Hazards of cycling

[mr magnolia]

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

[GroupC]

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.

[Luke Piewalker]

Do you have insurance/legal assistance? It often comes inclusive with British Cycling or CTC membership in some form.

[Mr Sprue]

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!

[GroupC]

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.

[Zakalwe]

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

[GroupC]

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.

[Bealman]

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

[Mr Sprue]

Just out of curiosity......Is anyone here doing the London to Brighton next year?

[railsquid]

Trains not running then?


London to Brighton in 4 minutes BBC interlude

[Zakalwe]

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

[Jerry Howlett]

  But why is Railsquid's "London to Brighton in 4 minutes"  clip, 5 minutes and 22 secs long 

That's progress.

[Oldun]

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 

roger

[Mr Sprue]

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.

[njee20]

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.