Ouch!
 

Went for my morning ride Wednesday, badly miscalculated a turn and hit the curb. My big toe on my right foot took the brunt of the damage. It looks like it was hit with a hammer. It’s been X-rayed, no break or fracture thankfully. But, I’m in one of those fashion shoes for a while. Lesson learned… I usually ride in regular walking shoes, nope, bad choice for me. I have a pair of MTB shoes I should have been wearing. I won’t ride without them again. I think if I had had them on I wouldn’t be in this pickle. I learned my Adidas 5 10’s are much better choice for foot protection. My Apple Watch wanted to dial 911 for me…I’m glad it has that feature, but sometimes it can be annoying. It won’t stop till you say you’re okay. And fortunately, my bike only sustained minor cosmetic damage. Scraped the derailleur a little bit, it stills shifts just fine. I will be out there again very soon. It’s hard to keep me down…

Glad you AND THE BIKE are OK :thumb::thumb:. Put some BIG Flat pedals on and just pedal with your heel.

I have big flat pedals on, upgraded those right away after getting the Verve. I may try to ride Monday at the earliest, giving the swelling time to go down more so I can get a shoe on.

It’s confirmed, I managed to fracture my big toe. I’ll be visiting my podiatrist soon for a consultation at least. Wearing one of those “fashion” shoes that keep your foot stiff and immobile until I see the doctor. Never will I wear tennis/walking shoes again when I ride. My MTB shoes aren’t the all protective shoes, but they could certainly be better than the walking shoes.

I fractured the same toe stubbing it on piece of furniture. I have to say, it was very painful, and for quite a while. I was tending bar at a busy resort restaurant, wearing athletic shoes with that toe section cut out. This was in the mid 90's, nothing to do but be careful, ice and nsaids, and time. I now get arthritic pain in it, at times. And again, Ouch!
Wishing you a quicker and less painful recovery.

Susan, one thing to check (or better, have a shop check) - the alignment of the derailleur hanger. The hanger is metal tab that hangs down below and behind the rear wheel axle on the frame. The derailleur bolts onto it. The hanger can either be an integral part of the frame or a separate bolt-on piece.

Those hangers are very commonly bent when rear derailleurs suffer even small damage. A bent hanger can lead to poor shifting and even the derailleur hitting the wheel spokes. A derailleur getting wrapped around by the wheel will get expensive (sometimes very expensive) quite quickly and you won't be riding home.

A home mechanic can do the check with improvised tools but some knowledge and care is required. Shop have the tool that makes it child's play. I'd guess a price from $25-40 from most shops.

Remember the above if your bike ever falls over to the derailleur side, even if you are not on it. And even more important - be kind to your toe and heal fast!

My son does most of my bike maintenance for me. He’s coming for a visit on Tuesday. I’ll have him check it then. I did ride my bike back home after the fall, and it shifted just fine, and to me it looks aligned just right. If Jason feels I need to take it to a shop, I’ll take it to the shop. Won’t be riding until the podiatrist says it’s okay.

I have been riding my bike since Monday! I’m faithfully wearing my 5/10’s and taking it slow. By slow, I mean I’m not riding 10+ miles a day. The 5/10’s support my toe very well, no pain or discomfort. So glad to be back out there.

Glad to hear you're riding again! I still have a few months to go following shoulder repair.

Aubergine, I hope you’re back on your bike very soon. I have had a minor shoulder repair done myself. Be patient.

Good Luck :thumb::thumb:

A shoulder repair can take longer to heal than full replacement. My right shoulder was replaced on a Monday and I was back riding on Thursday even though the Dr. said Wednesday was also OK.

My lord. I had no idea.

I hate not riding but I do have patience. So far I am healing pretty well (8 weeks post surgery now). I have a good range of motion and minimal discomfort. Two more weeks and I'll start some load bearing exercises!