So yesterday I was riding with a few friends (who don't bike very often) and of course I was the one to fall. I was only going 18 or so. There was a giant bump in the trail left by a pole that had been removed, and I just so happened to hit the bump while drinking and went head over bars, falling on the left side of my head and shoulder.
I was up immediately, and got away with scrapes on my elbows, left shoulder, right knee, a big patch on my back, a cut and scrape on my left wrist (with some swelling), a little swelling where I hit my head (although the helmet definitely helped me), and of course I managed to somehow hit my upper groin on something and now have a very uncomfortable bruise. Very Lucky!
So then I figured I could keep riding with my friends as they wanted to keep going, but when I got back on my bike I found the right shifter and break had twisted so as it was nearly paralleling the road instead of its normal perpendicular setting. Rode it over to my LBS and got it fixed up in 5 minutes or so.
Overall, probably one of the luckiest things to happen to me on my bike this month.

As an actual question though, does anyone have recommendations for drinking in very bumpy conditions? (yes I already knew the road was bumpy, stupid me). Is it just something that takes practice, or should I just avoid it all together?

Thanks!

practice and time

Camelbak or don't.

I try to do it on straight stretches where I can see what's ahead. I had a very close call hitting a big bump while taking a drink. The jolt was so hard it knocked my other hand off the bars and the bike veered left. I have no idea how I didn't go down. I get cool points for not dropping the water bottle.

If you went over the front of the bike I'm not sure having both hands on the bars would have made a difference in this case unless it enabled you to quickly maneuver around the bump.

+1

Back bags. When you absolutely positively can't learn to handle your bike.

I love your optimism and outlook on life!

[Shortly after my retirement] I dropped a water bottle while riding. I was returning the bottle to it's cage and it slipped. I hit it with my rear tire. I got pretty banged up.

While healing I put together an accident report of sorts. You know... just like my cycling accident had been a work-related injury. Some of the things I came up with for drinking while bicycling are....

I switched to the long (28oz?) insulated water bottles. Because of their length they are easier to grip, and easier to reach the bottle cage with. And because they are insulated they sweat less.

I switched hands! I used to drink with my right hand (I am right handed) which meant if I was to grab the brake I'd grab my front brake. Drinking left handed.... is better for steering. I also position my right hand with a thumb-finger around the brake hood... but without keeping a finger on the brake lever. A solid right-handed handlebar grip... seemed like a better idea to me than just naturally grabbing a drink with my right hand.

Riding a bicycle down (in a crash) can prevent scraps and scratches.... but bicycle parts can also can also do some serious body damage. I believe each accident requires a decision as to whether to stay with the bike... or bail and roll to safety. Once you separate from the riding position... that might be a good time to get away from the bike.

Of course... cycling gloves, glasses, and helmet are no brainers for accident safety.

I've been using a Camelbak on my road bike for a few months now (even a 72 mile ride where it was a godsend) and I don't understand the hate for them. For some reason I drink more water, maybe because I know the nozzle is just below my face. I'm also working on reaching for a bottle (I get wobbly- I get that it takes practice), but it's been nice having the Camelbak there for when I'm not quite comfortable reaching down. Sometimes I'd rather not risk reaching for a bottle when it's bumpy because I suck at it right now.

I use an insulated one when snowshoeing in the winter. It's terrible on the bike when it's cold and annoying on my back when it's warm.

Quote:

Sometimes I'd rather not risk reaching for a bottle when it's bumpy because I suck at it right now.

And that's pretty much what I wrote.

I use a camel bak on my long mountain bike rides. It's not only for water but to carry more stuff since you tend to be in the middle of nowhere.

For drinking on a road bike, just pick your spots. I drink more when I'm climbing. If I have to drink during flats I'm more concerned about putting the bottle back than taking it out. I'll just hold the bottle longer and wait for a good time.

I was thinking the same thing. Falling from a bike resulting in several cuts and bruises and a broken shifter is not my idea of lucky. Sure it could have been worse, but it also could have never happened.

You don't have to close your eyes while drinking. Look where you're going so you don't fall into holes.

I'm pretty sure I didn't. In fact, I have no idea why you would want to close your eyes while moving forward on a bike on a busy trail no matter how fast you are going, but I'll keep that in mind next time.

Well, I'm friends with the owner of the bike shop, and she said that considering the gash on my left shoulder its amazing I didn't injure it or my collarbone. They also had first aid supplies and stuff like that in the bathroom, which was nice. But yeah, Overall I'd rule it a better fall. No road rash.

Oh yeah, forgot to add I absolutely smashed my bike computer, but I already have another one of the same model, so that's not an issue (got two of the same xmas present).