Cycling - a chat about all things bike.

I believe I have a slight advantage when falling, even from a bike, in that I was taught how to fall and not stick my arm(s) out when I practiced (and taught) judo. Although that was many moons ago those lessons stick. When I took a little tumble due to a group of peds recently, it was my elbow and knee that took the brunt as I didn't stick my arms out. However, I know in the event of a big tumble or full on crash knowing how to fall wouldn't help one little bit.

I've had loads of problems in my previous serious cycling life with carpel tunnel syndrome and wore wrist splits when riding for ages. Thank the cycling God/desses I'm not having such issues at the moment but my increasing mileage means I would like the extra padding that half decent pair of gloves offers. I will look at the PI gloves. I recently got a pair of PI undershorts and am impressed with the quality.

[pajama]

Incubus - What are numpties? isaw the footnote number but couldnt find the corresponding reference.

Yellow thanks for the recommendation for gloves. I think i would like theterry also.

pardon the bad typing...icing hand while i type. Had 1st "incident" on my bike. TTotally my fault. I was passing a ped on a narrowed bridge on the greenway and got too close to the rail on the left. whacked, i.e. destroyed my mirror and panicked and reached out to (i dobt know what) push off or stop or something. Funny grabing railing when youre moving quivkly will bend ur fingers backwards. LOL

But on a possitive note....rode 9 miles, in higher gears, in shorter time, and didnt have to walk anyof it. Incident occured right at end of ride.

Saturday going riding with some friends out to a little community 10 miles out for breakfast.

'Im lovin riding. Oh! and The Boy may be getting hisnew bike soon, a hybrid, so he can start riding with me.

A

Hey there pajara. Here's a link to the numpty definition
http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/foru...&postcount=185
The footnote numbers were just counting the number of times I have used numpty/numpties today as I challenged jelli to use the word 3 times today

9 miles wooohoooo...Go you, that's awesome!

Sorry to hear you hurt yourself...here's hoping it's the first of not-very-many.

Happy pedaling

[Dominique]

In Pennsylvania, that is illegal. Passing a bicyle on the left side of the rider to make a right hand turn. Over the week end, a 48 year old woman, who was training for an upcoming triathalon, was passed by a truck who swung wide, passed her on her left and turned right, the truck clipped the front wheel of her bicycle, throwing her over UNDERNEATH the rear set of wheels of the truck, and yes. She was killed. It didn't matter that she wasn't wearing a helmet. HOWEVER, something Linus spoke about way back in the thread, something I never do, and was sort of shocked that people did, she was wearing an IPOD in both ears and it is assumed she heard nothing. (long sentence)

As much as we bicycle riders complain about the reckless things we see vehical operators doing, we need to be sure we are being smart. I know since Jelli (by the way Jelli, thanks for joining in on the conversation) told us about Cruels BAD accident and nearly loosing her leg, thats been in the back of my mind. Maybe this morning I was feeling a little less cavalier. I know I am not the same from my incident. (it was much more than a broken finger nail). Maybe we should be talking about riding vigilently?

Another thing I've been thinking about today, since I actually made fun of it *outloud* last night in my post....is that BEATER bicycle. Yes, I know it's quirks and can operate it, but the reality of it is- I should either take it to a bike shop and have it repaired properly or donate it to be reconditioned and buy another one. Someone is going to get hurt on it because it is a BEATER.....

Also, as if our law makers have nothing else to do, they want to make it mandatory for bicycle riders to wear helmets. Something they've been tossing around on the floor I'm told.

I really cannot comprehend why folks would wear headphones in traffic. No-one deserves to be in an accident but blocking off a whole sense that makes you aware of your environment is a choice you make about your own safety levels.

I believe I am a very canny rider; after so many years in the saddle and a strong sense of self preservation I endeavour to be uber aware of what is going on around me. Especially now there are so many more numpties³ on the roads in bigger and bigger vehicles. The rise of the rather large 4x4 or SUV is in full swing here now.

Yellow Band...don't buy another bike just get that 'beater' repaired. Unless you're looking for an excuse for another new bike...Recycle (pun entirely intended!)

I would be a conscientious objector if helmets were made compulsory - although I think they should be for children. There is no conclusive proof that wearing them saves more lives than when not worn. Although as I have previously stated I am becoming tempted to purchase one due to the road-numpty issue and the slow nature of town cycling, when, I believe, ones noggin may be saved if a collision occurred. On bigger roads and much higher speeds I don't believe that any sort of helmet will help if you hit the floor at speed.

The Helmet Issue divides whole cycling fora everywhere.

[Dominique]

Even though I wear a helmet, I'm against making it mandatory. I am all for making motorists learn to share the road. I feel that is the bigger problem.

We have police on bicycles and that helps tremendously as they ride bicycles that look much like ours and they wear a *summer* police uniform, if you will, and people really are not looking for them, so some of the non respcting motorists are treated to an occasional big surprise.

Agreed, on the ipod thing. I don't do it while running either. What ever happened to my personal safety. In the gym, yes I do.

Beater Bicycle....well I should include my S/O in this I guess. Maybe if she has a bike she semi sorta likes, she might enjoy riding a little more. She scoffed at kayaking in the beginning too, but now loves it and is pretty good at it. Thats why I'm very patient with the slow riding and the pushing it up hills ect....I'm used to the beater, but she calls it THAT PIECE OF SHIT ....anyhow, made it home from work....horrendous heat continues. Going to eat more peaches

Sadly, I think it unlikely that motorized vehicle drivers as a body would be willing to be educated about their road usage....voluntarily.

Re: the ipod thing....I think I've said before that I do wear one side of my in-ear headphones when riding on non traffic routes.

We have Cops on Cycles here too. Our local Bobbies patrol on bikes.

Soooo get your other half a bike she likes and then you might have a more willing riding partner. I'm sure a kid would love to inherit a fixed up bike to tool around on.

I really need to do a few miles tomorrow if my body lets me. It's been hurting too much today to do anything significant.

[Goofy]

Originally Posted by Incubus

Hey there pajara. Here's a link to the numpty definition
http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/foru...&postcount=185

Incubus, I'm going to have to steal this word. It is FABULOUS!

[jelli]

This is a journal posting of Cruel's accident. I know you can wear all the proper equipment, take every safety measure, and still life happens, so just be safe riders!!!!

10-08-2004 08:57 PM
As most of you don't know...

Wednesday night Cruel was cycling to work around 8:30 and was struck by an SUV. What an ordeal.

I needed to come here tonight for support and encouragement for him/me.

::: crying :::

I have never been so terrified in my entire life. Ever!

To come so close to losing the one you haven't had nearly long enough time to love.

I was 3 cars behind Cruel when the accident happened although I didn't see it take place... I was taking his lunch since he had forgotten it on the counter. I thought there must be a dog or something that had been hit. so I pulled over to the side to go see if I could help and I see the the yellow of his helmet...

Cruel hands me a small handful of blood and a tooth that was yanked clear out... and proceeds to ask "How's my bike?"

Cruel was life flighted off the accident scene for fear of left leg damage would lead to loss.

Cruel also made small jokes about "Well, I at least got to ride in a helicopter, although I couldn't see out the window."

I think his humor was more out of worry for myself.

::: jelli to Cruel while in the trauma bay :::

"Baby, let me be strong now. You just focus on getting well."

```````````````````````````
Injuries:

Right ankle in air brace.

Right knee and both palms are road rashed.

Left knee is severely injured. Glove effect to top of knee.

Left inner thigh/knee are had 14 sutures for another gash.

Bruises and swelling over arms and legs.

Face is road rashed, teeth injured, and mouth swollen.

Concussion.

No internal injuries. And they cleared the neck and spine.

We're lucky to have him tonight.

``````````````

Tonight, I brought him home. This is where he wanted to be. This is where they said he'd heal faster. As I sit here, he's lying in bed, drugged and still in pain.

My heart still feeling as if someone is stepping on it.

{{{{{{{{{{Cruel}}}}}}}}}} soul of my soul. How I pray for you. How many deals with the Goddess I have made in the last 48hrs. ::: crying :::

I am at a loss and feeling ever so helpless. I wish I could lift your pain from your mind and body.

Heal fast my love.

I'm right here.

[jelli]

You might be a cyclist if.......

1. You tell a family of 5 in a crowded mall to "hold their line."

2. Your spouse says "If you buy another bike I'm going to leave you" and you think "I guess I'm going to miss him/her."

3. You have more water bottles than you have drinking glasses.

4. You have more cycling jerseys than work shirts.

5. Your cycling jersey IS your work shirt.

6. Your legs are smoother than your wifes.

7. The nicest pair of shoes you own have cleats in the soles.

8. You have defined the 8 stages of roadkill decomposition through daily observation.

9. You are walking along a street and you signal left.

10.You go to your local store on a bike.

11.You sulk when in cars, on hot days.

12.You sulk when in cars, on cold, windy, snowy days.

13.You get withdrawal symptoms if off the bike for more than a day.

14.When anybody mentions distance you immediately think of how long it would take to cycle it.

15.You point at pot holes, but you are driving in your car alone.

16.While driving your car you yell at your passenger "Car back" as a vehicle approaches from behind.

17.Your bike is worth more than your car.

18.You put more miles on your bike than your car.

19.Your hands have a strange tan that looks remarkably similar to the pattern on your cycling gloves.

20.Weather forecasts can be broken down into 2 categories: good biking weather, bad biking weather.

21.You put your bicycle in your car, and the value of the total package increases by a factor of 4 (or better).

22.You find out you are going to have a child and the first thing you think about is how you will schedule your rides to avoid divorce and still be a parent.

23.You spend 2X the money on cycling wear that you do work clothes.

24. You can tell your wife with a straight face that it's too hot to mow the lawn , then bike off for a century.

25.You dream of winning the lottery and the first thing you think of is how many/which bikes can I buy?

26.You buy a car based on whether or not a bike will fit in the trunk/back, with the rear seat folded down.

27.You open your car window and yell out "On your left" when passing cars on the freeway.

28.You have not one, not two, but three permanent chain ring scars on your right calf.

29.Your bike sleeps with you in the living or bedroom.

30.You wear a heart rate monitor during sex.

31.You check out all other guys/girls legs to see if they are better than yours.

32.Your spouse can't take it anymore and takes up cycling.

33.You wonder why a $500 bike has 24 gear ratios, while a $20,000 car or truck only has 4.

34.You crash...and insist on getting to the bike shop to have your bike checked out BEFORE going to the hospital.

35.You can't seem to get to work before 8:30am, but you don't have a problem meeting your buddies at 5:30am for a ride.

[jelli]

This was several years ago. Our son, Garrett, cycling on the Skyline Drive near Shenandoah Valley in VA.

[RANT]
Cycle path/walkers path separated. Bicycles painted on the floor for reinforcement of the idea. Barrelling along at a good pace despite the heavy headwind. Group of folks spanning across walking lane and free running dogs in the cycle lane!!

"Dogs in the cycle lane" shouts I

"The dog doesn't know it's a cycle lane" came the reply.

"Well yeah! but you do you numpty™ ©® why isn't your dog on a lead?" thrown over my shoulder as I sped away to enjoy the rest of my 20miler

Why is it that peds and their pets get the 'God given right' to not have to notice what's going on around them and I, a cyclist abiding by the rules of the cycle paths and roads, have to be responsible for anticipating what those peds/animals/kids/old folks are going to do?

[/RANT]

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by jelli

Cruel vs SUV definitely not good. I was 3 cars behind her when the accident happened. Luckily I couldn't see. Well, let's get around that experience.

Cruel did purchase me a bike and a trainer. Also bikes for the kid which none of them ride much anymore - between school, jobs, bf/gf's, etc.

My bike is a hybrid. Her name is Flame and she has been dusty for far to long. I am looking to find a class around to show me general maintenance, change a tire(as much as I dread it), etc.

We live in a great area for cycling. George Hincapie lives here in Greenville. George and the US Postal and now Discovery team ride all over our area for training.

Pssst... my favorite cyclist, aka Big George now rides for Team BMC. His team won the Tour this year! If George rides again next year (and he plans to), he will have ridden in a record 17 Tours!

[Medusa]

CRAP

Someone at work was selling a nice Fuji for $500 and I missed out on it!

WAH!

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Medusa

CRAP

Someone at work was selling a nice Fuji for $500 and I missed out on it!

WAH!

I thought you had your plan in place for a specific bike?

[Medusa]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

I thought you had your plan in place for a specific bike?

I doooooo but this was an amazing deal! This bike was originally $2000 so I would have tried to make it work!! LOL (and probably would have hurtmyself in the process!)

[jelli]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Pssst... my favorite cyclist, aka Big George now rides for Team BMC. His team won the Tour this year! If George rides again next year (and he plans to), he will have ridden in a record 17 Tours!

Ty for the info!

We've met up with George at several cycling events in S'burg, G'ville, Saluda, etc. They hold the USA Cycling championships here in G'ville. One of his all time favorite training rides for him and his friends is Paris Mtn.

[mountainbikedyke]

Great thread!

Impressed that we Nashvillains have enough riders for a pretty sweet cycling club!

Currently in my stable:

2007 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc
2008 Specialized 29er Disc
2003 Quintanna Roo Triathlon Bike

I work in the heat and am so "over" it when I get home that I haven't ridden much this Summer. Will change that in the next few weeks, however.

There is some great riding here in the Nashville area!

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Medusa

I doooooo but this was an amazing deal! This bike was originally $2000 so I would have tried to make it work!! LOL (and probably would have hurtmyself in the process!)

The "best bike" is the bike that "fits" you the best, not the one with the lightest frame or lightest/best components! If you don't have a good fit, you will enjoy the ride less...if you enjoy the ride less you RIDE LESS!

My first bike was a $500 bike. I rode it ALL THE TIME. For years. It didn't matter the heat index. It didn't matter if I was riding through snow (mountain biker here). I was going to be out on that bike!

My next bike was $2,800. It didn't fit me as well, and subsequently, I rode less (well, that and a bit of PTSD from a head on collision with another rider on a trail!)

It is all about fit! And shame to the rider that may have sold it to you unless it WAS a perfect fit!

/lecture.

[jelli]

Originally Posted by mountainbikedyke

There is some great riding here in the Nashville area!

My Cruel did some cycling your way. Have you done any of the Natchez Trace?