My not so nice adventure in Chino Hills

Discussion in 'Rider Down' started by biknpam, Apr 21, 2015.

  1. biknpam

    biknpam Member

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    Saturday the weather was really nice and I had this great route planned. Started out from Brush Canyon came in through lower Aliso. The park was really quiet. Met a friend who came down from Faultline. She told me the Carbon Canyon side was busy but she also said the east side was quiet. Told her my planned route and then proceeded to climb from the bottom of Faultline up Upper Aliso over to Sidewinder. The trail was less overgrown then before so I was encouraged the singeltrack would be better. Well, long story short... the singletrack is very overgrown, at the first "whoopdedoo" just up at the top, mustard grabbed my wheel and my bike started to go over.... instead of just going with the fall, I got my leg down... in "slow-mo" I could see my leg and foot falling away from me (since I was on a hill and falling into the ravine) and I saw my foot twisted back before BAM I landed on it. I heard the crack and knew immediately something was wrong. Laid there awhile pondering what to do, hoping someone would ride by... time passes...no one and I made an attempt to walk/ride out. Since most of the trail is downhill, I had hoped riding would work but when I had to stop; the pain was so severe I would almost pass out. I couldn't risk that so started walking; using my bike as a crutch/support.

    I could take a step or two and would have to stop because of the pain. I knew my ankle was badly swollen and sprained but also knew something else was wrong; mostly likely my leg was broken. Time passed, an hour, almost two... I had to move so slowly. Finally just before Sidewinder meets Lower Aliso, another rider was climbing up the trail. I shout "SO GLAD TO SEE YOU. I BROKE MY LEG AND NEED HELP!!!" The rider stopped looked disgusted (OK so here is this old, fat lady blocking the trail) and then replied "What can I do?" and continued to ride passed me. That shocked me more than the break. So I continued inching out to the main trail. Time elapsed about 2 hours 15 minutes (I think Sidewinder is only a mile or so). I took a chance and rode down the main trail to the Ranger Station; painful but had no choice. I could not get cell service (didn't think to text - stupid on my part). No one at the ranger station and no riders around - sucks! Also no cell coverage. So I knew I had to ride up the hill to the overlook and then try and call.

    That was painful but I got up there, got cell coverage and called my friend who I knew would make all the rights calls for me. I sat and waited for the CHSP ranger (Carmine - a real sweetie) to show up as well as the Chino fire department. EMTs splinter the leg and Carmine drove me back to the Discovery Center (I got to see the new Bane Canyon rd which opens in June) where my friend picked my up and drove me to St. Jude, at the exact same time Fullerton Loop was on fire - what chaos!!!! Fire trucks everywhere!

    Anyway diagnosis - severely sprained ankle and broken tibia (the non-weight bearing bone I forget which one), broken due to the twisting of my ankle. No riding 6 - 8 weeks. Lessons learned:

    1) Always carry a charged up cell phone! Always!
    2) Make sure someone knows where you are riding.
    3) Don't be afraid to ask for help even if some jerkoff will refuse
    4) Don't expect anyone to help so be aware when riding alone in isolated areas.

    Won't do that again.... if its a trail people usually don't use, always have a buddy.

    Broken.jpg
     
  2. doublewide

    doublewide Ride Life....Ride GIANT

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    OUCHIE!!! Hope you have a speedy recovery Pam! And to the guy that passed you by, Shame Shame on you! I guess the World does have a few A-holes....
     
  3. skyungjae

    skyungjae Member

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    That rider who didn't get you help get's an F-.

    Seriously, it's not hard to get help then continue along with your ride... or simply ride another day.

    I hope you heal up quick.
     
  4. ridinrox

    ridinrox Well-Known Member

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    Wow Pam!! I'm sorry for your injuries but especially sorry for the jackass that didn't come to your aid. Unbelievable!!!!

    Being here in Palm Desert, 99% of my rides are solo. I have a check in person - generally know how long I'll be so he'll be quick to pull the trigger to have authorities come find me. Even though I pull back on my aggressiveness when I ride solo, it goes to show you, the simpliest of falls can do some severe damage.

    Happy healing (even though it sucks).
     
  5. no worries

    no worries Member

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    Ouch, what a painful and scary experience. Appreciate the reminders. Glad you'll be ok.
     
  6. Andy

    Andy Member

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    That is unforgivable - I'm truly sorry to hear someone didn't even offer - at the least - some words of comfort, let alone anything else. Despicable. Hope you heal up quick!
     
  7. bing!

    bing! Active Member

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    I am sorry to hear of your accident. So glad that you got out of there. I had the same experience. I broke a clavicle and 3 ribs in a crash. The first person I saw was a cyclist that I shouted to for help. He looked and kept on riding. I was horrified. The next person I saw, after 1 hour of walking, field of vision narrowing, and experiencing excruciating pain, helped me. He ripped up some cloth and made me a sling and dressed my wounds. Feeling better, I said I was fine and continued pushing my bike. Then I met a couple of cyclists who took turns riding my bike up the succeeding hills so I could roll down. At the trail head, the first person that helped me was just finishing his ride and loaded my bike into my car. I drove myself to the hospital.
     
  8. irv_usc

    irv_usc Active Member

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    wow, sorry to hear about the injury and the jerk who wouldn't stop.

    best of luck to you
     
  9. dstepper

    dstepper (R.I.P.) Over the hill

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  10. biknpam

    biknpam Member

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    Good lord in heaven... that all sounds terrible!!!! If it were me finding you out there; I would never have left your side until help/family/whatever arrived. And I seriously would not have let you drive yourself to the hospital! You are one tough guy! Hoped everything healed up fine.

    Someone suggested to me, and I believe he was right, what I should have done is say to the other rider "I AM SERIOUS - I NEED YOUR HELP. PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME!" I hate to force someone who doesn't want to get involved, but it should have been all about my injury; not about the guy's ride. Next time (well hopefully there isn't a next time) I will be more forceful.
     
  11. kioti

    kioti Active Member

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    When that guy said, "What can I do?" was he expecting to have to operate? Serious lack of class. But ironically, he did serve a purpose. He became the bad example!

    That was quite an ordeal you had, Pam, and you toughed it out like a Marine. Props for getting yourself out of there. Hope you heal quickly.
     
  12. jaime

    jaime Member

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    Wow !!! Sorry to hear about your bad experience, but glad you could make it and had medical help, healing vibes to you pam !!! and that a-hole.. there is something called karma.... you watch !!!
     
  13. Bruce in SoCal

    Bruce in SoCal Member

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    We are supposed to look out for each other, whether its a flat tire or broken bone. The first rider could at least have ridden to somewhere where there was cell service and called for help. Regardless, I'm glad to hear you made it out and are on the road to recovery.

    For future note, everyone should carry a few Tylanol and take them for pain control immediately after a crash. Check with your own doctor as to the maximum safe dose. Pain may cloud your thinking and cause you to hurt yourself worse.
     
  14. portlypeddler

    portlypeddler Active Member

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    I pray that you heal whole. Be patient and allow your leg to do just that. Wish you optimal results with pt.
    Time to start reading the Psalms. Stay positive.

    steve
     
  15. emejay

    emejay most annoying avatar

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    Your story is really close to home. Last summer I would go to CHSP after work for a long 20-30 mile ride, starting from the Green River area. I noticed how few riders I would see, and the thought often arose (especially near sunset) of how vulnerable I was to injury, or even a mechanical issue. Fortunately, no problems ever arose. I will consider getting a personal locating beacon/ satellite messenger. Even though Chino Hills isn't my idea of a wilderness area, it is incredibly remote in some areas, and could get you into trouble.

    Wishes for a quick recovery....
     
  16. OTHRIDER

    OTHRIDER Active Member

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    Good healing to you Pam. The douche who ignored you will surely get bitch-slapped by Mother Karma.

    Bruce, after my boo-boo I started to carry Tylenol. I would have sold my bike for a pain killer.
     
  17. cyclotourist

    cyclotourist Member

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    Hope the healing process goes smoothly, Pam.
    I apologize for my fellow humans.
    We're a sorry lot.
     
  18. mike001

    mike001 Well-Known Member

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    Good job on the self-rescue; glad your injuries are surmountable. Speedy healing...

    Sometimes, though, it's not worth moving. A beacon gives you an option.

    Are you guys sick of me always suggesting a beacon? I wonder how many here ride solo with one. I'll be surprised if the number is greater than zero.
     
  19. 77charger

    77charger New Member

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    I have no medical experience but even if i came across a rider i could atleast see what they need remember location and pedal enough to get help or reception then ride back to make sure they make it out fine.

    IMO thats not a hard thing to do.
     
  20. BeckTrex

    BeckTrex Member

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    The new "Flyby" feature in Strava could tell you exactly who the rider that ignored you was, if you both happen to have loaded the ride into Strava that is.I was riding in CHSP on Saturday. I frequently ride up Sidewinder but didn't this time due to the bike I was riding. Now I wish that I'd given it a try anyway. Thanks for the "ride report" and I hope you have a speedy recovery.
     

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