Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Freewheeling => Topic started by: fuzzy on 14 November, 2018, 12:13:40 am
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As a result of my off and a several of broken ribs towards the end of September, I am considering my cycling future.
It is not so much Teh Fear as the realisation of the impact a week in hospital and the ongoing debilitation caused by my injury had on my family.
My wife and Iwere duet o fly to Malta for a weeks holiday mid October. This was a holiday my wife desperatly needs. Doctor said no. The lung puncture and partial though minor Pneumothorax meant that flying was potentialy very hazardous.
I love riding and she knows this. Here comes the killer though- she said that next time I won't be so silly. Wrong. My riding style is that even though I go out for a relaxing ride, I soon find myself pushing it close to, or as I found out, beyond my limits. If I'm not running the risk of overcooking a hairpin bend on a tarmac descent or stuffing it into a tree or off a berm on a ragged hardtail trail in the woods, I can't really see the point.
I will still do test rides at work or pop out on the cargo bike for a delivery but, the steeds in the shed may never get used again :'(
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Find someone slow to ride with?
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I tend to ride alone these days, though the big off was a small work tester ride.
Even with a slower partner, parts of a ride would see me upping the pace and pushing sections of the route. I would not be able to help myself.
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:( :-\
You may have to take up golf.
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Me & my big mouth!
Apols, matey. I PMed you before I was even aware of this thread. >:(
As to the future? You need a velomobile. Simples!
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:( :-\
You may have to take up golf.
TEH HORROR!!!!!
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:( :-\
You may have to take up golf.
I've actually injured myself more times playing golf* than mtbing! I agree with Fuzzy - if you don't come off, you're not trying hard enough. Not that there's anything wrong with taking a bimble through the woods though.
*Once my girlfriend at the time sliced a tee shot straight into my back from about 10 yards. I don't think it was deliberate, but it might have been :P Another time I took a rather ambitious shot out of heavy rough and sprained my wrist so badly that I had to go to A & E. Oh and there was the time I got struck by lightning! Well, it struck a tree a few yards away as I was taking my shot and the tingling shock put me straight on the deck. Golf's a dangerous game kids!
Edit: All the best Fuzzers, my dad came off his bike a few years ago - knocked himself out, but he has got back on his bike again recently. He's 74.
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Lookit, this isn't meant to be a criticism in any way, but the title you chose for the thread is very telling, either if it were deliberate or subconscious.
I tend to ride alone these days, though the big off was a small work tester ride.
Even with a slower partner, parts of a ride would see me upping the pace and pushing sections of the route. I would not be able to help myself.
All life is a balance of risk and enjoyment, you've put your finger on issue that you feel you take too many risks on a bike, but that really can change without taking all the enjoyment out of it. Not sure when (or even how) I adjusted, but I did. I know part of it for me was ditching computer/speedo and part of it was consciously putting advanced driving techniques in place when cycling. Heal soon, anyhow, and think again then.
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Difficult. I haven't got much to suggest but I don't think that laying off the bike is a solution - you'll be pissed off and grumpy before long. Just try to can the urge to take bends as if you had steel kneecaps. One of them has a shovelful of gravel waiting.
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Oh yeah, corners. It was a simple off about 25 years ago going round a 90o turn resulting in only bad road rash that (through neglect, admittedly) almost lost my leg and as a result scared the bejaesus out of me so much so much it turned me into a really crap descender, cautious on bends, doesn't stop me enjoying riding.
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If you need that buzz in your life it isn't going to go away, you'll only find a different, possibly more hazardous, way to get it. I'm a cautious rider, my pleasure comes from where the bike takes me, doesn't stop the odd fall and injury, sometimes it isn't within our control.
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...My riding style is that even though I go out for a relaxing ride, I soon find myself pushing it close to, or as I found out, beyond my limits. If I'm not running the risk of overcooking a hairpin bend on a tarmac descent or stuffing it into a tree or off a berm on a ragged hardtail trail in the woods, I can't really see the point.
It sounds like you need the possibility of crashing for it to be fun. But you also need not to suffer the eventuality of crashing. So you've essentially arrived at an oxymoron.
But, stepping back: is it not the crashing that is important, but rather, the practice of the skill level of maintaining a level close to the "cliff edge" but not quite over it, that is enjoyable. It's just unfortunate that with cycling, the 'cliff edge' is one that is not particularly enjoyable to experience, when/if you actually do. You simply need to acquire a hobby that still has a cliff, but a different cliff :D
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Why don't you try age-catergory road racing. There may be an element of thrill and risk
riding in a peloton, especially when going for a bunch sprint :thumbsup: .
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:( :-\
You may have to take up golf.
I've actually injured myself more times playing golf* than mtbing! I agree with Fuzzy - if you don't come off, you're not trying hard enough. Not that there's anything wrong with taking a bimble through the woods though.
*Once my girlfriend at the time sliced a tee shot straight into my back from about 10 yards. I don't think it was deliberate, but it might have been :P Another time I took a rather ambitious shot out of heavy rough and sprained my wrist so badly that I had to go to A & E. Oh and there was the time I got struck by lightning! Well, it struck a tree a few yards away as I was taking my shot and the tingling shock put me straight on the deck. Golf's a dangerous game kids!
Edit: All the best Fuzzers, my dad came off his bike a few years ago - knocked himself out, but he has got back on his bike again recently. He's 74.
Another common but not-often-admitted-to golf injury is to the knee, during an attempt to break the club over it ;D
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If golf is a good walk spoiled, what constitutes a good ride wrecked? I just assume, it differs from person to person - depending on the cycling environment, but where things aren't as fixed as they necessarily might seem. I enjoy being being more 'tourer' than 'le tour', and kind of accept being not much of a climber and a cautious descender; usually I just find myself scanning about for the next photo opportunity...
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If golf is a good walk spoiled, what constitues a good ride wrecked?
Audax, obviously.
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My dad was an alcoholic and occasional drunk-driver. He knew he had to deal with his problem, so he sold the car.
If you don't enjoy cycling any other way, and you're not prepared to take the associated risks, giving up is logical. But I think we would all say: consider the alternatives first.
Statistically, they tell us that cyclists live longer and better, but maybe you're right; maybe you're one of those other statistics.
(In case it's not clear, I really don't want you to give up cycling for pleasure. But I recognise that - like my dad - you might know your own limitations better than anyone else)
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In case it's not clear, I really don't want you to give up cycling for pleasure. But I recognise that - like my dad - you might know your own limitations better than anyone else
This.
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Fuzzy, giving up or not has to be your choice, but don’t let it take you away from this place.
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Why don't you try age-catergory road racing. There may be an element of thrill and risk
riding in a peloton, especially when going for a bunch sprint :thumbsup: .
After my VERY serious crash (11 broken bones, 3 serious brain injuries and a large blood loss) my wife has banned me from riding road races and with certain local groups but is happy for me to TT on the A14, A11 and A1!!! I haven't broached track riding yet...
I was always a rather cautious descender and am slightly more cautious now, it's not being able to see far enough in front of me for the speed more than anything else. I came down a steep hill in Spain recently slower than I went up it.
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would riding a very heavy / fixed gear bike contribute to lmiting your speed with the same amount of effort. Or wearing civvies.
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would riding a very heavy / fixed gear bike contribute to lmiting your speed with the same amount of effort. Or wearing civvies.
Recumbent trike, so you're less likely to fall off and hurt yourself[1].
[1] Assuming you don't follow cycleman over any small bridges.
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I have had thoughts of getting a trike- not so far to fall etc.
I really don't want to give up cycling. I just don't want to put my family through the inconvinience (at best) or trauma following the outcome of another screw up.
I know the liklihood of it happening is low but, the inner demon that emerges when I'm riding increases the risk.
I suppose I'd better find some distant customers who need deliveries in the truck bike.
Thanks for your thoughts folks. It is truly appreciated.
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Under these circumstances, it's normal for people to say "Take a deep breath", but that would be insensitive Fuzzy, so I won't.
Get yourself well first off, then decide. We're heading into that period of the year when the weather (normally anyway!) gets more and more rubbish and cold, the time for cycling in daylight is restricted*, and the 'opportunity' for accidents finding you will increase. Basically, don't rush to make a decision about something that will: keep you healthy (normally) and lift your spirits!
* when the sun does emerge in winter it's annoyingly low, potentially blinding drivers if you're road-riding. Dunno why I'm saying all this, you know it all already.
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Put yourself on the market as a rider for Battle Mountain. You can go very very fast and will not get broken if you do crash ;)
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If golf is a good walk spoiled, what constitues a good ride wrecked?
Audax, obviously.
;D ;D ;D ;D
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Put yourself on the market as a rider for Battle Mountain. You can go very very fast and will not get broken if you do crash ;)
If?
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If you need a challenge while riding maybe consider racing via Zwift? No chance of crashing, plenty of people to compete against and you can push yourself as hard as you want without fear of injury beyond possibly pulled muscles?
Limit your road riding to trest rides and deliveries, save the aggresion for the races.
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If you need a challenge while riding maybe consider racing via Zwift? No chance of crashing, plenty of people to compete against and you can push yourself as hard as you want without fear of injury beyond possibly pulled muscles?
Limit your road riding to trest rides and deliveries, save the aggresion for the races.
I've been on a bike less than a handful of times this year. Running and Zwift are where I hurt myself now. This time of year (two years since my big RTA) seems to bring it back. I can't face going on a bike ATM. The risk seems too great. I'm starting EMDR soon, and am hoping it gets better.
I know in my head that people who cycle live longer, but the benefits are distributed, whereas one poor sod takes all the harms. I don't have another big RTA in me. I've entered 4 audaxes next year. I half suspect they will be the only times I'm on a bike ouside. They are really there just so I have a reason to hurt myself on Zwift.
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I get Teh Fear too but it never seems as bad when I'm actually out. If I don't feel lucky, I take a slower and safer route. There are things I'd do 20 or 30 years ago, like riding on DCs and major trunk roads, that I wouldn't do now. Most of this is about worsening traffic levels and anti-cyclist attitudes among drivers than me losing my nerve, though. I still don't wear a helmet because I don't believe it will help much if I'm mown down by a texting moron.
We all make our own risk assessments and they should be flexible: day or night, traffic volumes and speeds, number of other cyclists, driver familiarity with cyclists (good in Oxford or London, appalling in Swindon), wet/dry roads etc. Sometimes it just feels wrong.
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These fears are not at all irrational. I was on a helicopter out to a North Sea installation several years ago where we had a very dicey approach to start with, and then the next day that very same chopper suffered a gearbox failure in the cruise, and went down killing 22 people. I thought long and hard about going offshore ever again, but decided that if I didn't then I was putting more risk onto the rest of my team, which I considered unfair.
I re-evaluated that again when the enquiry showed evidence that there had been chips of metal detected in the gearbox in the weeks leading up to the crash by the magnetic plugs, but nothing had been done other than e-mailing the manufacturer. I've now stopped going offshore, but for other reasons, and have breathed a mental sigh of relief.
I've not yet contemplated getting back on the bike after my SMIDSY, but I know I'm overreacting in the car to drivers pulling out that I don't think are stopping quickly enough.
All of these are effectively elements of PTSD in one degree or another and quite normal following a serious accident.
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Why would anyone ride in Anger? The Salzburg route is much prettier.
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Today saw me 'forced' into my firat proper ride since getting borked. I had to take the car to the garage for some recall stuffs and had to find alternative means of getting home. The 29'er mtb was put in the boot and after dropping the car off I took a ride home via the school I used to work at.
I was absolutely fine on the roads dealing with traffic but, the off road stuff (which most of it was) had me feeling very nervous. Not so much a ride in anger as a ride in timid caution. On bridleway descents where I just used to let myself go and descend as fast as I could, I was dragging the brakes most of the way down. Small trees accross the trail which I would usually bunny hop or wheelie bump over had me stopping and lifting. Short steep ascents where my route crossed other tracks, previously hit at speed and occasionaly grabbing air on the exit were the worst. I almost crawled up the bloody things >:(
Still and all, the first ride since the big off is past me. I might go out again.
I think the bike is buggered though. It doesn't move anywhere near as swiftly as it used to and the saddle as gone really hard.............
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Not so much a ride in anger as a ride in timid caution.
But a ride nevertheless. :thumbsup:
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Well done. Anger as optional extra.
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Fuzzy, I shouldn't fret. What you have discovered is that the way you used to ride got you injured and the way you are riding now didn't. Some people never realise this, often because they have been extremely lucky and not been injured, or are obtuse and blame everything except their riding habits for their incidents! Great that you are back on the bike!
Peter
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We all have to readjust to things as we get older unfortunately.
It's interesting your comments Fuzzy about going off-road - I've never felt able to bomb around and would always have the brakes on any descents!
So maybe just try going out again, but not try and go for a record. Just enjoy being on the bike.
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Well done, Fuzzy!
The brain is a very clever thing! It knows that what you did last time hurt, and your subconscious is preventing you from overcooking things again. As you go out and ride more, you may find that your conscious suppresses your more sensible self, though. Beware...
I have found that I'm a lot more cautious these days largely as a result of not riding so much. When I did a ride with Jane last month we descended The Mighty North Hill. In the past, when I've been riding pretty well every day, I have just let the bike go. On that ride I was much more circumspect and I don't think I allowed it to go much over 30mph before feathering the brakes. Jane, meanwhile, was pedalling downhill and left me well behind, but I watched her descend Sleightholme Moor once on a road bike with skinny tyres and ever since then I have been in awe of her bike handling skills.
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Adam, wise words about age! Reactions slow, eyesight, even "corrected", can deteriorate and the knowledge and memory of past pain (and inconvenience to loved ones) all play parts.
Edit: cross-post with Wow.
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I've been a lot more cautious about letting it go on-road since that 40mph blowout. I could so easily have ended up hitting something hard or under a car.
On the other hand, I've restored some of my faith in tyres by silly bike racing. It's easier to trust things in a controlled environment, with elbow protection, where there aren't any potholes or motorists to worry about, and the flatness of the average race track means that my speed rarely gets much higher than about 25mph.
I haven't done much off-road riding though. Some of that's because I've been concentrating on recumbent fitness, which doesn't translate well to MTB fitness. But I'm wondering if there's a subconscious not wanting to fall off factor. Maybe I need to dose up on co-codamol and chuck myself down Sleightholme Moor again or something...
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Having had two accidents in two months, my brain is now playing silly buggers all over the place. I'm nervous around junctions and roundabouts on the bike and not pushing on the downs that there are round here, and every time I come up to a roundabout or side road in the car I'm fully expecting some twat to pull out on me as well. I'm also finding myself far less tolerant of people close following me in the car.
I think this will pass with time, but serves its purpose at the moment as a reminder that constant vigilance is required.
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It takes me a couple of years to get my confidence back after a major prang.
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My crash wasn’t as bad as yours but I hadn’t ridden on the road since October until Thursday. I went straight into the commute but rode without any data or music so that I was watching what was going on around me.
It did feel a bit odd and I’m definitely wary passing junctions and working my way through queues of traffic.