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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: GroupC on December 19, 2014, 06:04:20 PM

Title: Hazards of cycling
Post by: GroupC on December 19, 2014, 06:04:20 PM
I don't want to come across all self-pitying and sorry for myself, but I had a bike crash today (not my fault) and piled into the side of a car turning across me, so have spent all day in A&E - thankfully their initial diagnosis of either broken or dislocated right shoulder was wrong and I "only" have agonisingly painful torn muscles etc., plus the usual grazes, aches, bruises, etc.

Any best wishes would be welcome as I'm feeling rather low about it all and as I live alone it's going to be a difficult time.

Thanks

Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: port perran on December 19, 2014, 06:07:31 PM
I am so sorry to hear about your collision. I do hope that you will feel better very quickly.
Can I suggest playing running trains whilst enjoying a glass of your favourite tipple can be a great remedy.
Chin up and keep smiling.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: scotsoft on December 19, 2014, 06:16:25 PM
What a horrible thing to happen and I bet you will be right handed since that is the shoulder that is injured  :thumbsdown:

I hope you have at least one good friend that will be able to help you out till your injuries are less troublesome.

All the very best - John.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Geoff on December 19, 2014, 06:22:04 PM
Best wishes from me and I am sure some Brandy would go down a treat, but I have to tell you I nearly knocked a cyclist over the other week he had no lights and no bright clothing, how I missed him I will never know, It was early in the morning I would just wish cyclists would have lights and bright clothing but I see 2 or 3 in a morning with no lights, just waiting for accidents to happen.

But all the best.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Luke Piewalker on December 19, 2014, 06:38:26 PM
I know many people who have come off worse than that in similar incidents. I guess you'll just have to do without those winter base miles!
Hope you have a speedy recovery.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Maurits71 on December 19, 2014, 08:11:35 PM
glad you're al right. I had a single accident Saturday tripping over in a slippery bend, the missus did the same a few days later same spot. luckely both only brushes. In Holland we have a saying biking means enjoy the pain and blood is good ;)

be careful playing trains, this can also be dangerous.

M.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Newportnobby on December 19, 2014, 08:12:36 PM
Very best wishes for a speedy recovery :thumbsup:
In the meantime, I hope you had witnesses and can pursue the blind beggar for everything you can get - loss of earnings, bike repairs etc
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: JBQFC on December 19, 2014, 08:43:47 PM
as a fellow cyclist hope you get well quick
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: REGP on December 19, 2014, 09:21:26 PM
Sorry to hear about your "accident" hope at least the aches & pains clear up by Christmas.

I gave up cycling here in London decades ago as it was to dangerous even then and I don't think the bike super highways have improved things that much.

As other have said, running a few trains while tasting a few "beverages" tends to help one feel a bit better.

Regards

Ray
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Bealman on December 19, 2014, 09:25:47 PM
Not a very nice Christmas present. Best wishes from Australia, mate.  :thumbsup:

George
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Zakalwe on December 19, 2014, 10:29:08 PM
all the best for a fast recovery, I've had this happen to me and it's awful

did the driver SMIDSY? all those who have hit me have claimed it.

hope the bike isn't a write off
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: lil chris on December 19, 2014, 10:44:47 PM
all the best pal, keep your head up. I am a cyclist my self but only trails not roads.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: railsquid on December 20, 2014, 02:06:35 AM
All the best for a speedy recovery.

The worst accident I've had so far when cycling was many years ago on a borrowed bike where the front forks collapsed when I was going full tilt. Needed some stitches to my jaw and a few days off work just when I needed the money most.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Malc on December 20, 2014, 10:41:20 AM
Get well soon ol' bean. Last push bike accident I had was when I was about 15 and my mate and I tangled handlebars whilst riding side by side and chatting. No serious injuries, just scrapes and red faces.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Mr Sprue on December 20, 2014, 10:43:27 AM
Best wishes from myself also and hope you have a speedy recovery, I sincerely hope it wasn't your drinking arm that was injured!  ;)

For what its worth though as a keen cyclist myself and also an ex motorcyclist, I sometimes think cycling on our roads today is far more dangerous than riding a big motorbike, I guess I am lucky that my "Biker" instincts have stayed with me.

It would appear that since the evolution of smart phones, sat navs and the increase of foreign drivers, awareness on our roads has taken a steep dive, sadly there doesn't seem to be a month go by when there is news of a cyclist being killed in London!
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: mr magnolia on December 20, 2014, 11:00:55 AM
That's a bummer! Knocked off in York, which at least tries to be a cycle friendly place.

Best wishes for recovery.
My non medical advice is to be hard on yourself and force yourself to keep mobile as far as possible through the recovery period. From my own experience that seems the best way through.
Take care.

Donald
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: GroupC on December 20, 2014, 01:21:58 PM
Many, many thanks to you all for your best wishes - it really does make a huge difference when you're in need of support. It's heartening beyond words for me to know there are people out there, who I only know from their posts here, who are thinking of me.

The update just over 24hrs after the event is that my right shoulder (and yes, I am right handed) is agonising despite the painkillers - I'm sure they're working but I wish they'd work a bit more! I'm now probably in the "worst pain" part of the process when all the aches and pains have come out overnight and I can say that brushing your teeth with the "wrong" hand is an adventure.

I've seen the accident on the CCTV of the shop outside of which I had my pile-up and believe me it's not pretty. I go in with a right thump, sort of crumple up and end up literally writhing in agony on the floor. And if it had audio there would be nothing but bleeps. All I need is some of those black and white circle stickers and I'd be an ideal crash test dummy. The car driver on the other hand (blinded by the December sun in his eyes!, SMIDSY of course), after I'd hit him, carried on into his parking space across the other side of the car park!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Apparently his car has significant damage. Oh dear.

Anyway, seeing yourself get injured on CCTV is not to be recommended. Quite surreal, very very scary, very moving and it really does remind you of your own mortality, and not in a good way. If I can get a copy I'll post it on here tho!

Despite the aches and pains I've been out and about today (on foot), bought £50-worth of DVD's from HMV to keep me going and had some chocolate cake (always good for pain I find) so life's not all bad. I'm off to the doctor's on Monday and am self-referring to the physio, and am off work for the foreseeable future. Without wanting to sound mercenary, what's a real pain is that I was due to work on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, both of which would have been very lucrative as we get very generous overtime for doing so - and missing out, if it comes to that, will cost me a big wedge of money. I'm going to see how it goes and if it comes to the crunch, try to get that back as loss of earnings from the driver. I haven't got my bike back yet as it's at the local Police Station so I don't know how badly it's damaged, but the officer says it looks OK apart from the chain being off and the handlebars being wonky. Good old Kona, my trusty two-wheeled friend!

Thanks to you all again for your very kind words of support. It means a lot.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Luke Piewalker on December 20, 2014, 02:08:05 PM
Do you have insurance/legal assistance? It often comes inclusive with British Cycling or CTC membership in some form.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Mr Sprue on December 20, 2014, 05:38:30 PM
For what its worth I hope once your healed you get back on your bike, I would hate to hear that a fellow cyclist has hung his bike up on the garage wall for the last time!
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: GroupC on December 20, 2014, 06:06:35 PM
No way am I giving up, Mr Sprue! I still have the Christmas-present-to-myself turbo trainer to buy and use. Even if I lost my legs I'd still want to cycle somehow.

Wasn't it H G wells who said that whenever he sees an adult on a bike he has hope for the human race? I am that hope personified, if temporarily (and very boringly) restricted in movement. It feels like I'm under house arrest, not being very mobile. Dull dull dull.

I always find that whenever I'm kept off the bike out of injury, the more I want to get on it. So no chance of me hanging up my wheels.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Zakalwe on December 20, 2014, 07:22:34 PM
Quote from: GroupC on December 20, 2014, 06:06:35 PM
No way am I giving up

that's the spirit, if you want a little inspiration, follow Martyn Ashton (also watch road bike party 1 and 2) to see how he deals with the broken back he sustained earlier this year

Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: GroupC on December 21, 2014, 09:02:15 AM
Ah, Martyn Ashton! Have seen his road bike parties - amazing stuff. I met him a couple of years ago after he did a short show and we had a brief chat, was brilliant to meet a "great". He also complimented me on my bike - the 1995 vintage Kona I was riding when I had this crash - said it was a classic and in great condition. That's the stuff!! Hopefully it's still in great condition after smacking into a car.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Bealman on December 21, 2014, 09:12:56 AM
I ain't no cyclist (especially where I live.... there's traffic lights every nanosecond),  but I admire the determination.

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Best regards,

George
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Mr Sprue on December 21, 2014, 09:41:14 AM
Just out of curiosity......Is anyone here doing the London to Brighton next year?
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: railsquid on December 21, 2014, 10:46:21 AM
Trains not running then?

London to Brighton in 4 minutes BBC interlude (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7GXWuTwkF8#ws)
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Zakalwe on December 21, 2014, 11:12:53 AM
Quote from: Mr Sprue on December 21, 2014, 09:41:14 AM
Just out of curiosity......Is anyone here doing the London to Brighton next year?

I'm probably going to do the mountain bike version, only problem is the date.... it's the day after i get back from a business trip to San Diego so potentially a good way to get rid of jet lag :)
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Jerry Howlett on December 21, 2014, 02:45:57 PM
 :offtopicsign: But why is Railsquid's "London to Brighton in 4 minutes"  clip, 5 minutes and 22 secs long  ???

That's progress.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Oldun on December 21, 2014, 02:59:06 PM
The actual start to stop is 4 minutes. Its a shame the continuity messed up big time, started run as two tone (Pulman) train.

Finished journey with monotone coaches  :confused1:

roger
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Mr Sprue on December 21, 2014, 09:04:07 PM
Quote from: railsquid on December 21, 2014, 10:46:21 AM
Trains not running then?

Yes of course they are, but quite a few people in the UK have hearts that don't function very well, thats what the whole event is about, raising money for the British Heart Foundation. 8)
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: njee20 on December 21, 2014, 09:28:02 PM
Hope the recovery goes well! I did the same some years ago, made it over the roof of the car (luckily), Managed to do a lot of damage to the car too! CTC and BCF have very good solicitors if you're a member of either.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Agrippa on December 22, 2014, 12:16:41 AM
Where I live the biggest hazard is cyclists on pavements.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Agrippa on December 22, 2014, 12:33:12 AM
Que?
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Pengi on December 22, 2014, 07:20:28 AM
Quote from: Agrippa on December 22, 2014, 12:16:41 AM
Where I live the biggest hazard is cyclists on pavements.
agreed
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: njee20 on December 22, 2014, 08:12:26 AM
You know they don't pay road tax too? And jump red lights.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Zakalwe on December 22, 2014, 08:24:12 AM
lets not get into cyclists do this, car drivers do that debate again. 

this thread is supposed to be offering support to one of ours who had an accident and is recovering
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: njee20 on December 22, 2014, 08:37:55 AM
My thoughts exactly. A fellow member has been injured taking part in an activity he enjoys, and we're into sweeping prejudices in no time!
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Bealman on December 22, 2014, 09:04:58 AM
I've been watching this all day here in Australia, and I tend to agree. Let's not get off topic here. One of our members has been injured, and let's make his Christmas nice.

All the best for the season, GroupC!
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: GroupC on December 22, 2014, 12:29:12 PM
Cheers Bealman, njee20 and zakalwe for your good words. I'm not going to join in with any tiresome cyclists v car drivers debate as it's been done to death in so many places before, but would only say that I'm one of the "good" cyclists and this accident was 100% the car driver's fault, as shown indisputably on CCTV.

But back on topic, The latest update is that I've been signed off work for 3 weeks so will definitely be claiming for loss of bank holiday earnings. I have "acronio-clavicular joint disruption" injury which is when 2 bones in the shoulder which are sort of butt-jointed together suffer an impact and the joint gets temporarily jerked out of shape, causing damage to it and everything around it (sorry if you're a medical type and I get it a bit wrong there). Whatever it is, it's ******* (insert expletive of choice) painful.

I've got my bike back and the damage I can see is slight buckling to the front and back wheels, and scratches / gouges in the top tube (crossbar) down to bare metal in some cases. I've taken it to a bike shop for them to check out the frame / forks alignment and see if there's any more damage. But I think it's got off quite lightly actually - it cost a lot back in 1995 and this was obviously money well spent! Still won't be riding for a while though.

Unfortunately I'm not a member of the CTC or BCF but I may well join for any future needs! Thanks to the members who suggested them.

Thanks again for your kind words and help, it makes the pain and boredom much more bearable.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: MalcolmInN on December 22, 2014, 12:43:27 PM
Quote from: GroupC on December 20, 2014, 01:21:58 PM
carried on into his parking space across the other side of the car park!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My best wishes for a speedy recovery as well.

I wonder, "the other side" does not sound like the first available place that he could have reasonably stopped. So are the police considering that he left the scene of the accident as well, that could add to his problems ! ?

Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: Newportnobby on December 22, 2014, 12:44:49 PM
Just out of curiosity do any of your insurances carry Legal Aid, as that covers any sort of dispute and may come in handy as no doubt the  :censored: will try and wriggle out of it - never mind the SMIDSY excuse.
Title: Re: Hazards of cycling
Post by: njee20 on December 22, 2014, 02:31:39 PM
There's a very good chance your home insurance does - worth checking.