Grasshopper vs Truck - guess who won?

i'm sure he wishes that he fell better (hint- aim for soft stuff).

hang in there, bob (let us know when you're ready for a P.O.W. meeting at beachwood)

:beer:

 

Sadly, that was a 2-car crash with a fatality at Bake and Pointe, near The Bike Co., which is an intersection that apparently has a notorious history of accidents. My condolences to those involved.
It was the backup from that accident that led to the circumstances for my accident.

 

Well Bob, I was coming off a red light and making a right turn today in my truck-- checked my mirror before cranking the wheel... and guess what? A road biker coming up on my right rear side!

Maybe thinking about your misfortune helped me be extra vigilant and avoid hitting the guy. He might not know how close he was to getting smacked, but I do (and it would have sucked). So thanks from both of us for taking one for the team, and know that this thread has already saved another rider.

 

Healig vibes to you. I hope your recovery is speedy, and as painless as possible.

 

Glad to have been of service....and really glad it worked out OK.

It just goes to show how careful we all need to be whether riding or driving. According to the deputy who wrote the report on my accident, the rule for drivers is to signal and merge into the bike lane in the last 200 feet before the intersection - the section where the bike lane is marked with a dashed line. That makes the driver's intent clear to cyclists who might be approaching from behind.

I try to be a very alert and defensive rider (and driver), and I'm always watching for drivers who might turn in front of me. But I never expected a truck that was sitting still to make that sudden turn. Lesson learned.

 

Having been a road biker for over 30 years, I've been in that position countless times. Fortunately, I've never been hit, but there's always a first time.

Whenever I'm in traffic, even out on Portola on a Whiting lap, I'm looking for ways to avoid getting hit by drivers who don't see me, whether they're in front of me, or behind.

Sometimes when I'm coming up to a red light, and there are cars that look like they might be turning right in front of me-- especially if they're in the bike lane-- I'll move left and split the lane so they can't cut me off. Then I'll merge back to the right when they get going or I get to the intersection.

 

Sorry to hear dude, get well soon.
Enjoy a nice bowl of Rice, it will help you heal up faster.

 

I am far more afraid of road riding than mt. biking. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but trucks and cars may kill me. People who don't mtb think we are a little crazy for the "dangerous" activity we enjoy - but those same people would not say "Oh, you ride bikes on the road - you're crazy!"

Injuries suck. Heal fast Waldo/Bob.

 

Sending PM

 

Wow, TMS. thanks for the great insights.
I hadn't considered the interplay between the driver's policy limits, my medical/work expenses, and potential legal fees. And my bike does have a carbon fork, seatstays, and seat post - the rest of the frame is scandium. The potential for a future failure has definitely been on my mind, especially the fork (scary!).

 

For what it's worth, most of what I've read online says they try to avoid a belt or tape for ribs unless it's absolutely necessary. Pneumonia and other lung-related complications are somewhat common with rib fractures, and the current logic is to avoid further impairing the ability to breathe deeply.

I'm seeing an orthopedist on Monday - we'll see what he says about my case.

 

Exactly with the lung thing. My doctor told me with my broken rib you have to keep breathing deep or you'll get pneumonia.

 

Just tell them to take the rib out, they just get in the way anyways...

Sorry to hear the news Bob. It has been a while since we rode, but if you ever need anything, I'm just up the street.

Greg

 

Thanks Greg. It's been a while and a lot has changed for me - I'm no longer married and no longer just down the street from you. I still ride in the area a lot though - well, when I'm healthy - so maybe we'll connect out on the trail again one of these days.

 

Sorry to hear all that. Get yourself better and hopefully out on the trail soon where you can kick my arse...

 

Ha! Yeah, right!
:lol:

 

The Upside of Being Hit by a Truck

Three weeks ago during a road ride I got in a tangle with a pickup truck, resulting in several broken bones and a damaged bike. But things are getting better, and I'm trying to focus on the positives, like:

I'm alive. :bang:

My new nickname at work is "Wolverine"

I had no choice but to watch lots of playoff football. I just had to.

I can't tuck in a shirt or put on a belt, so I've had a good excuse to dress like Carl the groundskeeper from "Caddyshack".

My big leather chair that wasn't comfy and I never used: Now it's broken in quite nicely!

Went cold turkey on my Diet Pepsi/Coke habit. 22 days and counting, and it feels pretty good.

Mopping, scrubbing the shower, etc....eh, maybe next week! 8-[

Caught up on some good movies and documentaries, and a few crappy ones ("Mega-Shark vs. Giant Octopus" - awesomely bad!). Netflix downloads rock!

Best of all, I've had great support from many friends, co-workers, and family members. I can't thank you all enough, and am deeply touched.

All things considered, I feel like a very, very lucky guy!
:wave:

 

Good to see you're finding the silver lining!

Sometimes it's oddly good to take a break from life, even if it's forced on you.

Best wishes for a complete recovery.

 

With all bad comes some good. Glad you were able to see the good in your misfortune.

 

A few years' experience will convince us
that those things which at the time they happened
we regarded as our greatest misfortunes
have proved our greatest blessings
- Of this awful truth no person has lived
to my age without seeing abundant proof.
-George Mason