I had my first real crash 2 weeks ago. I say real because it scared the devil out of me. Anyone who has ridden multiple thousands of miles on a bicycle has had their share of whoopsy-doos. Myself included. Slide outs, overcooked corners, off the back while riding a wheelie (and clipped in) etc. Well, this was during my self proclaimed last ride of the season. I was going to ride my usual route backwards for variety, having ridden it forward 34 times this year, so that I could bomb down "Devil's Backbone" and enjoy it. I reached a terminal (nearly) speed of 31.7mph on the hill, brakes were not hooking up, tried to scrub speed with my foot to no avail, and ended up slamming into the back side of a ditch, neck and shoulders first, at 30 plus mph. My watch data shows a period of about 4½ minutes of ZERO movement right at the point where the speed track stops. So, I was unconscious during that time. I have no recollection of coming to, except for the unpleasant realization that I had peed my pants! My left arm was on fire from the impact smashing my nerves and I had to gather my wits and ride 12 miles back home. Here I am sitting on my sofa tonight in a reflective mood of survivor guilt! How did I not die? Or worse, become fully paralyzed but live? Terrible. Still in pain physically and have driven up to the spot three times to confront my fears. Better days ahead, and I will not resign from biking! Never! Just have to go out there again and bite the dog that bit me.
Late update, 2-4-24, as a result of many types of scans to help resolve my new cancer diagnosis I have learned that this crash broke my 5th and 6th ribs as well as my T5 and T7! Thrilling eh?!
