the deer you hit may have kept you from getting killed by a truck an hour later. (or the next day)
Fate is a fickle mistress. Learn what you can from your accident - but realize how much you can't!
..
11-04-25 | 01:56 PM
#46
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Like many life-time cyclists I have experienced life-threshing injuries due to collisions with automobiles and animals. I was reflecting on one these incidents just a few days ago - because I was hit by a car 16 years ago on the "daylight savings" change weekend. Not that this matters - but I got hit at the 99th mile of a 102 mile "all-day" Sunday ride. My thoughts immediately seemed to focus on how just "any one little change" in the pace or rest stops of the previous 98 miles would have kept me from that intersection at the time I was hit. I also remember how reflexive and fearful I became when I resumed riding and came to similar situations as my accident. I was even skittish when driving.
Later on, my observation is that cycling was the single most valuable adjunct to healing and rehabbing my health. When ruminating about your future activities just remember that the deer you hit may have kept you from getting killed by a truck an hour later. (or the next day)
Fate is a fickle mistress. Learn what you can from your accident - but realize how much you can't!
..
Later on, my observation is that cycling was the single most valuable adjunct to healing and rehabbing my health. When ruminating about your future activities just remember that the deer you hit may have kept you from getting killed by a truck an hour later. (or the next day)
Fate is a fickle mistress. Learn what you can from your accident - but realize how much you can't!
..
11-04-25 | 06:06 PM
#47
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From: SF Bay Area, East bay
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200, Soma double cross 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball, Waterford rs11
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising up every time we fall." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
11-05-25 | 05:12 AM
#48
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From: Eastern Shore MD
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Give up - no.
Adjust - yes.
Crashes will happen no matter what. But limiting the involvement from Dump Trucks and Soccer Moms - or from hitting a tree on a gnarly downhill blast - or riding at 25 mph in a wheel overlapping echelon paceline - or racing a crit on cobbled city streets for little more than bragging rights... some of that is fun stuff! But, risk vs reward.
Lately I've been avoiding the roads, taking it easy on the MTB, trying to ride more gravel*, limiting big on road ride events/fondo's, limiting riding in the rain or low light conditions...
*gravel - yes, my worst wreck happened on gravel due to equipment failure... but no dump trucks or F350's involved.
For me personally - cycling is for health and longevity first, adventure second.
Adjust - yes.
Crashes will happen no matter what. But limiting the involvement from Dump Trucks and Soccer Moms - or from hitting a tree on a gnarly downhill blast - or riding at 25 mph in a wheel overlapping echelon paceline - or racing a crit on cobbled city streets for little more than bragging rights... some of that is fun stuff! But, risk vs reward.
Lately I've been avoiding the roads, taking it easy on the MTB, trying to ride more gravel*, limiting big on road ride events/fondo's, limiting riding in the rain or low light conditions...
*gravel - yes, my worst wreck happened on gravel due to equipment failure... but no dump trucks or F350's involved.
For me personally - cycling is for health and longevity first, adventure second.
11-06-25 | 10:20 AM
#49
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From: northern Deep South
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mark, let me throw in a couple suggestions. First, living alone, you might try developing an informal support group. You could reach out to a few parishoners who either bike themselves, or who generally have a fair amount of free time and a pickup. Just ask, "If I run into trouble on a ride this week, could I call you to pick me up and haul me back home? I'll pay for gas and a hamburger!"
Second, It'd be a good idea to address your balance issues. A few sessions with a physical therapist should give you a list of exercises to develop and/or maintain balance. Since falls are a major risk for elderly people (not that you're there yet), insurance might cover those sessions. Even if insurance won't cover them, a few hundred bucks out of pocket can save big on co-pays in the future.
Neither of which helps with deer running into you. That sucks.
Second, It'd be a good idea to address your balance issues. A few sessions with a physical therapist should give you a list of exercises to develop and/or maintain balance. Since falls are a major risk for elderly people (not that you're there yet), insurance might cover those sessions. Even if insurance won't cover them, a few hundred bucks out of pocket can save big on co-pays in the future.
Neither of which helps with deer running into you. That sucks.
11-06-25 | 01:14 PM
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All the parishioner's at the parish just keep shaking there heads and saying, I hope you have had enough with the bike and stay off it. They are not helpful in the respect and I think deep inside they just think, hey get over it and stop riding outside. Actually that is almost cruel in a sense from the prospective of what a person finds rewarding. However on another note I am a working guitarist and have played for 52 years. I am basically a jazz guitarist and I repair guitars and right now I can play fine. The accident did not cause any problems there and i am glad. I don't want to ruin that and the last 6 days indoors on the trainer have been so good both physically and mentally. I road inside today 18 miles in 75 minutes with average power of 93 watts. Normally I would ride inside and could do 18 in an hour and average from 115 to 160 watts. I am just spinning easy gear no pushing as still using a walker to not weight bearing as such. When I see the ortho dr next will get the run down on what I hopefully can do.
On a positive note, my left foot drop has gotten much better can now lift my heel off the flour really well so it is coming back. Long way tiill full strength but I think it will come back at least ok. The outside my my thigh still numb and tingling in foot.
On a positive note, my left foot drop has gotten much better can now lift my heel off the flour really well so it is coming back. Long way tiill full strength but I think it will come back at least ok. The outside my my thigh still numb and tingling in foot.
