About two months ago I was hit broadside as a car ran a stop sign...

This afternoon I had a nice ride going today in St. Pete... was riding about 2-3 from side of road when a passing mini-van smashes the back of my elbow with it's mirror. Then the driver turns to the right and proceeds to smack into me two more times as he passes me.

Mirror on min-van is shattered and broken completely off vehicle. At least the driver stopped. I called 911 (lessons learned from our friends on the 41) and had an entire parade... two police cars, two ambulance and two big fire trucks. I felt the love!

Driver was 85 years old, had been drinking and continued to argue with me and then the police that I had no right to be on the road and that it was my fault. I had to laugh... He was not allowed to drive home.

I just was x-rayed and although my elbow is not broken, it really hurts - along with the entire left-half of my body. I realize I am lucky it was not worse.

The only good thing that I am proud of was that I did not crash my bike! I stayed upright through all three hits. My bike skills did not fail me!!

BTW - bike seems fine as my body took the impact, however it goes to the shop tomorrow for inspection.

Good job staying on your feet (so to speak).

Sorry to hear of this, though.

And it's such a pity that, after nearly killing you, the perp blamed you. I know that this happens in human relations frequently, but it seems that the car/bicycle interaction gets more than it's share.

glad it wasn't worse!

Sorry man. I have (really old) relatives down there. Between the growth in that area, and the really old people, it's super dangerous. I don't think there's any place in Florida that I'd be comfortable riding. I don't even feel comfortable driving there. And then there's the college kids, and the locals, and.... Be safe.

congratulations, you ruled the day for sure.

skilz to stay upright under those circumstances!

Nice Skills! Grandpa was drinking and they didnt hook him up?

An 85 year old man drove right between some cycling buddies of mine going to Sunday morning church. They called the police and ambulence and the man said the cyclists were speeding - doing at least 45 mph in a 25 mph zone, and that's why he didn't see them at first. One of my friends told the police officer if they were that fast, they would be in the Tour de France and not riding here in that neighborhood. The officer laughed, told them to leave, and wrote the driver a ticket.

Does that mean I can't say HTFU??

"Hit me once, shame on you; Hit me twice, shame on me; Hit me three times, @#*&@#%*^!@&!@_*$&#@%&!!!!!"

Nice job keeping the rubber side down and good luck with your recovery.

Well done on remaining upright and calling the gendarmes. Sounds as though you handled the situation well in all respects.

Sorry to rain on your parade but, I have felt your pain.... When I was 14 I was in the turn lane took a left turn and was blind sided as a 80 year old women thought it would be a good idea to pass a cyclist, from behind. I had signaled and clearly established that he was going to turn left plus was wearing a fluroescent jack too. She hit me go 45mph I broke nothing. My mom became terrified that I would get hit and as a result she made me quit racing. The sheriff blamed me because I was 14 and I shouldn't have been on the road.........

Can you sue the guy or press charges? It sounds like he needs to sit in jail and rot until he's ready for a pine box. I'm very happy to hear you didn't crash or get hurt worse. I probably would have strangled the guy.

Glad your injuries were no worse than that. Good skills staying upright. Sounds like you handled the whole situation well.

Was the driver ticketed? Or did he get a DUI?

Oh man sorry to hear that and definitely not feeling well when I know a BFer got hit twice! Take care

Wow, I guess I should always carry my phone with me. I will now. Glad it wasn't worse for you.

Hell ya he can sue. At least get his medical bills paid for.

Quick healing. If you're lucky he will be required to ride a bike for a year... shoe other other foot or something (can't remember the quote)

Wow, some people should not be driving. Good luck and godspeed, hope no hidden injuries pop up. I hope the driver learns a lesson that will keep him off the road for good.

Florida has lots O' bad drivers, maybe worse then up here in MA. Blinking lights front and rear ?

Glad to hear you're OK. And the bike, too. Keep us informed of the outcome of this because I'm betting that nothing will happen to the driver even tho he had been drinking.

Wow. Nice job staying on the bike.

Quick update: I have the bike getting a good inspection (and tune-up since it is there...) I am bruised and sore. It appears the man who hit me was ticketed but not arrested. Too bad...

Thanks for all the well wishes... enjoy your weekend riding; hopefully I will be back on the road soon.

I called 911 (lessons learned from our friends on the 41) and had an entire parade... two police cars, two ambulance and two big fire trucks.

thats so cool, was it on the news?