The following story was provided by my coworker after he completed the Spindletop Spin in Beaumont, Texas this weekend. The Spindletop is a 600+ rider event covering multiple distances in genuine Texas refinery-land. The story seems an appropriate reminder to put safety first as we increase our miles and get comfortable in our bike saddles.
They say there are two kinds of bike riders – those that have wrecked and those that are going to wreck. How true. It was really strange or either a premonition that about 4 different times during the ride I was thinking about wrecks and how I have been so lucky to not have had one of any consequence.
Well, there was the finish line, less than 100 yards to go; soon to be another successful ride and good time in the bank with food and drink ahead for my just reward. Cruising along at about 18 mph through old downtown Beaumont with the finish in site, I realized that I was in the turning lane, “oops better get over.” Then as I gradually eased over, oh no! The crack between the two lanes and slabs of concrete paving was just the size of a 23 mm tire. Instantly I was airborne as if a giant hand had picked me up and hurled me down the road.
Still clipped to my pedals I hit the paving sideways landing on my left side slamming my head to the concrete. At this moment things went into slow motion – I distinctly remember thinking, “please stop sliding” and I could hear my helmet grinding on the pavement. Then I stopped, a quick surveillance of my condition while lying on the road – still conscious, appear to be able move everything without pain, no broken bones, ok – get up. Other than feeling like I ran into a giant belt sander, things seemed to be relatively good – all things considered.
The traffic attendant comes over to me – “you alright?” I said, “I think so.” I say to myself, “Alright get back on the bike and finish the ride – it’s not that far to go!” I get back on the bike, clip one foot in and then about fall off the bike again – oops, the chain is off. I get off, bend over to put the chain back on and blood runs down my arm into the grease on my fingers and chain. “How did I cut my arm?” I get back on the bike and cover the last 60 or 70 yards at a more leisurely pace. I reached down to apply the brakes and realize the brake / shift levers are canted 45° inwards – “ah, better fix that”. “Whew, at least they still worked”. I look up and there’s part of my group I was riding with. Miranda asks, “Hey, did you have a flat?” I reply, “Well, sort of……”
I spent the next couple of hours with friends telling lies, sipping beverages and eating some great spaghetti served by the ride sponsors, but first getting some first aid and a couple of Advil. Final damage assessment – road rash evenly applied to the left side of my body’s calf, knee, hip, forearm, and shoulder. It is never a good thing when you finish the ride with a shredded jersey!
The whole purpose of telling this long winded story is to make a couple points, and hopefully reinforce the safety that we sometimes take for granted.
1.) None of us are bullet proof, not even if you’re in your 20’s. An accident can happen when you least expect it. Try to be alert of your surroundings at all times.
2.) Wear a helmet when you ride. Not to sound melodramatic, but my helmet most likely saved my life. I hate to think what would have happened to me if I had not been wearing one. Wear a helmet not only for yourself, but your family.
3.) Try not to ride alone. Make sure that someone knows where you are and is expecting you to return at a specific time. I would hate to have something occur off by myself and no help. It’s hard to use a cell phone if you are unconscious.
4.) Always make safety your first priority when riding.
