Back on the bike after the accident
08-21-09 | 01:04 PM
#1
Back on the bike after the accident
I didn't post this on BF but I was hit by a car in late April while riding home from work. I got rear-ended at close to 40mph (according to the witness). I fractured: neck, lower back, right leg, both ankles. I also tore some tendons in my right hip. I'm still going to physical therapy now but I'm very happy that I can start to ride my bike again. My lower back is still tight so I have to keep the handlebars really high until I get back my normal range of motion.
For those of you commuting to work, stay safe and choose your routes carefully.
I picked up a Specialized SL2 frameset on sale from Livermore Cyclery to replace my totalled bike. It sounded like Specialized is clearing inventory for the new SL3.
Quick pic:
For those of you commuting to work, stay safe and choose your routes carefully.
I picked up a Specialized SL2 frameset on sale from Livermore Cyclery to replace my totalled bike. It sounded like Specialized is clearing inventory for the new SL3.
Quick pic:
Last edited by kster; 08-21-09 at 02:43 PM. Reason: Edit: fixed typo.
08-21-09 | 01:18 PM
#2
Spinning like a gerbel
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,960
Likes: 4
From: Silicon Valley
Bikes: Seven
Wow, that must have been quite a crash. Glad you are okay now ... don't rush it. The road will still be there. Heal up, and glad to hear you are back on the bike.
08-21-09 | 01:26 PM
#3
Holy cow! That's a lot for you to have gone through. I hope you heal up just fine. Take your time getting going again.
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Some sort of pithy irrelevant one-liner should go here.
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Some sort of pithy irrelevant one-liner should go here.
08-21-09 | 01:30 PM
#4
the dream shall never die
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 154
Likes: 17
From: Lincoln, Sacramento North Valley, California
Bikes: Cannondale RT3000 Tandem Cannondale R900 CAAD 8 Campy
So sorry to hear about the accident and your injuries. Welcome back, but take it easy!
Cheers,
Geary
Cheers,
Geary
08-21-09 | 02:34 PM
#5
8speed DinoSORAs
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, UK or Mountain View, Ca
Good to see you back! Take care and happy riding on that nice new bike.
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Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
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08-21-09 | 04:00 PM
#8
crazy bike girl
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,325
Likes: 3
From: CA Central Coast
Bikes: '07 Orbea Onix, '07 Birdy Yellow, '06 Cannondale Bad Boy (stolen)
Wow, glad you are able to get back on a bike after a crash like that. 
Good luck with the PT and enjoy that beautiful new bike.
Good luck with the PT and enjoy that beautiful new bike.
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Countries I've ridden in: US, Canada, Ireland, UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, China, Singapore, Malaysia
States I've ridden in: Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Nevada, Missouri, Colorado
Countries I've ridden in: US, Canada, Ireland, UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, China, Singapore, Malaysia
States I've ridden in: Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Nevada, Missouri, Colorado
08-21-09 | 04:04 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 736
Likes: 0
From: Fair Oaks,CA
Bikes: Kestrel RT1000 & Calfee Tandem
To rephrase...I'm just glad that you are able to do "everything" again. I keep hoping I am immortal and will never get hit. Unfortunately the idiots that are behind the wheel may preclude those hopes. Be well and safe.
08-21-09 | 05:17 PM
#10
SWS: Small Wheel Syndrome
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 728
Likes: 0
From: Palo Alto
Bikes: Bike Friday Pocket Rocket/PedalForce RS2/Specialized Rock Hopper Xtracycle/Periscope Hammerhead
Yikes! At least you've got the Zertz now to help cushion everything. This wasn't on Vallecitos was it?
I'm looking into riding up that way next week and trying to find a route from the Sunol side over to 84.
I'm looking into riding up that way next week and trying to find a route from the Sunol side over to 84.
08-21-09 | 06:20 PM
#11
team autobus
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: northern california
Bikes: 2009 Trek 1.5; 2009 Trek 6000; 1995 Specialized Hardrock
That sounds like a horrible experience and although I don't know you, I'm glad to hear you're on the mend.
I wouldn't normally ask this... but if you don't mind. What was their sale price on the frame? I bought my second mountain bike from Livermore Cyclery and was pleased with a good deal and their service department has been really helpful. I'm in the market for a road bike and would like to buy it there, but I also want to find the best deal.
I wouldn't normally ask this... but if you don't mind. What was their sale price on the frame? I bought my second mountain bike from Livermore Cyclery and was pleased with a good deal and their service department has been really helpful. I'm in the market for a road bike and would like to buy it there, but I also want to find the best deal.
08-21-09 | 06:23 PM
#12
moth -----> flame
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,919
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: 18 Tarmac SL6, 11 CAAD 10-4, 07 Specialized Roubaix Comp, 98 Peugeot Horizon
Yikes. Very nice new ride, hope you can enjoy it to the full soon.
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BF, in a nutshell
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08-21-09 | 06:38 PM
#13
loopybunny, the frameset was $2100.
Looking at the big picture, I was very lucky in this accident. I didn't have any brain injuries (helmet cracked though) and my spinal cord was not damaged. I am looking forward to a full recovery once I get through the painful PT sessions.
08-22-09 | 08:48 AM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,251
Likes: 4
From: Newark, CA. San Francisco Bay Area
This is good to hear. Glad you're able to get back out there.
08-22-09 | 12:27 PM
#18
Freewheel Burning
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Belmont, CA
Bikes: Motobecane Fantom 29, Trek 850 Mountain Track
I'm glad to hear that you're on the road to recovery and that you are still able to even ride a bike! PT is tough, but hang in there! You'll be back up to speed (no pun intended) in no time.
The potential for getting hit from behind is scary enough for anyone. No matter how frequently and far ahead you scan the road, you just can't have eyes in the back of your head.
The potential for getting hit from behind is scary enough for anyone. No matter how frequently and far ahead you scan the road, you just can't have eyes in the back of your head.
08-23-09 | 06:33 PM
#21
Don't mince words
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,971
Likes: 5
From: Vacaville, CA
Bikes: '16 BH Quartz, 2017 Calfeecustom carbon tandem, Fuji D6 TT bike
All the best to you on your recovery. It matters that you're still here, even with the injuries.
I called my physical therapist "The Princess of Pain." Some of the manipulations she did on my wrist to help get range of motion back nearly brought tears to my eyes. It was worth the pain now that I'm done with PT and have ROM back. I hope your PT brings you back to full health, and I hope you don't suffer too much in the thick of it.
I called my physical therapist "The Princess of Pain." Some of the manipulations she did on my wrist to help get range of motion back nearly brought tears to my eyes. It was worth the pain now that I'm done with PT and have ROM back. I hope your PT brings you back to full health, and I hope you don't suffer too much in the thick of it.
08-31-09 | 06:50 PM
#22
Recovering mentalist
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,810
Likes: 2
From: On the Edge
Bikes: Too many
Wow! Like me, it wasn't your time to go; just an ordeal with hopefully some insights. All the best for a complete recovery.
I'm not looking forward to the pain I know is coming with rehab, but can't wait to get started.
Randochap
I'm not looking forward to the pain I know is coming with rehab, but can't wait to get started.
Randochap
02-27-10 | 12:43 AM
#23
Bump - I got around to taking a few pics of my wrecked bike:
https://www.pbase.com/kster/look555
Enjoy.
https://www.pbase.com/kster/look555
Enjoy.
02-27-10 | 08:51 AM
#24
moth -----> flame
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,919
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: 18 Tarmac SL6, 11 CAAD 10-4, 07 Specialized Roubaix Comp, 98 Peugeot Horizon
Not quite how I'd describe my reaction! Glad you're still here to post - that looks real nasty.
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BF, in a nutshell
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